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What is a one-time-use part, and how do you determine if a fastener, clip, or part can be reused? These are questions that we are confronted with in the collision industry quite a lot. The other big question is "Where do I find this information?"
As the Repairability Technical Support (RTS) team researches OEMs for one-time-use fastener/part information, we are putting together a series of articles on how and where to locate this information for specific OEMs. Let's take a look at General Motors (GM).
When a part or fastener is one-time-use, GM indicates this in Fastener Specifications documents located throughout the vehicle specific body repair manual. In most cases, there is a link to this document in repair pair procedures. GM also uses a yellow icon of the fastener being thrown in the trash.
Per the 2022 Cadillac CT4 service manual, Rear Bumper Fascia Diffuser Replacement procedure: "3. Drill out the 8 rear bumper fascial extension rivets (1). - Left Side and Right Side Remove and DISCARD."
Per the 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe service manual, Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm Replacement procedure: "Note: The rear lower control arm adjust cam retainer (1) is for factory alignment purposes only and should NOT be reused."
Following OEM procedures, including the identification and use of one-time-use fasteners/parts, is important in order to help ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.
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