Removal

Transaxle





WARNING: Do not breathe dust or use compressed air to blow dust from storage containers or friction components. Remove dust using government-approved techniques. Friction component dust may be a cancer and lung disease hazard. Exposure to potentially hazardous components may occur if dusts are created during repair of friction components, such as brake pads and clutch discs. Exposure may also cause irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract, and may cause allergic reactions and/or may lead to other chronic health effects. If irritation persists, seek medical attention or advice. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Jacking and Lifting Service and Repair.

2. Remove the battery tray. For additional information, refer to Battery, Mounting and Cables Battery Tray.

3. Remove the Air Cleaner (ACL) assembly. For additional information, refer to Intake Air Distribution and Filtering - 2.5L Air Cleaner.

4. Disconnect the shift cables from the transaxle shift control lever, using a suitable tool to lightly pry them off the transaxle shift control lever.





5. NOTICE: Carefully pry the retainer on the shift cables. Do not damage the shift cable retainers. Using a small screwdriver push from the back.

Disconnect the shift cables from the transaxle bracket.





6. Install the Engine Support Bar.





7. Detach the wire harness from the transaxle.

8. Remove the 3 upper transaxle-to-engine bolts.

9. NOTE: If one or both of the mount studs are removed or come out, do not reinstall the old stud(s). Install a new stud(s). Make sure the studs are properly seated in the case, even if they were not replaced.

Remove the transaxle rear support insulator nuts and the transaxle rear support insulator bolt.

10. NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device such as Hunter(R) 28-75-1 or equivalent, to hold the steering wheel.

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.





11. Remove the 2 nuts and the steering joint cover.





12. NOTICE: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System Service and Repair.

Remove and discard the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.





13. If equipped, remove the 7 screws and the underbody cover.





14. NOTE: If disassembly of the transaxle is required, remove the drain plug and drain the transaxle.

Remove the drain plug and drain the transaxle.





15. Once fluid has drained, install the drain plug.
- Tighten to 49 Nm (36 lb-ft).

16. Remove the 2 clutch tube hydraulic line bracket bolts.





17. Remove the 2 bolts and position the clutch slave cylinder aside.





18. Disconnect the reverse lamp switch electrical connector.

19. Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starting System Service and Repair.

20. Disconnect the Output Shaft Speed (OSS) electrical connector.





21. NOTICE: Remove the steering gear/dash seal or damage to the seal may occur.

Release the 4 clips and slide the steering gear/dash seal off of the steering gear.





22. Remove the exhaust flexible pipe. For additional information, refer to Exhaust System Service and Repair.

23. Remove the 2 roll restrictor bracket bolts.





24. Remove the 4 screws and position the RH fender splash shield aside.





25. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown) and the RH splash shield.





26. Remove the 4 screws and position the LH fender splash shield aside.





27. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown) and the LH splash shield.





28. Remove the LH halfshaft and the intermediate shaft. For additional information, refer to Front Drive Halfshafts Service and Repair.

29. Disconnect the 2 in-line Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system electrical connectors at the front of the subframe.





30. Detach the 2 EPAS system wiring harness pin-type retainers from the subframe.





31. Detach the EPAS system wiring harness pin-type retainer from the subframe under the LH fender splash shield.





32. Remove the bolt and the EPAS system wiring harness ground from behind the RH splash shield.





33. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the nuts and separate the stabilizer bar links from the struts.





34. Position the Powertrain Lift under the subframe assembly.





35. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the subframe bracket-to-body bolts.





36. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the rear subframe nuts and the subframe brackets.





37. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

Remove the front subframe nuts.





38. Lower the subframe assembly from the vehicle.

39. Support the transaxle with a suitable transmission jack. Secure the transaxle to the transmission jack with a safety strap.

40. Remove the clutch housing-to-oil pan bolt.





41. Remove the 2 oil pan-to-clutch housing bolts.





42. Remove the remaining 4 transaxle-to-engine bolts.

43. Move the transaxle away from the engine and lower it from the vehicle.