General Motors: Who Requires Or Recommends MIG Brazing?

In Europe, MIG brazing has been required or recommended on a widespread basis for several years. In the U.S., MIG brazing is not as common but is becoming more prevalent. As the RTS team is researching MIG brazing information, we are putting together a series of articles that identify OEM-specific MIG brazing recommendations and requirements for vehicles in the U.S. Let’s see what General Motors (GM) has to say.

When searching the service manual, you may notice a general statement that says: "MIG brazing can be used to replace factory spot welds." Per our contact at General Motors: "We are, as of today, only using MIG brazing to replace factory MIG brazing." MIG brazing locations are specified within repair procedures of vehicle-specific service manuals, such as where the upper rail attaches to the upper A-pillar, or hinge pillar, are on the 2020 Cadillac XT5.

The Recommended GM Steel Repairability Matrix mentions MIG brazing as an option on various types of steel with the addition of this note: "Must use 8 mm x 16 mm slotted holes." Again, although the matrix specifies what steel can be MIG brazed, it should only be used if specified in the vehicle-specific repair procedures.

It is important to note that MIG brazing should only be used where indicated in a vehicle-specific repair manual or where specified by the OEM to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

For additional GM information, check out the following pages:
Chevrolet OEM Information
GMC OEM Information
Buick OEM Information
Cadillac OEM Information

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