Front Cross-Member: Service and Repair

Part 1 Of 3:

Part 2 Of 3:

Part 3 Of 3:

CROSSMEMBER
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
^ Before removing the steering wheel and airbag module assembly, always refer to Service Precautions, Airbag Module and Clockspring. Also, set the front wheels so that they are facing straight forward, and remove the ignition key. If you fail to do this, the SRS clockspring will be damaged, causing the SRS airbag to be inoperative and serious injury.
^ *a: Indicates parts which should be initially tightened, and then fully tightened after placing the vehicle horizontally and loading the full weight of the engine on the vehicle body.
^ *2: Indicates parts which should be temporarily tightened, and then fully tightened with the vehicle on the ground in the unladen condition.

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS
[[A]] STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLY REMOVAL

CAUTION: The tilt lever should be held in the lock position until the steering column shaft is installed to the vehicle. If the steering column is removed with the tilt lever released, or the tilt lever is released after the steering column shaft was removed from the vehicle, the steering column cannot be reinstalled correctly. If the steering column is installed incorrectly, the collision energy absorbing mechanism may be damaged.

1. Ensure that the tilt lever is in the lock position, and remove the steering column mounting bolts.





2. Pinch the steering column shaft clip with pliers, and pull up the shaft in the direction shown to disengage the steering column shaft assembly.





NOTE: If the steering column shaft accidentally, remove the steering column assembly and be sure to insert the steering column shaft into the steering column as shown in the figure.

[[B]] TIE ROD END AND KNUCKLE DISCONNECTION

CAUTION:
^ Do not remove the nut from ball joint. Loosen it and use special tool MB991897 to avoid possible damage to ball joint threads.
^ Hang special tool MB991897 with cord to prevent it from falling.





1. Install the special tool MB991897 as shown in the figure.





2. Turn the bolt and knob as necessary to make the jaws of special tool MB991897 parallel, tighten the bolt by hand and confirm that the jaws are still parallel.

NOTE: When adjusting the jaws in parallel, make sure the knob is in the position shown in the figure.

3. Tighten the bolt with a wrench to disconnect the tie rod end.

[[C]] FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER STAY REMOVAL





The crossmember mounting bolts need not be unscrewed when the front axle crossmember stay is replaced. However, the bolts may be loose while the front axle crossmember stay is removed. It is recommended that you should retighten the bolts to 180 ± 20 Nm (13 ± 14 ft. lbs.).

[[D]] REAR ROLL STOPPER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE STABILIZER BAR AND FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL





Retain the front axle No. 1 crossmember with a transmission jack, and then remove the crossmember mounting bolt.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINT
]]A[[ STABILIZER BAR INSTALLATION





Align the stabilizer bar identification mark with the right end of the bushing (LH).

]]B[[ POWER STEERING GEAR BRACKET INSTALLATION





Tighten the power steering gear bracket bolts in the alphabetical order shown.

]]C[[ REAR ROLL STOPPER STEERING GEAR AND LINKAGE STABILIZER BAR AND FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION





Align the steering joint cover notch (arrow A) with the steering gear lug (arrow B), and install the front axle number 1 crossmember, the rear roll stopper and steering gear assembly.

]]D[[ FRONT AXLE NO.1 CROSSMEMBER STAY/SELF-LOCKING NUT INSTALLATION





CAUTION: Before installing the front crossmember stay, ensure that the crossmember mounting bolts have been tightened to 160 - 200 Nm (119 - 147 ft. lbs.).

Ensure that the crossmember mounting bolts have been tightened to 160 - 200 Nm (119 - 147 ft. lbs.), and then install the front crossmember stay with the self-locking nut.

INSPECTION
^ Check the crossmembers for cracks or damage.