NOTE: The wing apron panel reinforcement must be separated from the wing apron service panel; it is not supplied separately.
NOTE: The right panel is serviced without its weld studs.
1. When replacing the reinforcing element of the wing apron panel, the following elements are removed:
- front bumper cover
- Hood latch panel
- Both front fenders
- Upper fender apron panel
2. For more information on this repair procedure, refer to the following sources: 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. Remove the front shock absorber. For more information, see chapter: Front shock absorber (204-01 Front suspension, Removal and installation).
5. Left side: Remove the engine mount. For more information, refer to the chapter: Upper engine mount insulator (303-01B Engine - 2.2L Duratorq - Td4, Removal and installation).
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 air intake duct.
8. Left side: Loosen the battery electrical junction box and place it aside.
9. Right side: Remove the windshield washer reservoir. For more information, see chapter: Windshield washer reservoir (501-16 Windshield wipers and washers, Removal and installation).
10. Right side: Remove the motor support bracket. For more information, see chapter: Right Engine Mount (303-01B Engine - 2.2L Duratorq - Td4, Removal and installation).
11. Right side: Release the coolant expansion tank and set it aside.
12. Right side: Unload the refrigerant from 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).
13. Right side: Remove the fender apron A/C lines.
14. Right side: Loosen and set aside the insulating material located on the baffle.
15. Release the wiring harness and set it aside.
16. Mill out the contact welding points.
17. Separate the connections and remove the old panel.
Installation
1. Prepare the mating surfaces of the old and new panels.
2. Drill holes in the new panel in preparation for MIG electric rivet welding.
3. Position the new panel in the desired location and fix it. Check position alignment. If it is correct, go to the next paragraph. If not, make any necessary adjustments and recheck before continuing.
4. Spot weld.
5. Weld with electric rivets using MIG technology.
6. Install the weld studs.
7. Clean all welds.
8. Installation of the corresponding panels and mechanical elements is carried out in the reverse order of removal.
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