Ford Ecosport: Rear End Sheet Metal Repairs / Removal and Installation - Front Floor Panel Lower Reinforcement

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Materials

Removal

NOTE: Left hand (LH) side shown, right hand (RH) side similar.

NOTE: Factory welds may be substituted with resistance or metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds. Resistance welds may not be placed directly over original location. They must be placed adjacent to original location and match factory welds in quantity. Metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds must equal factory welds in both location and quantity.

NOTE: Adequately protect all adjacent areas against cutting, grinding and welding procedures.

1. Depower the SRS .
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).
   

1. If Required:
   Dimensionally restore the vehicle to pre-damage condition.
   Refer to: Body and Frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Specific Information and Tolerance Checks, Description and Operation).
   

1. Remove the underbody shield(s).
   

1. Relocate any fuel or brake lines away from the working area.
   

1. Remove the welds.
   Use the General Equipment: Spot Weld Drill Bit

1. NOTE: Pay particular attention the location of adhesives, sealers and NVH materials to aid in installation.

   Remove the reinforcement.
   

Installation

NOTE: Left hand (LH) side shown, right hand (RH) side similar.

NOTE: Factory welds may be substituted with resistance or metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds. Resistance welds may not be placed directly over original location. They must be placed adjacent to original location and match factory welds in quantity. Metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds must equal factory welds in both location and quantity.

NOTE: Adequately protect all adjacent areas against cutting, grinding and welding procedures.

1. Drill plug weld holes in the replacement reinforcement.
   Use the General Equipment: 8 mm Drill Bit

1. Install, properly position and clamp the lower reinforcement.
   Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers

1. Install the welds.
   Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment

1. Dress all welds as required using typical metal finishing techniques.
   

1. Seam Sealing:
   All seams must be sealed to production level.
   Material: Seam Sealer / TA-2-B, 3M™ 08308, LORD Fusor® 803DTM

1. Refinish the entire repair using a Ford approved paint system.
   

1. Restore corrosion protection.
   Refer to: Corrosion Prevention (501-25 Body Repairs - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Relocate any fuel or brake lines to original locations.
   

1. Install the underbody shield(s).
   

1. Repower the SRS .
   Refer to: Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Repowering (501-20B Supplemental Restraint System, General Procedures).