Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement - Front

Tools Required

J 39580 Engine Support Stand


Removal Procedure

1. Support the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
4. Remove the front fender liner enough to gain access to the front frame bolts. Refer to Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Front (Service and Repair) in Exterior Trim.
5. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FWD) and Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (AWD).
7. Remove the propeller shaft, if equipped with all wheel drive (AWD). Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.

Important: It is NOT necessary to remove the catalytic converter pipe on FWD models.


8. Remove the catalytic converter pipe, if equipped with AWD. Refer to PSD SIE TITLE Error: SIE linked to empty Cell ID 37817 in Engine Exhaust.
9. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Power Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.
10. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.
11. Remove the power steering gear from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.
12. Use mechanics wire secure the power steering gear to the exhaust pipe.
13. Remove the front engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine (Service and Repair) in Body Front End.
14. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement.
15. Use mechanics wire to secure the power steering cooler line out of the way .
16. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
17. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
18. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.
19. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Right.
20. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Automatic Transmission Mount Replacement.




21. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 .




22. Remove the frame front bolts (2).
23. Remove the frame rear bolts (4).
24. Remove the frame strap bolts (3) and straps (5).
25. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
26. 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.




Installation Procedure

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

1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
2. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front) .

2. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.





Important: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.


3. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
4. Adjust the utility straps as necessary in order to align the powertrain mounts with the frame.

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


5. Inserting two 19 mm (0.75 in) diameter X 203 mm (8.0 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 in Cautions and Notices.

6. Install the frame front bolts (2).

Tighten the bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).

7. Install the frame straps (5) and bolts (3).

Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

8. Install the frame rear bolts (4).

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

9. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
10. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Automatic Transmission Mount Replacement.
11. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Right.
12. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
13. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.
15. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement.
16. Install the front engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine (Service and Repair) in Body Front End.
17. Install the power steering gear to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.
18. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.
19. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Power Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement.
20. Install the propeller shaft, if equipped with AWD. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
21. Install the catalytic converter pipe, if equipped with AWD. Refer to PSD SIE TITLE Error: SIE linked to empty Cell ID 37817 in Engine Exhaust.
22. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FWD) and Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (AWD).
23. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.
24. Install the front fender liner . Refer to Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Front (Service and Repair) in Exterior Trim.
25. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
26. Lower the vehicle.
27. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
28. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.