Body - Paint Chips On Rear 1/4 Panel
NUMBER: 13-91-08RDATE: 07/20/11
APPLICABILITY: 2008MY Impreza and Impreza WRX with Side Spoiler
SUBJECT: Paint Chipping on Rear Quarter Panel
INTRODUCTION
COUNTERMEASURE IN PRODUCTION
The side spoiler film was used in production starting in late March 2008 with VIN 8*525543 and 8*833047. The rear dog leg film was used in production starting in late June with VIN 9*500038 and 9*800032.
PART INFORMATION
Tools and Material Required
^ Mild detergent
^ Water
^ Spray bottle
^ Soft clean towel
^ 3M(TM) Hand Applicator PA1-B Blue squeegee or equivalent
^ Rubbing alcohol
^ Modeling clay (available at most stationary stores)
^ Ink stamp pad (available at most stationary stores)
^ Permatex(R) Medium Strength Threadlocker BLUE
REPAIR IINFORMATION
The following steps need to be performed:
^ Check rear door to rear quarter panel surface height difference. If out of specification, adjust door.
^ Inspect paint, repair as necessary following the procedure listed in the introduction of this bulletin.
^ Install protective film.
Check the surface height difference between the rear door and rear quarter panel. The surface height difference should be measured at three points.
Apply modeling clay at the measuring points.
Note:
A small amount of mild detergent mixed with water can be sprayed on the area(s) to prevent the clay from sticking to the panels.
Remove modeling clay.
Use a straight edge or knife and cut modeling clay as shown.
Edge that needs to be measured.
Note:
Be extremely careful not to deform clay. Carefully dip modeling clay in ink stamp pad to fully coat clay on the edge that needs to be measured.
Carefully place modeling clay (ink side down) on a white piece of paper. Remove modeling clay from paper.
Measure the surface height difference. If the door surface is 0.5mm (or more) inward compared to the rear quarter panel surface adjust the door.
Note:
The ideal height difference is between -0.5mm/-0.02 inch and 1mm/0.04 inch.
Door striker adjustment: Loosen the two screws just enough to permit slight movement of the striker.
Using a slide hammer, with hook move the striker outward.
Caution:
Do not use too much force; a minimal adjustment should only be needed. Recheck surface height difference. Continue adjusting until within specification.
Note:
If striker was adjusted too far out, a punch and hammer can be used to move the striker inward. Apply Permatex(R) Threadlocker to screw threads and torque to 14-22Nm (10.3-16.2 ft lb). Make sure there is no interference when opening/closing door. If the surface height difference is not within specification at the lower part of the door continue to next step.
Adjust door panel: Use a rubber hammer and hit the door panel surface edge outward. Adjust the panel gradually while checking the surface height difference.
CAUTION:
Do not hit the panel clinched area; this could cause the paint to crack.
Note:
Inspect paint, repair as necessary following the procedure listed in the introduction of this bulletin.
Note:
Paint repairs must be completed prior to installation of the new protective film.
Note:
Allow at least 48 hours for paint to dry before installing film.
Note:
If film replacement is required on one side, both sides must be replaced at the same time.
Protective film (2 pieces) taped into place for illustration purposes. One will be applied to the rear dog leg area (figure 1), one will be applied to the side spoiler area (figure 2). The side spoiler needs to be removed for the installation of the rear dog leg protector film.
The side spoiler is secured by clips. Remove the clip located at the front wheel well and the 7 on the underside of the spoiler. Carefully pull on the side spoiler to disengage the clips that attach it to the rocker panel.
Remove the old film. Using mild detergent mixed with water; clean the area that will be covered with the new film. Clean a second time using rubbing alcohol.
Note:
Vehicle and film must be at room temperature for proper adhesion. Do not install protector film dry. There are 2 pieces that need to be installed. The following steps need to be repeated for each piece installed.
Spray the area where the protective film will be installed with mild detergent mixed with water.
The protector film consists of 3 layers, white backing, protector film and template.
Remove white backing from protector film and template. Spray the protector film and template (the side which the white backing was removed) with mild detergent mixed with water.
Align protector film and template. Using a squeegee, working from the center towards the edges, remove the air bubbles. Continue until all air bubbles are removed.
Remove template.
Use a soft clean towel, wipe off excess water and go over edges to insure that protector film is firmly applied.
Reinstall side spoiler
Install side spoiler protective film using same procedure as rear dog leg protective film.
WARRANTY/CLAIM INFORMATION