Removal and Replacement

The transaxle and converter must be removed as an assembly to prevent damage to the torque converter driveplate, pump bushing and oil seal. The driveplate will not support a load. Do not allow the weight of the transaxle to rest on the driveplate.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then detach throttle and shift linkage from transaxle.
2. Disconnect upper and lower cooler lines, then unplug the lock-up converter plug located near the dipstick.
3. Install an engine support fixture across top of engine compartment, then remove bellhousing upper bolts.
4. Remove front stub axle cotter pin, nut lock and spring washer, then loosen front hub nut and wheel nuts.
5. Raise and support vehicle, then remove hub nut, washer and front wheels.
6. Remove left splash shield.
7. Remove speedometer adapter, cable and pinion as an assembly.
8. Remove sway bar.
9. Remove both lower ball joint to steering knuckle bolts, then pry lower ball joint from steering knuckle.
10. Separate outer CV joint splined shaft from hub by holding CV housing while moving steering knuckle assembly away. Do not pry on or damage CV joint sleeve.
11. Remove both driveshafts, supporting both joints at housing.
12. Remove lock-up dust cover, then mark torque converter and drive plate and remove torque converter mounting bolts.
13. Remove engine crankshaft rotation access plug from right splash shield.
14. Disconnect neutral safety switch electrical connector.
15. Remove engine mount bracket from front crossmember and front mount insulator through-bolt and bellhousing bolts.
16. Position transmissions jack under transaxle.
17. Remove three left engine mount bolts and long bolt through left engine mount.
18. Remove starter and lower bellhousing bolts.
19. Attach a small C clamp to edge of bell housing to hold torque converter in place during removal. Carefully work transaxle rearward off engine block dowels and disengage torque converter from end of crankshaft.
20. Lower transaxle and remove.
21. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Tighten all fasteners to specifications.
b. Adjust gearshift and throttle cables.
c. Fill transaxle with correct type and amount of fluid.