Body Front End Buick Century VI

Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Hood Adjustment

The hood hinges are bolted to the following components

1. The fender
2. The hood

Elongate the hood-side hinge holes in order to make the fore-aft adjustment. Adjust the hood bumpers up or down in order to make the vertical adjustment at the front. The gap tolerances are 2-6 mm (0.10-0.22 in). The flush tolerances are 0-2.0 mm (0-0.06 in).

1. Open the hood.
2. Loosen the hinge-to-hood bolts.
3. Adjust the hood-to-fender position.
4. Close the hood.
5. Inspect the alignment.
6. Open the hood.
7. Adjust the hood as needed. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
8. Install the hinge to hood bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).
9. Adjust the front hood bumper.
10. Adjust the side hood bumper.
11. Close the hood.

Removal Procedure

1. Open the hood.
2. Mark the upper hood hinge location to the hood using a grease pencil.
3. Remove the Assist rod from the hood. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT - HOOD»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end)
4. Remove the hood hinge to hood bolts, with an assistant.
5. Remove the hood from the vehicle, with an assistant.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the hood to the vehicle, with an assistant.
2. Align the hood hinges to the alignment marks on the hood. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the hood hinge to hood bolts, with an assistant. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).
4. Install the assist rod to the hood. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT - HOOD»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
5. Adjust the hood, as required. Refer to «HOOD ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__hood-adjustment) .

1. Remove the hood. Refer to «HOOD REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
2. Remove the hood assist rod. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT - HOOD»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
3. Remove the hood rear side seals from the hood hinge. Refer to «SEAL REPLACEMENT - HOOD REAR SIDE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Loosen the hood hinge to fender bolts, but do not remove the bolts.
5. Center punch the spot weld.
6. Drill out the spot weld using a 9.5 mm (3/8 in) drill.
7. Remove the hood hinge to fender bolts.
8. Remove the hood hinge from the fender.
9. Repair the paint on the fender where the door hinge was removed.

1. Align the hood hinge to the fender. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the hood hinge to fender bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Install the hood. Refer to «HOOD REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Install the hood assist rod. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT - HOOD»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
5. Install the hood rear side seal to the hood. Refer to «SEAL REPLACEMENT - HOOD REAR SIDE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
6. Adjust the hood, as required. Refer to «HOOD ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__hood-adjustment) .

Scheme 2

1. Open the hood.
2. Mark the hood latch to the hood latch support bracket with an grease pencil.
3. Remove the bolts from the hood latch.
4. Remove the hood latch from the hood latch support bracket. IMPORTANT: Do not crimp the hood latch release cable.
5. Disconnect the hood latch release cable from the hood latch by squeezing the cable retainer and position aside.
6. Remove the hood latch from the vehicle.

1. Connect the hood latch release cable to the hood latch.
2. Position the hood latch to the marks on the hood latch support bracket. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the hood latch to center support bracket bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
4. Adjust the hood, as required. Refer to «HOOD ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__hood-adjustment) .
5. Close the hood.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the hood latch from the hood latch support bracket. Refer to «HOOD LATCH REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
3. Remove the front bumper fascia bracket from the hood latch support. Refer to FASCIA BRACKET REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER in Bumpers.
4. Remove the bolts from the hood latch support bracket at the upper tie bar.
5. Remove the nut from the hood latch support bracket at the lower tie bar.
6. Remove the hood latch support bracket from the vehicle.

1. Install the hood latch support to the vehicle. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the hood latch support at the upper tie bar. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Install the nut to the hood latch support at the lower tie bar. Tighten Tighten the nut to 10 N.m (18 lb in).
4. Install the front bumper fascia bracket to the hood latch support. Refer to FASCIA BRACKET REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER in Bumpers.
5. Install the hood latch to the hood latch support bracket. Refer to «HOOD LATCH REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the left front headlamp. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems. IMPORTANT: Block the hood latch in order to prevent the hood from locking until you have installed the hood latch release cable.
3. Remove the hood latch release cable from the latch mechanism.
4. Remove the front fender upper diagonal brace. Refer to «BRACE REPLACEMENT - FRONT FENDER UPPER DIAGONAL»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
5. Remove the air cleaner.
6. Tie a wire or string to the end of the hood release cable, in order to aid in the installation of the new hood release cable. Ensure that the end of the wire or string remains in the engine compartment.
7. Remove the hood release cable retainers from the engine compartment side rail.
8. Pull the carpet back in order to access the hood latch release cable.
9. Remove the hood latch release handle. Refer to «HOOD LATCH RELEASE HANDLE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
10. Remove the hood latch release cable from the hood latch release handle.
11. Using a small, flat-bladed tool remove grommet from the dash panel.
12. Remove the hood latch release cable from the dash panel.

