Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
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 bolts.
12. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket bolts.




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

* 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 to the frame,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 frame (3).
3. Install the frame to body bolts (2). Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the frame rear bolts (1). Hand tighten the bolts.
5. Install the frame front bolts (4). Hand tighten the bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Tighten the bolts in the following order:

1. Tighten the rear bolts (1) to 245 N.m (180 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
2. Tighten the front bolts (4) to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
3. Tighten the body bolts (2) to 82 N.m (61 lb ft).

7. Raise the vehicle and support with jack stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
8. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the frame (3).
9. Install the rear transmission mount bracket bolts.
10. Install the front transmission mount bracket 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. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System in Power Steering System.