Removal and Replacement
FRAME RIVETSSpecial Tool(s):
Special Tool(s)
Material:
Material
Rivet Removal
WARNING:
- If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures refer to Fire Suppression System.
- On vehicles equipped with air suspension, the electrical power supply to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to lifting the vehicle. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the battery or turning off the air suspension service switch located in the luggage compartment on the LH side. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
CAUTION: Do not drill outside the rivet into the frame as that will weaken the frame.
NOTE: Corrosion protection needs to be restored whenever it is necessary to sand or grind through painted surfaces or E-coat, or when bare metal repairs are made.
1. Drill an 3.18 mm (0.12 in) pilot hole through the center of the rivet.
2. Drill an 8.5 mm (0.34 in) hole through the pilot hole.
3. Remove the rivet head using an air chisel.
4. Drive out the rivet with a punch.
5. Remove the support.
Replacing Rivets with Bolts
CAUTION: Drill only where a rivet was removed. Drilling outside the rivet hole will weaken the frame.
NOTE: Corrosion protection needs to be restored whenever it is necessary to sand or grind through painted surfaces or E-coat, or when bare metal repairs are made.
1. Line drill a hole the size of the bolt through the old rivet hole. Example: for a 11.11 mm (0.44 in) diameter rivet, use a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) drill bit.
2. Position the support.
3. Replace the rivets that were removed with the next larger size bolts. Insert the bolts, nuts and washer that are Property Class 9.8 metric (Grade 8) in the drilled holes.
4. If equipped with air suspension system, reactivate the power supply. This can be accomplished by reconnecting the battery or turning on the air suspension service switch located in the luggage compartment LH side.
5. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures refer to Fire Suppression System.
If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.