Spare wheel recess (Freelander 2)

Contents: Removal ⇩ Installation ⇩

NOTE: The spare tire well is serviced as a separate welded panel, it includes the spare tire mounting bracket but not the crossmember.

NOTE: The panel is serviceable without its mounting studs.

Removal

1. In combination with the spare wheel niche, the following is replaced:

Rear bumper trim
Rear bumper
Back panel
Rear panel assembly
Fuel tank
Rear subframe and suspension assembly

2. For additional information regarding this repair procedure, refer to: For additional information, refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Special Vehicle Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation) / Standard Service Station Techniques (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

3. Remove the rear panel assembly. For more information, refer to the chapter: Rear Panel (501-30 Rear Sheet Metal Repairs, Removal and Installation).

4. Remove the rear subframe and suspension assembly.

5. Remove the fuel tank. For more information, refer to the chapter: Fuel Tank (310-01A Fuel Tank and Fuel Lines - 3.2L NA - I6, Removal and Installation) / Fuel Tank (310-01B Fuel Tank and Fuel Lines - 2.2L Duratorq - Td4, Removal and Installation).

6. Remove the rear seat.

7. Remove the interior trim of the right and left lower trim panels.

8. Remove the right and left rear quarter panel moldings. For more information, refer to the chapter: Rear Quarter Panel Molding (501-08 Exterior Trim, Removal and Installation).

9. Remove and place aside the carpet.

10. Remove the left and right brake lines.

11. Release and position aside the floor panel and rear quarter panel wiring harnesses.

12. Mill out the weld spots.

13. 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 MIG welding.

3. Apply the new panel and fix it in place. Check the alignment, if correct, proceed to the next step, if not, correct and check again before proceeding to the next step.

4. MIG welding.