Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Subframe - Front












Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed where specified with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.

2. NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter(R) 28-75-1 or equivalent).

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.







3. Remove the pinch bolt and disconnect the steering shaft.
- Discard the bolt.







4. Remove the front tires and wheels.
5. Remove the nuts and disconnect the lower stabilizer bar links.







6. Remove the bolts and disconnect the ball joints from the steering knuckles.
- Discard the bolts.







7. Remove the nuts and disconnect the tie-rod ends from the steering knuckle.
- Discard the nuts.







8. Remove the engine roll restrictor bolt from the subframe.







9. Disconnect the exhaust hanger.







10. Remove the bolts and subframe braces.







11. NOTE: This step is not necessary if the subframe assembly is replaced.

Mark the position of the subframe-to-frame mounting location at each mounting point on the frame rails on both sides of the vehicle to aide in installation.







12. Position the Powertrain Lift under the subframe assembly.







13. Remove the forward and rearward subframe bolts.
1. Remove the forward bolts.
2. Remove the rearward bolts.
- Discard the rearward bolts.







14. Carefully lower the subframe assembly from the vehicle.

Installation

1. Position the subframe to the vehicle and loosely install the 2 new rearward bolts and the forward bolts.
2. Remove the Powertrain Lift.
3. If installing the subframe that was previously removed, align the subframe to the locating marks made during removal.

4. NOTE: RH and LH dimensions are identical. All measurements on center.

If installing a new subframe, measure for correct positioning of the subframe to vehicle underbody.

1. Location 1 - 260 mm (10.236 in).
2. Location 2 - 666 mm (26.22 in).







5. Tighten the subframe bolts.
1. Tighten the forward bolts to 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).
2. Tighten the new rearward bolts to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
- Tighten the rearward bolts an additional 240 degrees.







6. Install the engine roll restrictor bolt.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).

7. Connect the exhaust hanger.







8. Install the subframe braces and bolts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).







9. Connect the ball joints to the steering knuckles.
- Install new bolts.
- Tighten to 52 Nm (38 lb-ft).







10. Connect the tie-rod ends to the steering knuckle.
- Install new nuts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

11. Connect the lower stabilizer bar links and install the nuts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).







12. Install the front tires and wheels.

13. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

Connect the steering shaft and install a new pinch bolt.
- Tighten to 32 Nm (24 lb-ft).







14. If installing a new subframe, check wheel alignment.