Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement


Tools Required
* J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
* J 43631 Ball Joint Remover



Removal Procedure

1. With the wheels in the straight ahead position, remove the key from the ignition switch.




2. Secure the cooling module to the upper body structure.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
4. Remove the front wheels from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
5. Remove the left and right wheel house liners. Refer to Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Front (Service and Repair).




6. Remove the front transaxle mount to cradle through bolt.




7. Remove the rear transaxle mount to frame bolts.




8. Remove both stabilizer link to stabilizer shaft nuts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.




9. Remove both tie rod to steering knuckle nuts.




10. Use the J 24319-B to separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles.




11. Remove the intermediate steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt and discard.

Important: DO NOT rotate the intermediate shaft once separated from the gear. Possible damage or a malfunction could occur.


12. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.




13. Remove both lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolts.

Notice: Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

14. Lower the lower control arms in order to disengage the steering knuckle. If necessary, use the J 43631.
15. Mark the frame to body position with a paint pen or permanent marker.




16. Lower the vehicle to about 3 feet off the ground in order to place a hydraulic lift table under the frame.
17. Use two 2 x 4's between the lift table and the frame and lift the table to the frame.
18. Slowly remove the frame bolts using the following sequence:

1. Remove the front frame bolts.
2. Partially unscrew the rear frame bolts exposing 25.4 mm (1.5 in) of bolt shank.

19. Slowly lower the lift table to the floor.
20. Continue with the following steps when replacing the frame:

1. Remove the steering gear from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.
2. Remove the stabilizer bar from the frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
3. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
4. Remove the radiator brackets from the frame.




Installation Procedure

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

1. Install the radiator brackets to the frame.
2. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
3. Install the stabilizer bar to the frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
4. Install the steering gear to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement.

2. With the frame on the lift table, raise the frame to the vehicle.




3. Hand start all the frame bolts while aligning the frame to the paint marks.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

4. Tighten the frame bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 100 Nm plus 180 degrees (74 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.

5. Lower and remove the hydraulic table.




6. Connect the lower control arm to the steering knuckle.

Important: The torque sequence must be followed in the order that is listed.


7. Install the ball joint pinch bolt and nut.

1. First Pass: Tighten the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb ft) .
2. Reverse nut 3/4 turn
3. Second Pass: Tighten the nut to 50 Nm (37 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.







Important: The front and rear transmission mounts must be allowed to settle with the through bolts loosened.


8. Hand start the front transaxle mount through bolt.
9. Loosen the rear transmission mount through bolt.




10. Tighten the rear transaxle mount to frame bolts.

Tighten the rear bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

11. Tighten the front and rear transaxle mount through bolts in the following order.

1. Tighten the rear bolt to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).
2. Tighten the front bolt to 100 Nm (74 lb ft).






12. Install the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles.
13. Install the new outer tie rod to the knuckle nuts.

Tighten the nuts to 20 Nm (15 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.





14. Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
15. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear.
16. Install a new intermediate shaft pinch bolt.

Tighten the bolt to 34 Nm (25 lb ft).

17. Install the left and right wheel house liners. Refer to Wheelhouse Liner Replacement - Front. Service and Repair
18. Install the front wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Road test the vehicle in order to test for the following conditions:

* Steering leads or pulls-Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment.
* Abnormal powertrain noise or vibration at idle. Inspect the engine and transmission mounts for proper alignment and torque.