Important: Inspect the cowl panel for damage where the wheelhouse is attached. If the panels have been separated, it will be necessary to repair the cowl panel and replace the wheelhouse at the factory seams. If the panels have not been separated and there is no damage in this location, the wheelhouse can be serviced as follows.

1. Remove all the related panels and components.
2. Visually inspect and restore as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications.
3. Remove all the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary.
4. Measure forward 75 mm (3 in) from the wheelhouse to the cowl panel joint.



5. Mark a vertical line from the strut cap to the frame rail..

Important: Do not cut into the strut cap.

6. Cut the wheelhouse along this line, from the rail up to the strut cap.

Important: Drill through the strut cap welds in order to locate the areas to be re-welded at the cowl panel.

7. Locate, mark and drill out the factory welds which attach the wheelhouse assembly to the following components:

•	Cowl panel

•	Radiator support

•	Lower the front rails

8. Remove the damaged wheelhouse assembly.

1. Clean and prepare the surfaces to be welded.
2. Trim and discard the tab off the service part which is normally welded to the cowl panel.
3. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) holes for plug welding in the locations noted from the original assembly.



4. Drill six holes for plug welding every 40 mm (1 ½ in) along the overlap which attaches the service part to the flange remaining from the original assembly.



5. Check the position of the wheelhouse assembly using three-dimensional measuring equipment.
6. Plug weld the service part accordingly.
7. Install one weld in the tab from the cowl to the strut cap.

Important: The welds which attach the strut cap (2) to the cowl (1) can be installed from the cowl plenum side of the joint.

8. Clean and prepare all the welded surfaces.

Important: Prior to refinishing, refer to the publication GM 4901M-2000 "GM Approved Refinish Materials" for recommended products. Do not combine paint systems. Refer to paint manufacturer's recommendations

9. Locate 2 fender mounting holes in the new wheelhouse using three-dimensional measuring equipment.
10. Drill the holes in the service part.
11. Apply approved anti-corrosion primer.
12. Apply the sealers and sound deadeners and finish as necessary.
13. Install threaded inserts at fender mounting locations. Kent-Moore tools: Riv-nut™ Kit  P/N J421151-MS. Use original fasteners or equivalent.
14. Install all related panels and components.