Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement


Removal Procedure

1.Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .

2.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

3.Remove the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

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.Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement .

7.Disconnect the left and right stabilizer links from the strut assemblies. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

8.Remove the two steering gear retaining bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

9.Using mechanics wire suspend the steering gear from the powertrain.

10.On AWD vehicles, remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .





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





12.If equipped with AWD, remove the rear transmission mount bolts (3).





13.If equipped with FWD, remove the rear transmission mount fasteners (1, 2).

14.Disconnect the height sensor links from the ball studs on the lower control arm.

15.Detach the wire harnesses from the lower control arm.

16.Separate the lower control arms from the steering knuckles (1). Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

17.Disconnect all electrical harnesses and the power steering cooler line from the clips in the frame (2).

18.Mark the location of the frame using spray paint for correct positioning during installation.

19.Carefully lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the support table.

20.Remove the frame reinforcements. Discard the frame reinforcement to body bolts. Do Not discard the cradle bolts.

21.Remove the two rear frame to body bolts.

22.Remove the two front frame-to-body bolts.

23.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.

24.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 .

2.Install the frame retaining bolts then tighten the bolts to160 N �m(118 lb ft).

3.Install the frame reinforcements with NEW bolts and then tighten the bolts to60 N �m (44 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.

4.Remove the mechanics wire and install the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

5.Install the electrical harnesses and the power steering cooler line to the clips in the frame (2).

6.Connect the lower control arms to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

7.Install the rear transmission mount fasteners. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement .

8.Install the front transmission mount bolts and nut then tighten to100 N �m (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 .

11.On AWD vehicles, install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .

12.Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement .

13.Remove the engine support fixture.

14.Install the front fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement Front Bumper Fascia Replacement .

15.Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

16.Lower the vehicle.

17.Check the wheel alignment.