Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Subframe - Front





Removal and Installation









NOTICE: Suspension and subframe fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. With a wax pencil, mark the relationship of the front subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.





2. Remove the RH splash shield.





3. Remove the 3 pushpin fasteners, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.





4. Remove the 3 RH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).





5. Remove the 3 LH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts and separate the lower bumper from the subframe.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).





6. Remove the 3 power steering tube bracket bolts from the RH side of the subframe and position the power steering tube aside.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).





7. NOTE: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.

NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.

Remove the 2 stabilizer bar link-to-control arm nuts (1 each side) and separate the stabilizer bar links from the lower control arms.

- Discard the nuts.

- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





8. NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.

Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle pinch bolts and separate the lower control arms from the knuckles.

- Discard the bolts.

- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).





9. Loosen the Y-pipe clamp and disconnect the 2 exhaust hangers.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).





10. Remove the 4 nuts and the Y-pipe assembly.
- To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).





11. NOTE: The steering gear is not removed with the front subframe and must be positioned aside. Position the steering gear aside using mechanic's wire.

Remove the 4 bolts and position the steering rack aside using a suitable length of mechanic's wire.
- Discard the bolts.

- To install, tighten the steering gear bolts in the sequence shown.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).





12. Remove the 4 bolts and position the stabilizer bar aside using a suitable length of mechanic's wire.
- Discard the bolts.

- To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).





13. Remove the nuts and the roll restrictor heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).





14. Remove the 3 bolts from the roll restrictor bracket.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





15. Position the lift table under the subframe.





16. NOTE: Align the front subframe index marks to the body index marks made during removal.

NOTE: During installation, the subframe brackets are loosely installed with the support bracket bolts. Tighten the rear subframe nuts prior to tightening the support bracket bolts.

Remove the 2 nuts, 4 bolts and the subframe support brackets.

- Discard the nuts and bolts.

- To install, tighten the nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

- To install, tighten the bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





17. Remove the 2 front subframe nuts.
- Discard the nuts.

- To install, tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).





18. Remove the 2 middle subframe nuts and remove the subframe.
- Discard the nuts.

- To install, tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).





19. Transfer the components as necessary.

20. To install, reverse the removal procedure.