Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Body Rear End Panel Replacement

Removal Procedure

Warning:Refer toApproved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning.

Warning:Refer toGlass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning.

Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system.Refer toSIR Disabling and Enabling.Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Remove all related panels and components.Repair as much of the damage as possible to factoryspecifications. Refer toDimensions - Body.Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosionmaterials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

Note:Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements. Record thenumber and location of the original welds for installation of theservice part. .

Locate and drill out all factory welds-(1).

Remove the damaged rear end panel-(1).Installation Procedure

Note:If the location of the original plug welds cannot bedetermined or structural weld- thru adhesive was present, spaceplug weld holes every 40-mm (1 1/2-in)apart.

Drill 8-mm (5/16-in) plug weld holes inthe service part as necessary in the locations noted from theoriginal panel-(1).Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.Apply GM-approved Weld-Thru Coating or equivalentto all mating surfaces. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

Position the rear end panel to the vehicle using3-dimensional measuring equipment-(1). Clamp the rearend panel into place.

Plug weld accordingly-(1).Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repairarea, as necessary. Refer toAnti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.Paint the repair area. Refer toBasecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.Install all related panels and components.Connect the negative battery cable. Refer toBattery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.Enable the SIR system. Refer toSIR Disabling and Enabling.