Front Subframe: Service and Repair

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SUBFRAME - FRONT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - HYBRID

Removal/Installation

All vehicles

CAUTION: Suspension and subframe fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can 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. Raise and support the vehicle. See Lifting.

2. Turn the wheels to the straight ahead position and remove the key.

3. Disconnect the high-voltage traction battery.

4. Disconnect the battery ground cable. See Battery Disconnect.

5. Remove the rear transmission insulator and retainer. See Transaxle Support Insulator And Retainer - Rear Removal/Installation.

Hybrid vehicles with all wheel drive (AWD)





1. Remove the rear engine mount bracket.

- Remove the 2 rear engine mount bracket nuts.

- To install, tighten to 90 Nm {9.0 kgf-m, 66 ft-lbf}.
- Remove the rear engine mount bracket bolt.

- To install, tighten to 90 Nm {9.0 kgf-m, 66 ft-lbf}.
- Remove the rear engine mount bracket.

All vehicles

1. Remove the two front wheel and tire assemblies. See Service and Repair.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the constant velocity (CV) joint bolts and washers. Install new bolts and washers or damage to the vehicle may occur.

CAUTION: Do not reuse the bolts and cap straps for the center U-joint. Install new bolts and cap straps or damage to the vehicle may occur.

NOTE: Index-mark the front driveshaft to the center bearing.

2. Remove the front driveshaft, if equipped.

- Remove the 6 front driveshaft-to-transfer case bolts and washers. Discard the bolts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 37 Nm {3.7 kgf-m, 27 ft-lbf}.
- Remove the 4 universal joint cap strap bolts and 2 cap straps and remove the front driveshaft. Discard the universal joint cap strap bolts and cap straps.
- To install, tighten to 23 Nm {2.3 kgf-m, 17 ft-lbf}.






3. Remove the 4 bolts {2 each side} and the lateral support crossmember.

- To install, tighten to 115 Nm {11.7 kgf-m, 85 ft-lbf}.

4. Remove the muffler inlet pipe on the 2.3L engine. See Muffler And Tailpipe Removal/Installation.






5. Remove the 6 bolts and the scrivet from the LH splash shield and remove the splash shield.






6. Remove the engine support crossmember front insulator bolt.

- To install, tighten to 120 Nm {12 kgf-m, 89 ft-lbf}.






7. Remove the 2 engine support crossmember bolts.

- To install, tighten to 90 Nm {9.0 kgf-m, 66 ft-lbf}.






8. Remove the 2 bolts from the lower transmission insulator and retainer bracket.






9. Remove the nut and the engine support crossmember. Discard the nut.

- To install, tighten to 17.5 Nm {17.8 kgf-m, 129 ft-lbf}.

10. Remove the power steering coupler bolt. Discard the bolt.

- To install, tighten to 25 Nm {2.5 kgf-m, 18 ft-lbf}.






11. Remove the power steering coupler bolt. Discard the bolt.

- To install, tighten to 25 Nm {2.5 kgf-m, 18 ft-lbf}.

12. Using the special tool, separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.

13. Remove the 2 lower stabilizer bar link nuts. Discard the nuts.


NOTE: Use the hex holding fixture to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing and installing the stabilizer link nut.

- To install, tighten to 55 Nm {5.5 kgf-m, 41 ft-lbf}.

14. Remove the 2 lower control arm ball joint pinch bolt nuts and pinch bolts. Discard the nuts and the bolts.

- To install, tighten to 63 Nm {6.3 kgf-m, 46 ft-lbf}.

15. Using a suitable lift, support the front subframe.

16. Loosen the 2 front subframe rear bolts.

- To install, tighten to 175 Nm {17.8 kgf-m, 129 ft-lbf}.


NOTE: Do not allow the front subframe rear bolts to come out of the lower control arm bushing.

NOTE: When installing the front subframe rear bolts, make sure both of the front subframe rear bolts are fully engaged in their cage nuts before tightening to specification.

17. Remove the 2 front subframe nuts.

- To install, tighten to 150 Nm {15.2 kgf-m, 111 ft-lbf}.

18. With an assistant, remove the front subframe.


NOTE: The lower control arm ball joints must be disconnected from the spindles at the same time the subframe is lowered.

19. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

- Transfer the components as necessary.