Print
One of the top technical inquiries received at Ask I-CAR is, “Is there a sectioning or partial replacement procedure available?” To help answer this question, RTS has an OEM Partial Part Replacement Search that tells you if these procedures are available on a specific vehicle. Let’s take a closer look at the 2017 Honda Pilot.
The full 2017 Honda Pilot OEM Partial Part Replacement Search page is on the RTS website. This gives you a good understanding of general areas for sectioning or partial replacement. I-CAR does not have permission to show exact locations for sectioning or the procedure itself. However, Honda has a repair information website with collision repair information.
The Pilot has a sectioning location for both the front lower rail and the rear rail. Open butt joints are used for the sectioning joint. The upper rail has multiple partial replacements at factory seams. Keep in mind, the upper rail attachs to the 1,500 MPa outer stiffener ring, so MIG brazing is required in some areas.
The Pilot has a 1,500 MPa reinforcement in the front door opening, which Honda refers to as the outer stiffener ring. This part includes the A-pillar, B-pillar, and everything in-between, along with a portion in the rear door opening. No sectioning is allowed anywhere on the outer stiffener ring. If damaged, the full outer stiffener ring must be replaced. This is done with a combination of spot welding and MIG brazing. There is an outer quarter panel sectioning procedure, along with a trunk floor sectioning procedure.
Check out www.techinfo.honda.com to view the 2017 Honda Pilot body repair manual.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Collision Information Website Access: Honda/Acura
- Partial Part Replacement At Factory Seams And Sectioning Hotspot
- Step-By-Step: Accessing Honda And Acura Repair Information
- Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot
- What's A Honda/Acura Front Damper?
Related I-CAR Courses
Article validated in 2026