Front Suspension - Crossmember

REMOVAL






1. Open the hood and remove the screws (2) securing the ABS ICU mounting bracket (1) to the crossmember left forward support arm.

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Service and Repair





3. On each side of the vehicle, remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).





4. With aid of a helper applying the brakes to keep the front hub from turning, on each side of the vehicle, remove the hub nut (1) from the axle halfshaft stub shaft (2).

5. Push in on the end of each halfshaft stub shaft (2), disengaging its splines from the hub splines.





6. At each end of the stabilizer bar, while holding the stabilizer bar link (1) lower stud stationary (wrench placed on machined flats on stud), remove the nut (2) securing the link to the stabilizer bar (3).





7. Remove the front engine mount thru-bolt (4).





8. Remove the fore-aft crossmember forward mounting bolt (6).

9. Remove the four fore-aft crossmember rearward mounting bolts (3, 4).

10. Remove the fore-aft crossmember.





11. Remove the screws and push-pins securing the heat shield (1) over the right side of the steering gear (2). Remove the heat shield.

12. Remove the rear engine mount. Engine Mount Insulator - Removal





13. Remove the screw (1) securing the power steering return hose routing clamp to the rear of ABS ICU mounting bracket.





14. Remove the screws (3) securing the power steering pressure hose routing clamp(s) (4.0L engine only uses one) to the rear of crossmember.





15. Remove the bolts (1) securing the steering gear (2) to the crossmember.

16. Support the steering gear (2) using a bungee cord or equivalent to maintain the location of the steering gear in the vehicle once the crossmember is lowered.

17. Remove the screw securing the left front brake flex hose bracket to the frame rail.

CAUTION:
When drawing the location of the crossmember on the underbody in the following step, do not use a sharp object that can damage the surface of the underbody.

18. Using an appropriate marker, draw an outline (1) as necessary marking the location of the front suspension crossmember on the underbody. This will aide alignment upon installation.

19. Position a transmission jack under the center of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to support the bottom of the crossmember. Secure the crossmember to the jack.





20. Remove the bolts (3) securing both front crossmember support brackets (1) to the frame rails (2) of the vehicle.





21. Remove all four bolts attaching the front suspension crossmember to the underbody of the vehicle. Remove front crossmember support brackets upon removal of rear mounting bolts.

CAUTION:
Lower the steering gear slowly, paying special attention to the steering gear and fluid hoses. Do not strain or overextend the hoses because damage to the hoses or connecting hardware may occur.

22. Slowly lower the front suspension crossmember using the transmission jack just enough to allow easy removal of the lower control arm mounting bolts.





23. Remove the front bolt (1) attaching each lower control arm (2) to the crossmember (4).

24. Remove the rear bolt (3) and nut attaching each lower control arm (2) to the crossmember (4).

25. Separate the lower control arms from the crossmember, then support each lower control arm using a bungee cord or equivalent to keep undue stress off the ball joints.

26. Lower the front suspension crossmember to working height using the transmission jack.





27. Remove the screws (1) securing the stabilizer bushing retainers (2) to the crossmember.

28. Remove the two stabilizer bushing retainers (2).

29. Remove the stabilizer bar from the crossmember.