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Does Honda/Acura have procedures for replacing a partial service part or assembly at factory seams?
While Honda/Acura vehicles may not have a replacement procedure for every part of every vehicle, they provide documentation on how parts can be replaced at a factory seam. However, certain requirements need to be met before replacing parts as a partial part or disassembling a service part at factory seams.
Keep in mind that a partial part at factory seams does not create a new joint. This means that if the part that is being replaced requires a new joint to be cut into it, this part no longer is a partial part at factory seams.
The Honda Body Repair Manual Welding & Sectioning Guideline Revisions Body Repair News and Acura Body Repair Manual Welding & Sectioning Guideline Revisions Body Repair News explains the requirements:
“PARTIAL PANEL REPLACEMENT AT FACTORY SEAMS
The following guidelines do not apply to ultra-high-strength steel assemblies (980-1,500 MPa) such as the front door ring (outer stiffener ring) and some rear frame rails. These panels should never be disassembled and partially installed. Assemblies must be replaced as a complete set. When you are determining whether to replace a body part as supplied, or do a partial replacement at the factory seams, follow these guidelines:
- Replacement of body service parts as supplied at factory seams is the preferred repair method, except when it may cause unnecessary or excessive intrusion into the body structure.
- In these cases, the service part may be disassembled at factory seams as required to replace only the damaged portion.
- For example, if only the vehicle’s rear wheelhouse is damaged, that part may be removed from the rear inner panel service part assembly at the factory seams and installed on the vehicle.
- Replacement procedures for rear inner panels are not provided in the body repair manuals because they are rarely installed as a complete unit.
- All basic welding & sectioning guidelines specified in the service information must be observed during partial panel replacement.”
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- Always Follow Vehicle Maker Procedures
- Disassembly of a Steel Service Part at a Factory Seam
- Part Replacement Without A Procedure
- What's The Difference Between Sectioning And Partial Replacement?
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Article validated in 2025