Front Suspension
Stabilizer Bar and Link
Removal and Installation
NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is 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.
NOTE: If replacing only the stabilizer bar bushings, proceed to Step 20 of this procedure.
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. For additional information, refer to Restraints and Safety Systems &/or Air Bag Systems.
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. 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 RH front fender splash shield.
6. Remove the 3 pushpin fasteners, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.
7. Remove the 3 RH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
8. Remove the 3 LH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts and washers and separate the bumper from the subframe.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
9. Remove the power steering fluid cooler-to-subframe bolt.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
10. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe.
11. NOTE: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nuts.
Remove and discard the 2 stabilizer link upper and 2 stabilizer link lower nuts and the stabilizer links.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
12. Remove the 2 nuts and the roll restrictor heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
13. Remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
- Clean the bolt using a wire brush and apply new threadlock to the threads.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
14. Support the subframe using the Powertrain Lift.
- Support the subframe in the center rear area of the subframe.
15. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Remove and discard the 2 crossbrace bolts and remove the crossbrace.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
16. NOTE: During installation, the subframe brackets are loosely installed with the support bracket bolts. Align the index marks made in Step 2, then tighten the rear subframe nuts prior to tightening the support bracket bolts.
Remove the 2 remaining subframe bracket bolts, the 2 subframe bracket nuts and the 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).
17. Remove and discard the 2 forward subframe nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
18. Remove and discard the 2 middle subframe nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
19. Using the jack, lower the subframe approximately 101 mm (3.976 in).
20. Remove and discard the 4 bolts, 2 stabilizer bar brackets and bushings.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
21. Remove the stabilizer bar.
22. To Install, reverse the removal procedure.