Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Frame Replacement


Tools Required
* J 28467-200 Universal Engine Support Fixture
* J 28467-500UPD Utility Straps
* J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table



Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the front tires and wheels.Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft links and rotate up to gain access to the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
5. Remove the power steering gear heat shield.
6. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.




7. Use a strap in order to secure the power steering gear to the exhaust pipe.
8. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement.
9. Use utility wire in order to secure the power steering cooler line to the battery cables.
10. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
11. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
12. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.

Important:
* The J 28467-500UPD utility straps MUST be installed in order to prevent powertrain movement when the frame is removed.

* Ensure that the J 28467-500UPD utility straps DO NOT contact the frame in order to provide clearance for the frame removal.



13. Install the J 28467-500UPD utility straps. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
14. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
15. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement.




16. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 .




17. Remove and DISCARD the frame front bolts.
18. Remove and DISCARD the frame rear bolts.
19. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
20. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front) and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Rear) .
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
3. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.




Installation Procedure

1. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:

1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
2. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
3. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Front) and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement (Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement - Rear) .

2. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.





Important: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.


3. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
4. Adjust the utility straps as necessary in order to align the powertrain mounts with the frame.

Important: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.


5. Inserting two 19 X 203 mm (8.0 X 0.75 in) guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.





Caution: These fasteners MUST be replaced with new fasteners anytime they become loose or are removed. Failure to replace these fasteners after they become loose or are removed may cause loss of vehicle control and personal injury.


Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

6. Install the NEW frame front bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 150 N.m (111 lb ft).

7. Install the NEW frame rear bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 165 N.m (122 lb ft).

8. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
9. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement.
10. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement.
11. Remove the J 28467-500UPD utility straps.
12. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
13. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.
15. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement.
16. Install the power steering gear to the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.
17. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement.
18. Install the power steering gear heat shield.
19. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Front Bumper Impact Bar Replacement (Service and Repair) in Front Suspension.
20. Install the front tires and wheels.Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Remove the engine support fixture.
23. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.