Frame of vehicle

Tiny
IMAGING
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 SAAB 9-3
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
When unscrewing frame of vehicle by passenger side headlamps, will it stretch out? Reason I'm asking is because instead of removing entire bumper assembly to remove headlamp assembly, I can unscrew a few screws on frame of car and stretch it and remove headlamp assembly on passenger side.
I was able to loosen headlamp assembly on passenger side since there was a screw missing underneath headlamp. I just need an eight of an inch clearance on the opposite side by the frame of vehicle to remove assembly.
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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 4:32 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

I'm not sure which bolt you are referring to. Is it possible for you to take a pic and upload it for me to see?

I have a feeling it may be on the radiator support.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 9:35 PM
Tiny
IMAGING
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  • 151 POSTS
The edge of the frame where the red outline is are bolts to keep the car together. What would happen if I removed those bolts? I just need an eighth of an inch clearance to remove the passenger headlamp assembly without removing the bumper.
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Those are fender bolts. If you remove all of them, the fender will be loose. It could give you what you need, but you will need to realign the fender when you finish. What you will be doing is separating the fender from the inner fender.

Let me know if I can help. Also, I made a copy of your pic and highlighted the bolts I'm referring to. If those are incorrect, let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
IMAGING
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  • 151 POSTS
I was thinking of removing only the 1st. 2 bolts to give me the clearance I need. Do I still need to realign the fender?
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 1:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
You will need to at least loosen the others. Well, you may get enough, but the only way to be sure is to try.

Don't worry about alignment. Here is what to do: Take a sharpie and draw a circle around the bolt so you know exactly where the bolt was before it was loosened. When you put it together, just stay within the lines and it should be fine.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 7:01 PM

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