Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement

Special Tools

Removal Procedure





1.Support the powertrain using the support fixture. This fixture is used to keep the powertrain from rocking fore/aft once the front and rear mounts are disconnected. Refer to Engine Support Fixture for the 2.2L or 2.4L engine or Engine Support Fixture for the 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L or 3.6L engine.

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

3.Disconnect the front control arm ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

4.Remove the front exhaust pipe assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement for the 2.2L or 2.4L engine or Exhaust Flexible Pipe Replacement for the 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L or 3.6L engine.

5.Remove the propeller shaft, if equipped. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .

Note:Do not allow the radiator to swing after removing the front suspension crossmember.

6.Secure the upper part of the radiator with mechanics wire.

7.Disconnect the 2 stabilizer shaft links from the struts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

8.If equipped with hydraulic power steering, remove the steering gear to front suspension crossmember bolts.

9.If equipped with rack electronic power steering, disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the steering gear with the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .





10.Support the front suspension crossmember by a jack stand.

11.Remove the front suspension crossmember to transmission rear mount bracket bolts.





12.Remove the transmission front mount to front suspension crossmember bolt and disconnect the mount from the frame.





13.Remove the front suspension crossmember to body bolts.





14.Remove the front suspension crossmember support bracket to body bolts.

15.Lower the front suspension crossmember slowly with care. Rotate the stabilizer shaft properly in order to have enough space.

16.Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

17.Remove the 2 control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Installation Procedure

1.Install the 2 front control arms. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

2.Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .





3.Raise the front suspension crossmember slowly with care using a jack stand. Rotate the stabilizer shaft properly in order to settle the front suspension crossmember in the correct position.

4.If equipped with rack electronic power steering, install the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

Caution:Refer to Fastener Caution .

5.Install the front suspension crossmember support bracket and front suspension crossmember to body bolts.

-Tighten the front suspension crossmember to body bolts to155 N �m (114 lb ft).

-Tighten the front suspension crossmember support bracket to body bolts to50 N �m (37 lb ft).

6.Install the front suspension crossmember to transmission rear mount bolts and tighten to110 N �m (81 lb ft).





7.Install the transmission front mount to transmission bolts and tighten to50 N �m (37 lb ft).

8.Install the front suspension crossmember to transmission front mount bolt and tighten to110 N �m (81 lb ft).

9.Install the transmission rear mount to transmission bolts and tighten to50 N �m (37 lb ft).

10.Install the front suspension crossmember to transmission rear mount through bolt and tighten to110 N �m (81 lb ft).





11.If equipped with hydraulic power steering, install the power steering gear to front suspension crossmember bolts and tighten to110 N �m (81 lb ft).

12.Connect the 2 stabilizer shaft links to the struts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .





13.Install the front exhaust pipe assembly. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement for the 2.2L or 2.4L engine or Exhaust Flexible Pipe Replacement for the 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L or 3.6L engine.

14.Connect the front control arm ball joint to the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

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

16.Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture for the 2.2L or 2.4L engine or Engine Support Fixture for the 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L or 3.6L engine.

17.Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment .