Common Mistakes: Adhesives In Places Other Than Flanges

When it comes to bonding replacement panels, sometimes common mistakes can be made that will affect the quality and durability of the repair. One common mistake is not replacing adhesive or other repair material, like foam, that may be on the backside of the panel.

For example, the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica outer quarter panel replacement procedure and the roof panel replacement procedure specify the use of adhesive and anti-flutter foam on the backside of the replacement panel. The roof bows show the use of anti-flutter foam between the bow and the roof panel itself. The sliding roof reinforcement rings are secured with adhesive on the underside of the roof panel. For the outer quarter panel procedure, adhesive is applied to the back side of the panel to secure it to the sliding door track reinforcement. Anti-flutter adhesive is also used in this procedure to secure the outer quarter panel to the rear wheelhouse.

Make sure to look at the body repair manual, as some of these adhesives and foams are at the center of the replacement panel and cannot be reached once the panel is attached. Read through the procedure step-by-step to see what areas need adhesives and foams applied before the replacement panel is secured into place. Most body repair manuals will have a guide showing where adhesives and foams are located on a vehicle, or they will specify where these materials are needed within the procedure.

Not applying adhesives where the manual specifies to, can lead to issues. One of the biggest problems could be corrosion, as adhesive plays a huge role in the corrosion protection process. Adhesive and anti-flutter foam are also used for sound deadening. Always follow OEM procedures to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

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Article validated in 2025