Front Subframe: Service and Repair
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement
Special Tools
EN-45059 Angle Meter
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
Removal Procedure
1.Support the radiator and condenser from above using the condenser tabs on each side.
2.Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
3.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4.Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
5.Remove the catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
6.Remove the wheelhouse liners. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement Service and Repair .
7.Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness (2) from the frame on both sides.
8.Remove the wiring harness retainers (3) from the frame and the lower control arm.
9.Remove the radiator wiring harness (1) from the frame.
10.Remove the wiring harness retainers (4) from the frame.
11.Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
12.Remove and DISCARD the upper stabilizer shaft link nut (1) and remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut.
13.Remove the outer tie rods and tie rod nuts from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
14.Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
15.Remove the front (1) and the rear (2) transmission mount bracket bolts.
16.Carefully disconnect 2 wiring harness plugs (3) from the steering gear with a suitable tool. Refer to FEP Connectors .
17.Using a suitable engine support table or equivalent, lower the vehicle until the drivetrain and front suspension frame contacts the engine support table.
18.Remove the frame front bolts (1).
19.Remove the frame rear bolts (2).
20.Remove and DISCARD the rear frame reinforcement bolts (3).
21.Remove the frame reinforcements (4).
22.Remove the frame (5) from the vehicle.
23.Remove the following components if replacing the frame:
-The lower control arms - Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
-The stabilizer shaft - Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
-The radiator support brackets.
-The steering gear - Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
Installation Procedure
Caution:Refer to Fastener Caution .
1.Install the following components on the drivetrain and front suspension frame if removed:
-The radiator support brackets and tighten to 22 N �m (16 lb ft).
Caution:Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Caution .
-Thighten the radiator support brackets a final pass to an additional 45 degrees, using the EN-45059 meter.
-The stabilizer shaft - Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
-The lower control arms - Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
-The steering gear - Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
2.Install the frame (5) into the vehicle.
3.Install the frame reinforcements (4).
4.Install the frame rear bolts (2) and tighten to160 N �m (118 lb ft).
5.Tighten 2 NEW frame reinforcement bolts (3) a first pass to60 N �m (44 lb ft).
Caution:Refer to Torque-to-Yield Fastener Caution .
6.Tighten the 2 NEW frame reinforcement bolts (3) a final pass to an additional45 degrees , using the
EN-45059 meter.
7.Install the frame front bolts (1) and tighten to160 N �m (118 lb ft).
8.Remove the support for the power steering gear.
9.Install and tighten 2 wiring harness bracket bolts (4) to9 N �m (80 lb in).
10.Tighten wiring harness retainer (1) to steering gear.
11.Connect 2 wiring harness plugs (3).
12.Install the front bumper energy absorber bracket bolt.
13.Install the front transmission mount bolt (1) and tighten to100 N �m (74 lb ft).
14.Install the rear transmission mount bracket bolt (2) and tighten to100 N �m (74 lb ft).
15.Install the outer tie rods and tie rod nuts to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
16.Install the stabilizer shaft link on both sides to the strut the NEW stabilizer shaft link nut (1) steering linkage tie rod nuts and tighten to65 N �m (48 lb ft).
17.Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
18.Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harness (2) to the frame on both sides.
19.Install the wiring harness retainers (3) to the frame and the lower control arm.
20.Install the radiator wiring harness (1) to the frame.
21.Install the wiring harness retainers (4) to the frame.
22.Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
23.Install the wheelhouse liners. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement Service and Repair .
24.Install the catalytic converter. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
25.Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
26.Lower the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
27.Remove the support of the radiator and condenser.
28.Perform a wheel alignment measurement. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .