Removing The B-Pillar

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Porsche Cayenne, 2009 Porsche Cayenne, and 2008 Porsche Cayenne. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Information

All straightening work on the body in the connection area of the sheetmetal parts to be replaced must be completed before the damaged parts are removed.

Fig 1: B-Pillar Component Location

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Front side section
B-pillar reinforcement
B-pillar

Remove outer side member. → Removing Outer Lower Side Member
Remove side member reinforcement. → Removing Lower Side Member Reinforcement

Fig 2: Overview Of Outer B-Pillar
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Cut out B-pillar and B-pillar reinforcement using rough cuts.
1. 3.1. Cut through bottom of B-pillar in area -A- using the body saw. Maintain the dimension -X1- → Cut dimension, old part: 145 mm .
  
  Fig 3: Identifying B-Pillar Connection Point Bottom Dimension
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2. 3.2. Cut through top of B-pillar in area -A- using the body saw. Maintain the dimension -X2- → Cut dimension, old part: 120 mm .
  
  Fig 4: Identifying B-Pillar Connection Point Top Dimension
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3. 3.3. Remove B-pillar and B-pillar reinforcement.
  
  Fig 5: Overview Of Outer B-Pillar
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  Information
  - The B-pillar is made of high-strength steel plate (TRIP steel). Given this, the new part must not be cut without careful consideration.
  - During removal, a repair window must therefore be cut out of the outer planking on the top of the B-pillar. The B-pillar can then be detached upwards to a certain extent through this repair window so that repair work can be carried out without affecting vehicle safety and the rigidity of the body.
Cut remaining part of outer B-pillar at the top.
1. 4.1. Measure cut on the outside of the B-pillar and mark accordingly. Maintain the dimensions -X3, X4 und X5- → Cut dimension, old part: 35 mm → Cut dimension, old part: 180 mm → Cut dimension, old part: 160 mm . Do not damage internal components.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying B-Pillar Connection Point Outer Dimension
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2. 4.2. Cut through top of B-pillar in area -A- using the body saw. Do not damage internal components.
  
  Fig 7: Identifying Cutting Outer B-Pillar
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3. 4.3. Cut the laser-welded joints between the outer B-pillar and B-pillar reinforcement using the parting grinder (areas -A and B- ).
  
  Fig 8: Separating Welded Joints
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4. 4.4. Remove remaining part of outer B-pillar.
  
  Fig 9: Overview Of Outer B-Pillar
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Cut remaining part of B-pillar at the top.
1. 5.1. Cut through top of B-pillar in area -A- using the oscillating body saw. Maintain the dimension -X6- → Cut dimension, old part: 40 mm . Do not damage internal components.
  
  Fig 10: Cutting Top Of B-Pillar
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2. 5.2. Cut the laser-welded joints between the B-pillar and B-pillar reinforcement using the parting grinder (areas -A and B- ).
  
  Fig 11: Separating Welded Joints
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3. 5.3. Mill off welded joints on the B-pillar using the spotweld cutter (areas -A and B- ).
  
  Fig 12: Milling Off Welded Joints On B-Pillar Using Spotweld Cutter
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4. 5.4. Remove remaining part of B-pillar.
  
  Fig 13: Overview Of B-Pillar - Inside
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Cut remaining part of B-pillar reinforcement at the top.
1. 6.1. Mill off welded joints on the B-pillar reinforcement using the spotweld cutter (area -A- ).
  
  Fig 14: Separating Welded Joints On B-Pillar Reinforcement
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2. 6.2. Remove remaining part of B-pillar reinforcement at the top.
  
  Fig 15: Overview Of Outer B-Pillar
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Cut remaining part of B-pillar at the bottom.
1. 7.1. Mill off welded joints on the bottom of the B-pillar using the spotweld cutter (areas -A and B- ).
  
  Fig 16: Milling Off Welded Joints On Bottom Of B-Pillar Using Spotweld Cutter
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. 7.2. Cut the laser-welded joints between the B-pillar and inner side member using the parting grinder (area -C- ).
3. 7.3. Heat bonded area on the B-pillar reinforcement uniformly with a hot-air gun (area -A- ) and loosen seal -2- on the B-pillar reinforcement.
  
  Fig 17: Heating Up Bonded Area
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4. 7.4. Remove remaining part of lower B-pillar -1- and pull out the seal -2- .
  
  Fig 18: Overview Of Inner Connection Areas
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Cut remaining part of B-pillar reinforcement at the bottom.
1. 8.1. Grind off inert-gas-welded seams on the B-pillar reinforcement using a parting grinder (area -A- ).
  
  Fig 19: Grinding Inert-Gas-Welded Seams Area On B-Pillar Reinforcement Using Parting Grinder
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. 8.2. Remove remaining part of B-pillar reinforcement at the bottom.