Frame: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (Engine Support Fixture).
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
4. Remove the front fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement (Front Bumper Fascia Replacement).




5. Tie the radiator, air conditioning condenser, and fan module assembly to the upper radiator support to keep the assembly with the vehicle when the frame is lowered.
6. Disconnect the left and right stabilizer links from the strut assemblies. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
7. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA) (Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA))Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNB) (Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNB)).
8. Remove the two steering gear retaining bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (Steering Gear).
9. Using mechanics wire suspend the steering gear from the powertrain.
10. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (V6) (Service and Repair)Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (V6) (Service and Repair)Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (L4) (Service and Repair).
11. On AWD vehicles, remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Propeller Shaft Replacement).




12. Remove the front transmission mount through bolt (1).




13. Remove the rear transmission mount bolts (3).
14. Separate the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles (1). Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) (Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA))Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB) (Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB)).




15. Remove the electrical harness and the power steering cooler line from the clips in the frame (2).
16. Mark the location of the frame using spray paint for correct positioning during installation.
17. Carefully lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the support table.
18. Remove the frame reinforcements.
19. Remove the two rear frame to body bolts.
20. Remove the two front frame-to-body bolts.
21. Carefully raise the vehicle to separate the frame from the body.

Note: Do not separate the stabilizer bar bracket from the insulator and stabilizer bar when transferring parts.

22. If replacing the frame, transfer components as necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Carefully lower the vehicle until contacts the frame assembly and is correctly positioned within the spray painted areas.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the frame retaining bolts then tighten the bolts to 160 Nm(118 lb ft).
3. Install the frame reinforcements then tighten the bolts to 42 Nm(31 lb ft).
4. Remove the mechanics wire and install the steering gear with NEW bolts and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft) plus 150 degrees, plus 15 degrees.




5. Install the electrical harness and the power steering cooler line to the clips in the frame (2).
6. Connect the ball joint studs to the steering knuckles (1). Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) (Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA))Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB) (Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNB)).




7. Install the rear transmission mount through bolt (1) and tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
8. Install the front transmission mount bolts and nut then tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
9. Untie the radiator, air conditioning condenser, and fan module assembly from the upper radiator support.
10. Connect the left and right stabilizer links to the strut assemblies. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Front Suspension).
11. Connect the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA) (Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA))Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNB) (Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNB)).
12. On AWD vehicles, install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (Propeller Shaft Replacement).
13. Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (V6) (Service and Repair)Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (V6) (Service and Repair)Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement (L4) (Service and Repair).
14. Remove the engine support fixture.
15. Install the front fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement (Front Bumper Fascia Replacement).
16. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Check the wheel alignment.