Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement - Front (W/AWD)

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. Remove the front engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine (Service and Repair) .
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
5. Remove the propeller shaft . Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
6. Remove the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
7. Remove the power steering gear . Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement .
8. Remove the inner fender liner enough to gain access to the front frame bolts. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement (Service and Repair) .
9. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe from the pressure hose. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LY7) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LX9) .
10. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor harness connectors.
11. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
12. Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .




13. Use the utility stand in order to raise the frame and powertrain.
14. Install the frame rear bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement - Front (W/AWD) Frame Replacement - Front (W/FWD) () .
15. Remove the utility stand from the frame.
16. Remove the engine mount nuts.
17. Remove the transaxle mount nuts.




18. Use a utility stand in order to support the powertrain at the transfer case.




19. Remove frame to body bolts.
20. Use the utility stand in order to lower the frame and powertrain.
21. Provide clearance for the frame to pass to the PTU.
22. Remove the frame from the vehicle. The frame will be around the utility stand.




23. Use a transmission stand to support the powertrain.




24. Remove the utility stand in order to free the frame from the utility stand.
25. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front) .
2. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
3. Remove the power steering cooler pipes from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LY7) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LX9) .




Installation Procedure

1. If you are replacing the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Install the power steering cooler pipes to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LY7) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LX9) .
2. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
3. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front) .





2. Use a utility stand with the frame around it to support the powertrain.




3. Remove the transmission stand from the powertrain.
4. Install the frame to the vehicle.
5. Use the utility stand to raise the frame and powertrain.

Important: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.


6. Insert two 19 mm (0.75 in) diameter X 203 mm (8 in) long guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .





7. Install the frame to chassis front bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 155 N.m (114 lb ft).

8. Install the frame to chassis rear bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 240 N.m (177 lb ft).

9. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
10. Install the transaxle mount nuts.

Tighten the nuts to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).

11. Install the engine mount nuts.

Tighten the nuts to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).

12. Remove the utility stand from the powertrain.




13. Use a utility stand to support the frame.
14. Remove the rear frame bolts.
15. Use the utility stand in order to lower the frame and powertrain.
16. Connect the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
17. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connectors.
18. Connect the lower control arms to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .
19. Connect the power steering cooler pipe to the pressure hose. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LY7) Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (LX9) .
20. Install front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement (Service and Repair) .
21. Install the power steering gear . Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement .
22. Install the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
23. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .
24. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
25. Install the front engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine (Service and Repair) .
26. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
27. Lower the vehicle.