Body - Rattling/Loose Decklid Strut Bracket
NUMBER: 23-041-11GROUP: Body
DATE: November 04, 2011
SUBJECT:
Rattling And/Or Loose Decklid Gas Prop Bracket
OVER VIEW:
This bulletin involves re-securing the decklid gas prop mount bracket to the body.
MODELS:
2008 (ZB) Viper Coupe
2009 (ZB) Viper Coupe
2010 (ZB) Viper Coupe
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a rattling sound near the seat headrest or a loose decklid gas prop mount at the body. The gas prop attachment bracket will be loose usually to the point that it will no longer support the gas prop in the proper position. It will be evident that there is an issue with the bracket as it will no longer be tight to the substrate.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the customer describes the symptom, perform the Repair Procedure to both sides of the vehicle.
PARTS REQUIRED:
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Secure or support the rear decklid in the open position.
2. Remove the gas decklid prop from the body mount (1). Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerConnect > TechCONNECT > under: Service Info > 23-Body > Decklid/Hatch/Liftgate/Tailgate > PROP, Gas > Removal.
3. Locate the two mount attachment rivets (2) (Fig 1).
4. Remove the interior trim pieces and weather stripping from the decklid area to gain access to the gas strut mount bracket. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerConnect > TechCONNECT > under: Service Info > 23-Body > Interior > PANEL, B-Pillar Trim, Coupe Upper > Removal.
5. Use a 3/1& (4.8 mm) drill bit to drill out the two attachment rivets (2) (Fig. 2).
6. Use a heat gun (1) to heat the glue attaching the bracket (2) to the body panel on the inner side only (Fig. 3).
NOTE:
DO NOT apply any heat to outer side of the panel as this can seriously damage the paint.
NOTE:
Move the heat gun back and forth from left to right not staying in once place for too long as this can also damage the panel and paint.
7. After glue between bracket (2) and body has been heated, separate the bracket from the body panel (Fig. 3).
NOTE:
The bracket should separate easily after the adhesive has been sufficiently heated and there should be minimal effort required to remove the bracket.
8. After removal of the bracket, secure with a vice (2) and use the heat gun (3) to heat remaining adhesive (Fig. 4).
9. Once the bracket is sufficiently heated, scrape off any remaining adhesive. (Fig. 4).
10. Sand down the surface of both the body panel (4) and the bracket (2) so that there is no remaining adhesive (Fig. 5).
NOTE:
Do not sand down the bosses (3) located on the body panel (Fig. 5).
NOTE:
The new attaching rivets will need to match the vehicles paint/body color which can be achieved ideally by spraying the rivets with matching refinish paint prior to installation or can be done using touch up paint if the final appearance is acceptable from a customer perspective.
NOTE:
Have the two rivets and two washers ready to insert as soon as the bracket is applied to the body panel as the epoxy will set within 10 minutes
11. Using the Ashland two-part epoxy or equivalent follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation/application.
NOTE:
Using the two component dispensing gun, squeeze some adhesive out onto a paper towel before applying to the bracket to ensure optimal mixture of the two components and equalize the cartridges (Fig 6).
12. Using nitrile gloves, apply adhesive (1) generously in pattern shown. Be sure to apply adhesive to the bracket wing area (3) and apply the bracket (2) to the body using firm pressure (Fig. 7).
13. Insert the two rivets using one washer on the back side of each rivet and use the rivet gun to collapse each rivet.
14. Clean off any excess adhesive (2) around prop mount immediately before it dries (Fig. 8)
NOTE:
Wait 24 hours before reattaching the gas prop to allow time for the epoxy to fully cure.
14. Clean off any excess adhesive (2) around prop mount immediately before it dries (Fig. 8).
NOTE:
Wait 24 hours before reattaching the gas prop to allow time for the epoxy to fully cure.
15. Reattach the gas decklid prop (1). Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerConnect > TechCONNECT > under: Service Info > 23-Body > Decklid/Hatch/Liftgate/Tailgate > PROP, Gas > Installation (Fig. 9).
NOTE:
Use touch up paint to paint the rivet heads (3) if necessary for proper appearance.(Fig. 9).
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.