Front Suspension
REMOVAL PROCEDURE^ Tool Required:
- J 38892 Ball Joint Separator
1. Raise the vehicle.
2. If a suspension hoist is to be used:
^ Place the jack stand under the uni-body frame near the crossmember.
^ Lower the vehicle slightly so the weight of the vehicle rests on the under uni-body frame. Do not rest on the control arms or crossmember.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL in TIRES AND WHEELS.
4. Disconnect the right and left wiring harnesses from the crossmember.
NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.
5. Use the J 38892 in order to remove the ball joint (3) from the knuckle (2).
6. Remove the engine strut mount from the crossmember. Refer to ENGINE.
7. Remove the crossmember extension brace (3) bolts (2 and 4) from the lower tie bar (5).
^ Remove the front exhaust pipe. Support the catalytic converter. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER in EXHAUST SYSTEM.
8. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Support the power steering gear.
9. Disconnect the brake lines from the retainers on the crossmember
10. Remove the splash shield from the crossmember.
11. Remove the stabilizer bar (3) from the crossmember (5).
12. Remove the crossmember bolts (2 through 8).
13. Remove the crossmember.
14. Remove the control arms (3) from the crossmember (1).
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the control arms (3) to the crossmember (1). Snug the bolts.
2. Install the crossmember. Finger tighten all of the bolts.
NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown below:
Tighten
^ Tighten the crossmember support left rear outboard bolt to 110 Nm (71 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° rotation.
^ Tighten the crossmember support right rear outboard bolt to 110 Nm (71 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° rotation.
^ Tighten the crossmember support upper front bolts to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.) plus a 90° rotation.
^ Tighten the crossmember support rear inboard bolts to 110 Nm (71 ft. lbs.) plus a 90 rotation.
Important: Do not loosen the nut any time during the installation.
4. Install the nut (4) attaching the ball joint (3) to the steering knuckle (2).
Tighten
Tighten the nut to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.) minimum - 65 Nm (50 ft. lbs.) maximum.
5. install the cotter pin (1).
6. Install the left power steering gear bolts. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR AND PUMP in STEERING for fastener tightening specifications.
7. Install the right power steering gear bolts. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR AND PUMP in STEERING for fastener tightening specifications.
8. Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to ENGINE EXHAUST in EXHAUST for tightening specifications.
9. Install the crossmember support braces.
Tighten
Tighten the core support bolts to the crossmember braces to 72 Nm (53 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the engine strut mount to the crossmember. Refer to ENGINE for tightening specifications.
11. Install the stabilizer bar (3) to the crossmember (5).
Tighten
Tighten the stabilizer shaft to support the assembly bolt to 66 Nm (49 ft. lbs.).
12. Install the splash shield to the crossmember (5).
13. Connect the brake lines to the retainers to the crossmember.
14. Install the right and left wiring harnesses to the crossmember.
15. Slightly raise the vehicle.
16. Remove the jack stand from under the crossmember.
17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to WHEEL INSTALLATION in TIRES AND WHEELS.
18. Tighten the control arm attaching bolts, with the vehicle at curb height.
Tighten
^ Tighten the control arm to crossmember bolts (front bushing) to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) plus 180° rotation.
^ Tighten the control arm crossmember bolts, (vertical bushing) to 170 Nm (125 ft. lbs.).
19. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.