1. Tie the hood latch release cable to a wire or string. Feed the hood latch release cable through the grommet at the dash panel.
2. Apply strip caulk sealer or equivalent to the grommet.
3. Install the hood latch release cable to the hood release handle.
4. Install the hood release handle. Refer to «HOOD LATCH RELEASE HANDLE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
5. Pull the carpet back.
6. Install the hood latch release cable retainers to the engine compartment side rail retainers.
7. Route the hood latch release cable through the radiator support.
8. Install the air cleaner.
9. Install the front fender upper diagonal brace. Refer to «BRACE REPLACEMENT - FRONT FENDER UPPER DIAGONAL»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
10. Install the hood release cable to the hood latch.
11. Install the left front headlamp. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
12. Remove the block from the hood latch.
13. Inspect the hood batch for proper operation.
14. Close the hood.

1. Remove the instrument panel insulator. Refer to CLOSEOUT/INSULATOR PANEL REPLACEMENT - LEFT in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.
2. Remove the bolts from the hood latch release handle.
3. Remove the hood release cable from the hood release handle.
4. Remove the hood release handle from the instrument panel.

1. Install the hood release cable to the hood release handle.
2. Install the hood release handle to the instrument panel. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the bolts to the hood latch release handle. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
4. Install the instrument panel insulator. Refer to CLOSEOUT/INSULATOR PANEL REPLACEMENT - LEFT in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the push-in retainers from the hood insulator.
3. Remove the hood insulator from the hood.

1. Install the insulator to the hood.
2. Align the insulator retainer holes to the holes in the hood.
3. Install the push-in retainers to the hood insulator.
4. Close the hood.

Scheme 3

1. Open and support the hood.
2. Lift the retainer clips on the assist rod using a small flat-bladed tool. NOTE: Apply pressure only at the end of the liftgate/hood assist rod that you are removing or attaching. Do NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.
3. Pull the upper end of the assist rod from the ball joint on the hood.
4. Pull the lower end of the assist rod from the ball joint on the lower hood hinge.

Note. Apply pressure only at the end of the liftgate/hood assist rod that you are removing or attaching. Do NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

1. Press the upper end of the assist rods onto the ball joint on the hood.
2. Press the lower end of the assist rods onto the ball joint on the lower hood hinge
3. Remove the support from the hood.
4. Close the hood.

Note. When removing body panels, apply tape to corners of panel and adjacent surfaces to help prevent paint damage.

1. Apply protective tape to the front edge of the front door and the rear edge of the front bumper fascia.
2. Remove the headlamp. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
3. Remove the hood. Refer to «HOOD REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Remove the hood hinge. Refer to «HOOD HINGE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
5. Remove the front fender liner. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
6. Remove the washer solvent container (right fender). Refer to WASHER SOLVENT CONTAINER REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
7. Remove the rocker finish panel. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT - ROCKER PANEL in Exterior Trim.
8. Remove the bolts from the fender at the door hinge pillar.
9. Remove the bolts from the fender at the rocker panel.
10. Remove the bolts from the fender at the front compartment side rail.
11. Remove the bolts from the fender at the lower engine compartment side rail.
12. Remove the fender from the vehicle.
13. Remove the body side molding, if required. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT - BODY SIDE in Exterior Trim.

1. Install the fender to the vehicle. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the fender at the front compartment side rail. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
3. Install the bolts to the fender at the rocker panel. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
4. Install the bolts to the fender at the door hinge pillar. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
5. Install the bolts to the fender at the lower engine compartment side rail. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 5 N.m (44 lb in).
6. Install the washer solvent container (right fender). Refer to WASHER SOLVENT CONTAINER REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
7. Install the front fender liner. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
8. Install the hood hinge. Refer to «HOOD HINGE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
9. Install the hood. Refer to «HOOD REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
10. Install the rocker finish panel. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT - ROCKER PANEL .
11. Install the headlamp. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
12. Install the body side molding, if required. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT - BODY SIDE in Exterior Trim.

1. Open and support the hood.
2. Remove the front fender upper diagonal brace-to-inner fender bolt.
3. Remove the front fender upper diagonal brace-to-radiator support bolts.
4. Remove the front fender upper diagonal brace.

1. Install the front fender upper diagonal brace. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the front fender upper diagonal brace at the radiator support. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
3. Install the front fender diagonal brace-to-inner fender bolt. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
4. Close the hood.

Scheme 4

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the nuts from the cross vehicle brace.
3. Remove the cross vehicle brace from the vehicle. IMPORTANT: The stud plates will fall out and possibly get caught under the vehicle, a helper should hold the stud plates during the removal.
4. Remove the stud plates push on nuts.
5. Remove the stud plates from the vehicle.

Scheme 5

1. Install the stud plates to the vehicle.
2. Install the stud plates push on nuts to the studs.
3. Install the cross vehicle brace onto the stud plates. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
4. Install the nuts to retain the cross vehicle brace to the vehicle. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 18 N.m (13 lb ft).
5. Close the hood.

