NOTE: The fender apron panel is serviced as a separate weldable panel. It consists of a wing apron panel reinforcement, a lower wing apron panel and a front wing apron panel extension.
NOTE: The panel is serviced without its mounting studs.
Removing
1. In combination with the fender apron panel, replaces:
- front bumper cover
- Hood latch panel
- Both front fenders
- Upper fender apron panel
2. For more information regarding this repair procedure, see: For more information, refer to the chapter: Body and frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Special Information and Approval Checks, Description and Operation) / Standard techniques used at the service station (100-00 General information, Description and principle of operation).
3. Remove the upper fender apron panel. For more information, see the chapter: Top panel of the splash guard (501-27 Repairs of sheet metal elements of the front end, Removal and installation).
4. Left side: Remove the air filter. For more information, see the chapter: Air filter (303-12A Intake air distribution and filtration - 3.2L NA - I6, Removal and installation).
5. Left side: Remove the air intake duct.
6. Left side: Remove the battery tray. For more information, see the chapter: Battery installation shelf (414-01 Battery, battery mount and wires, Removal and installation).
7. Left side: Remove the lower engine anti-vibration mount. For more information, refer to the chapter: Insulator of the lower engine mount (303-01A Engine - 3.2L NA - I6, Removal and installation).
8. Left side: Disconnect the battery junction box and place it aside.
9. Right side: Drain the cooling system. For more information, see the chapter: Draining/refilling coolant and bleeding the cooling system (303-03A Engine Cooling - 3.2L NA - I6, General Procedures).
10. Right side: Evacuate the air conditioning system. For more information, see the chapter: Refrigerant recovery, evacuation and charging of the air conditioning system (A/C) (412-00 Climate control system - General information, General procedures).
11. Right side: Remove the power steering reservoir. For more information, see chapter: Power Steering Reservoir (211-02 Power steering, Removal and installation).
12. Right side: Disconnect the coolant expansion tank and place it aside.
13. Right side: Remove the motor support bracket. For more information, see chapter: Right Engine Mount (303-01A Engine - 3.2L NA - I6, Removal and installation).
14. Right side: Remove the windshield washer reservoir. For more information, see chapter: Windshield washer reservoir (501-16 Windshield wipers and washers, Removal and installation).
15. Right side: Remove the fender apron air conditioning lines.
16. Remove shock absorber and spring assembly. For more information, refer to the chapter: Shock absorber with spring (204-01 Front suspension, Removal and installation).
17. Release the wiring harness and place it aside.
18. Use a belt sander to remove 5 weld spots.
19. Mill out the remaining weld points.
20. Separate the connections and remove the old panel.
Installation
1. Prepare the connecting surfaces of the old and new panels.
2. Drill holes in the new panel for electric MIG welding.
3. Attach the new panel and lock it in place. Check the reconciliation, if correct, go to the next step, if not, correct and check again before proceeding to the next step.
4. Spot welding.
5. Welding with electric MIG rivets.
6. Install new dowel pins.
7. Clean all welds.
8. Reverse the removal procedure to install the appropriate panels and mechanicals.
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