Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (AWD)

Special Tools
- J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Removal Procedure

1. Support the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Removal and Replacement.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the front tires and wheels.
4. Remove the front fender liner enough to gain access to the front frame bolts. Refer to Fender Liner Replacement Service and Repair.
5. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.
7. Remove the propeller shaft . Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.
8. Remove the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
9. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement Service and Repair.
10. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Service and Repair.
11. Remove the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Service and Repair.
12. Remove the front engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement Service and Repair.
13. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement Service and Repair.
14. Use mechanics wire to secure the power steering cooler line out of the way.
15. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
16. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
17. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
18. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Removal and Replacement.
19. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement Service and Repair.






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






21. Remove the frame front bolts.
22. Remove the frame rear bolts.
23. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
24. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
24.1 Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement Service and Repair.
24.2 Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Service and Repair.

Installation Procedure

1. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
1.1 Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Service and Repair.
1.2 Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement Service and Repair.
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 mm (0.75 in) diameter X 203 mm (8.0 in) long guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.






Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

6. Install the frame front bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 135 Nm (100 lb ft).

7. Install the frame rear bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb ft).

8. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
9. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement Service and Repair.
10. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement [1][2]Engine Mount Replacement.
11. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
12. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
13. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
14. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement Service and Repair.
15. Install the front engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement Service and Repair.
16. Install the power steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Service and Repair.
17. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement Service and Repair.
18. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement Service and Repair.
19. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.
20. Install the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement .
21. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.
22. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair.
23. Install the front fender liner . Refer to Fender Liner Replacement Service and Repair.
24. Install the front tires and wheels.
25. Lower the vehicle.
26. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Removal and Replacement.
27. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement Specifications.