Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement

Tools Required

J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture to support the engine/transaxle assembly.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the front tires and wheels.
4. Remove the lower radiator air deflector.
5. Remove the positive battery cable retainers. Position the positive battery cable aside.
6. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe from the frame.
7. Secure the power steering cooler to the exhaust pipe.
8. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Rotate the stabilizer shaft up to gain access to the mounting bolts for the power steering gear.
9. Remove the mounting bolts for the power steering gear.




10. Secure the power steering gear.
11. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame.
12. Remove the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame.




13. Disconnect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
14. Remove both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) from the frame and the lower control arms, if equipped.
15. Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement.




16. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts J 39580.




17. Remove the frame reinforcement nuts (3).
18. Remove the frame reinforcement bolts (1).
19. Remove the frame reinforcements (2).




20. Remove the bolts (1) which secure the frame to the body.
21. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.
22. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components:

* Both of the lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The spacers, the upper insulator, the lower insulator, and the retainers-Refer to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front and to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Rear.

Installation Procedure




1. If you are replacing the frame, install the following components:

* Both of the lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The stabilizer shaft-Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The spacers, the upper insulator, the lower insulator, and the retainers-Refer to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front and to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Rear.




2. Position the engine support table with the frame under the vehicle.
3. Lower the vehicle to the frame.




4. Loosely install the bolts (1) to secure the frame to the body.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

5. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19X203 mm (0.74X8.0 in) pins in the alignment holes (2) on the right side of the frame.

* Tighten the new front frame bolts to 145 N.m (107 lb ft).
* Tighten the new rear frame bolts to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).




6. Install the frame reinforcements (2).
7. Install the frame reinforcement bolts (1).

Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

8. Install the frame reinforcement nuts (3).

Tighten the nuts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

9. Connect both the lower ball joints to the steering knuckle.
10. Install the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame.
11. Install the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame.
12. Remove the power steering gear from the exhaust pipe. Position to the frame.
13. Install the steering gear mounting bolts.
14. Install the stabilizer shaft links.




15. Connect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
16. Install both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) to the frame and to the lower control arm, if equipped.
17. Install the positive battery cable.
18. Install the power steering cooler pipe.
19. Install the radiator lower air deflector.
20. Install the front tires and wheels.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Remove the engine support fixture.
23. Inspect the front wheel alignment.