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:
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle performance, including its braking, ride and
handling characteristics, stability, and resistance to rollover may be affected.
If the vehicle has electronic systems such as antilock ...
Interior Windnoise
Warning: Refer to Assistant Driving Warning in the Preface section.
Interior windnoise is not heard when the window is lowered. Interior
windnoise is caused by the air leaving the inside of the vehicle
through a seal or a seam.
Tape over the relief valves to cause added air pressure wi ...
Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensors - If Equipped
The inflatable restraint seat position sensor is used to determine the
proximity of a front driver or passenger seat position with respect to
the frontal air bag. The seat position sensor interfaces with the inflatable
restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM). The state of the
seat positi ...