Front Crossmember - Removal
REMOVAL
CAUTION: If the front suspension crossmember is being replaced due to collision damage, inspect the steering column lower coupling for damage. Refer to steering column in the steering section for the procedure.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE area for the correct lifting procedure.
2. Remove both front tire and wheel assemblies from the vehicle.
3. Remove both stabilizer bar links (4) from the vehicle. Remove each link by holding the upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the link bolt.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar cushion retainer bolts and retainers (1), and remove the stabilizer bar with cushions attached from the vehicle.
5. Remove the nut (1 )and pinch bolt (2) clamping each ball joint (3) stud to the steering knuckle.
CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle from the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle. Pulling the steering knuckle outward at this point can separate the inner c/v joint on the driveshaft. Refer to front driveshafts in the differential and driveline area for further information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal does not get cut.
6. Separate each ball joint stud (4) from the steering knuckle (1) by prying down on lower control arm (3) and up against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle (1).
Steering Gear
7. Remove the two screws securing the cooler to the front suspension crossmember (4). They are located behind the cooler and can be accessed from above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
8. Using wire or a bungee cord, support and tie off the power steering gear (3) to the underbody of the vehicle, so when the crossmember (4) is lowered, the gear does not fall away, being held to the vehicle by only the steering column coupling and the fluid hoses.
9. Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the power steering gear to the front suspension crossmember. Remove the power steering gear from the front suspension crossmember.
10. Remove the pencil strut (2) from the right front corner of the crossmember and body of the vehicle. Remove the washer (4) behind the strut from the torque strut bolt.
11. Remove the screws (1) fastening the front fascia to the reinforcement as necessary in order to access the drive-belt splash shield forward fastener screws.
12. Remove the drive-belt splash shield fasteners (3). Remove the shield.
13. Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque strut to the right forward corner of the front suspension crossmember (3).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension crossmember from the vehicle, the location of the crossmember must be scribed on the body of the vehicle. Do this so that the crossmember can be relocated upon reinstallation against the body of vehicle in the same location as before removal. If the front suspension crossmember is not reinstalled in exactly the same location as before removal, the preset front wheel alignment settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
14. Using an awl, (2) scribe a line (1) marking the location of the front suspension crossmember (3) where it is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
15. Position a transmission jack under the center of the front suspension crossmember (3) and raise it to support the bottom of the crossmember.
16. Loosen all six bolts attaching the front suspension crossmember and lower control arms to the body of the vehicle. Do not completely remove the two bolts going through the lower control arm rear isolator bushings. They are designed to disengage from the body threads yet stay within the lower control arm rear isolator bushing. Back the two bolts out just enough to disengage the tapping plates in the body of the vehicle. Completely remove the other four bolts.
17. Lower the front suspension crossmember (3).
18. Remove each lower control arm from the crossmember by removing the pivot bolts.