Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Installation Procedure

- Cut the rear side rail in corresponding locations to fit the remaining
original panel. The sectioning joint should be trimmed to allow a
gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the sectioning joint.
- Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate from the unused portion of the
service part.
- Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) along the sectioning cut on the remaining original
part. Locate these holes 13 mm (1/2 in) from the edge of part
and spaced 40 mm (1½ in) apart.
- Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
- Fit the backing plates halfway into the sectioning joints, clamp in
place and plug weld to the vehicle.
- Align the rear side rail.

- Drill 8 mm (5/1 in) for plug welding along the edges of the rear side
rail as noted from the original panel.
- Clean and prepare the attaching surfaces for welding.

- Position the rear side rail on the
vehicle.
- Verify the fit of the rear side rail.
- Clamp the rear side rail into position.

- Plug weld accordingly.
- To create a solid weld with minimum heat distortion, make 25 mm (1 in)
stitch welds along the seam with 25 mm (1 in) gaps
between them. Then go back and complete the stitch weld
- Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as
necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
- Paint the repaired area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
- Install all related panels and components.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable
Disconnection and Connection.
- Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the
Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Collision Sectioning Warning in the Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Glass and She ...
Note: According to different corrosion warranties, only the
regional mandatory joining methods are allowed. ...
Other materials:
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Notice: If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine wi ...
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual transmission, it is not necessary to regularly check
brake/clutch fluid unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
When to Check and What to Us ...
Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair (Base)
Warning: When applying sound deadeners, or anti-corrosion materials
due care and preventative measures must be exercised to prevent
any material from being sprayed into door and quarter panel mechanisms such as
door locks, window run channels, window regulators and
seat belt retractors, as wel ...