Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
4. Remove the splash shields.
5. Disconnect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) harness from the wheel speed sensor and frame.
6. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
7. Remove the brake modulator assembly from the front suspension crossmember.
8. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
9. Remove the bolt from the steering gear to intermediate shaft and disconnect the shaft.
10. Remove the power steering lines from the steering gear.
11. Remove the front transmission mount bracket through bolts.
12. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket through bolts.




13. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the front suspension crossmember (3).
14. Lower the vehicle until the front suspension crossmember (3) rests on the jack stands.
15. Remove the front suspension crossmember front support bolts (4).
16. Remove the front suspension crossmember rear support bolts (1).
17. Remove the front suspension Control Arm to body bolts (2).
18. Raise the vehicle off of the front suspension crossmember (3).
19. Remove the following components if replacing the front suspension crossmember:

* The lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
* The front transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Front in Automatic Transaxle- 4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The rear transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Rear in Automatic Transaxle- 4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The lower radiator mounting panel. Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Cooling System.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the front suspension crossmember if removed:

* The lower control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
* The front transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Front in Automatic Transaxle- 4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The rear transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Rear in Automatic Transaxle- 4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The lower radiator mounting panel. Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Cooling System.




2. Lower the vehicle on to the front suspension crossmember (3).
3. Install the front suspension Control Arm to body bolts (2). Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the front suspension crossmember rear bolts (1). Hand tighten the bolts.
5. Install the front suspension crossmember front bolts (4). Hand tighten the bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Tighten the front suspension crossmember bolts in the following order:

1. Tighten the front suspension crossmember rear bolts (1) to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
2. Tighten the front suspension crossmember front bolts (4) to 245 N.m (180 lb ft).
3. Tighten the front suspension Control Arm to body bolts (2) to 245 N.m (180 lb ft).

7. Raise the vehicle and support with jack stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
8. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the front suspension crossmember (3).
9. Install the rear transmission mount bracket through bolts.
10. Install the front transmission mount bracket through bolts.
11. Install the power steering lines to the steering gear.
12. Install the bolt from the steering gear to intermediate shaft.
13. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
14. Install the brake modulator assembly to the front suspension crossmember.
15. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.
16. Connect the ABS sensor to the wheel speed sensor and front suspension crossmember.
17. Install the splash shields.
18. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
19. Remove the engine support fixture.
20. Bleed the power steering system.