Part 1
Transaxle - 3.0LSpecial Tool(s) (Part 1):
Special Tool(s) (Part 2):
Removal (Steps 1-36)
All vehicles
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray.
3. Remove the air cleaner and the outlet pipe. For additional information, refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
4. Disconnect the selector lever cable end.
5. Remove the 3 bolts for the selector lever cable bracket and position the cable and bracket aside.
6. Disconnect the wire harness from the transmission control module (TCM).
7. Remove the 2 ground strap bolts and position aside the ground straps.
8. Remove the electrical terminal cover for the starter motor electrical connectors.
9. Remove the starter terminals.
10. Remove the 2 bolts and the starter.
11. Remove the 3 upper torque converter housing bolts.
12. Disconnect the EGR valve electrical connector.
13. Disconnect the EGR tube nut from the valve.
14. Remove the 2 bolts and the EGR valve. Discard the gasket.
15. Remove the bolt from the power steering line bracket and position it aside.
16. Remove the 4 screws and position the RH fender splash shield aside.
17. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and remove the RH front structure to subframe splash shield.
18. Remove the 4 screws and position the LH fender splash shield aside.
19. Remove the pin-type retainers and remove the LH front structure to subframe splash shield.
20. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Remove the 2 nuts and separate the sway bar links from the struts.
21. If a transaxle exchange or overhaul is required, the transmission fluid must be drained.
^ Remove the transmission fluid drain plug and allow the transmission fluid to drain.
22. If removed, install the transmission fluid drain plug.
^ Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
23. Remove the LH halfshaft.
All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles
24. Remove and discard the front wheel hub nut.
All vehicles
25. Remove the RH lower control arm nuts.
26. CAUTION: When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer constant velocity (CV) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.
NOTE: Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the special tool, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
Using the special tools, separate the 2 lower ball joints from the wheel knuckle and remove the wheel knuckle.
27. Remove the bolt connecting the RH damper fork to the lower control arm.
28. NOTE: Front wheel drive (FWD) shown, all wheel drive (AWD) similar.
Remove the 2 Y-pipe bolts and nuts.
29. NOTE: FWD shown, AWD similar.
Remove the flexpipe nuts and the Y-pipe assembly.
30. If equipped, remove the 2 bolts and the roll restrictor heat shield.
31. NOTE: FWD shown, AWD similar.
Remove the 2 bolts from the engine roll restrictor bracket.
32. Remove the bolts and position the power steering cooler tube aside.
33. Remove the 3 steering gear bolts and position the steering gear aside with mechanic's wire.
34. Position a suitable drivetrain lift table under the subframe
35. Remove the 2 rear subframe nuts.
36. Remove the 4 bolts and the 2 subframe support brackets.