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the windshield washer hose from the air inlet grille.
3. Remove the windshield wiper arms. Refer to WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
4. Remove the push-in retainers from the air inlet grille, using the J 38778.
5. Remove the large plastic screws from the air inlet grille.
6. Remove the air inlet grille from the vehicle.

1. Install the air inlet grille to the vehicle.
2. Install the push-in retainers to the air inlet grille.
3. Install the large plastic screws to the air inlet grille.
4. Install the windshield washer hose to the air inlet grille.
5. Install the wiper arms. Refer to WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT in Wipers/Washer Systems.
6. Close the hood.

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Open the hood.
2. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the push-in retainers from the front air seal.
3. Remove the front air seal from the hood.

1. Install the front air seal to the hood.
2. Install the push-in retainers to the front air seal into the hood.
3. Close the hood.

1. Open and support the hood.
2. Starting at the center of the weatherstrip, pull the weatherstrip forward and pull the weatherstrip off of the flange.
3. Remove the weatherstrip from the flange.

1. Align the weatherstrip to the flange.
2. Starting at the passenger side corner, press the weatherstrip onto the flange. Work toward the center of the car.
3. Close the hood.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the rear side hood seal from the pinchweld flange and motor compartment flange.
3. Remove the rear side hood seal from the vehicle.
4. Clean any adhesive from the pinch-weld flange and motor compartment flange surface using 3M™ P/N 8984 Adhesive Remover.

1. Remove the protective backing paper from the adhesive on the rear side hood seal.
2. Install the rear side hood seal to the pinchweld flange and motor compartment flange.
3. Install the side rear hood seal onto the pinch-weld flange and motor compartment flange until the adhesive is fully adhered.
4. Close the hood.

1. Remove the bolts from the front fender liner at the front bumper fascia.
2. Remove the nut from the stud at the rear of the front fender liner.
3. Remove the bolt from the front tab of the front fender liner at the lower engine compartment side rail.
4. Remove the bolts from the front fender liner at the rear of the fender.
5. Remove the front fender liner from the fender.

1. Install the front fender liner to the wheelhouse opening over the stud. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the nut to the stud at the rear of the front fender liner. Tighten Tighten the nut to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
3. Install the bolts to the front fender liner at the front bumper fascia. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
4. Install the bolts to the front fender liner at the rear of the fender. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 7 N.m (61 lb in).
5. Install the bolt from the front tab of the front fender liner at the lower engine compartment side rail.

Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 4.5 N.m (40 lb in).

1. Remove the front fender liner. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
2. Pull the front fender insulator tabs off of the mounting studs.
3. Remove the front fender insulator from the inner fender.

1. Install the front fender insulator to the inner fender.
2. Press the front fender insulator tabs to the mounting studs.
3. Align the front fender insulator to the flange of the fender. Align the insulator in order to avoid interfering with the front door edge.
4. Install the front fender liner. Refer to «FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the push-in retainers that hold the ABS lead to the engine splash shield.
2. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the push-in retainers from the engine splash shield.
3. Remove the engine splash shield from the lower flange of the engine compartment side rail.

1. Install the engine splash shield to the lower flange of the engine compartment side rail.
2. Route the ABS lead through the slot in the engine splash shield.
3. Align the holes in the engine splash shield to holes in the outboard side engine compartment side rail.
4. Install the push-in retainers to the engine splash shield.

Engine Dash Mat Replacement - Side

The engine side dash mat is composed of a thermoplastic rubber. The material is flexible. In order to service the dash mat or in order to make any repair behind the mat, complete one of the following steps

1. Locally pull the dash mat away.
2. Remove the dash mat.
3. Pull the dash mat aside in order to make a repair behind the dash.
4. Cut the dash mat.

Do not cut the dash mat unless it is necessary. If you cut the mat, complete the following steps in order to repair the cut

1. Lightly sand the area around the cut in order to prepare the surface.
2. Apply contact cement between the following areas: The cut surface The surrounding area
3. Allow the cement to cure before applying pressure to the repaired area.

This vehicle has a unitized body. The frame supports the following components

1. The engine
2. The transaxle

There are other integral body components

1. The inner fender panels
2. The radiator support

Anti-corrosion materials have been applied to the interior surfaces of some metal panels. When servicing these panels, properly re-coat the disturbed areas with a service type anti-corrosion material.

Front End Sealing Description

High quality durable sealers are applied to all of the potential waterleak locations during production. If you need to reseal specific areas, use a sealer that has the following characteristics

1. The sealer is high quality and medium bodied.
2. The sealer remains flexible after curing.
3. The sealer can be painted.

Scheme 6

See also:
• ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT - HOOD
• HOOD ADJUSTMENT