Subframe - Front, 3.5L and 3.7L

Subframe - Front, 3.5L and 3.7L

















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. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected, or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered.

NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter(R) 28-75-1 or equivalent).

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.







2. Remove the wheel and tire.

3. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
- To install, tighten new bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

4. Mark the subframe position for reference during installation.
5. Remove the 3 pin-type retainers, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.
6. Remove the pin-type retainer from the power steering return line bracket.
7. Remove the 3 RH front subframe-to-lower bumper washer-nuts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).







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







9. Remove the power steering fluid cooler-to-front subframe bolt.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

10. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe.
11. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod-end cotter pins and nuts.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

12. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.







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

Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle nuts and bolts and separate the lower control arms from the knuckles.
- Discard the nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).







14. Remove the 2 roll restrictor heat shield nuts and the roll restrictor heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).

15. Remove the roll restrictor-to-front subframe bolt.
- Clean the bolt using a wire brush and apply new threadlock to the threads.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

16. Position the Powertrain Lift under the front subframe.







17. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove and discard the 2 crossbrace-to-front subframe support bracket bolts and remove the crossbrace.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).







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

Remove the 2 front subframe support bracket bolts, the 2 rearward subframe mounting nuts and the front subframe support brackets.
- Discard the nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).







19. Remove and discard the 2 forward subframe mounting nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).







20. NOTE: During installation, align the index marks made during removal.

Remove and discard the 2 middle subframe mounting nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).







21. Using the Powertrain Lift, lower the front subframe approximately 101 mm (3.976 in).

22. NOTICE: Install a new banjo bolt and seals any time the power steering pressure line is disconnected from the steering gear, or a fluid leak may occur.

Remove and discard the pressure line-to-steering gear banjo bolt and 2 seals.
- On installation, replace the 2 seals.
- To install, tighten the new banjo bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

23. Remove the 2 steering gear heat shield bolts and the steering gear heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).

24. Remove the 3 steering line bracket-to-steering gear bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

25. Remove the 2 steering line bracket-to-subframe bolts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

26. Release the clamp and disconnect the return hose from the steering gear.
27. Remove the front subframe.

Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
2. Fill the power steering system.