Frame Replacement (Automatic Transmission)

Frame Replacement (Automatic Transmission)

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
4. Remove the front fender liner.
5. Disconnect the Antilock Brake System (ABS) sensor from the wheel speed sensor and frame.
6. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
7. Remove the brake modulator assembly from the support bracket.
8. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.
9. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and secure the gear out of the way using mechanic's wire or equivalent, being sure not to overextend the intermediate shaft.
10. Remove the front transmission mount bracket bolts.
11. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket bolts.




12. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the crossmember (2).
13. Lower the vehicle until the suspension crossmember (2) rests on the jack stands.
14. Remove the front suspension crossmember support bolts (3).
15. Remove the rear suspension crossmember support bolts (4).
16. Remove the suspension crossmember to body bolts (1).
17. Raise the vehicle off of the suspension crossmember (2).
18. Remove the following components if replacing the suspension crossmember:

* The lower control arms
Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The front transmission mount
Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Front in Automatic Transmission-4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The rear transmission mount
Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Rear in Automatic Transmission-4T40-E/4T45-E
* The stabilizer shaft
Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The lower radiator support panel
Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Cooling System.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the suspension crossmember if removed:

* The stabilizer shaft
Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
* The rear transmission mount
Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Rear in Automatic Transmission-4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The front transmission mount
Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Front in Automatic Transmission-4T40-E/4T45-E.
* The lower control arms
Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
* The lower radiator support panel
Refer to Radiator Support Replacement in Cooling System.




2. Lower the vehicle on to the crossmember support (2).
3. Install the suspension crossmember support to body bolts (1). Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the rear suspension crossmember support bolts (4). Hand tighten the bolts.
5. Install the front suspension crossmember support bolts (3). Hand tighten the bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

6. Tighten the suspension crossmember bolts in the following order:

1. Tighten the front suspension crossmember rear bolts to 245 N.m (180 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
2. Tighten the front suspension crossmember bolts to 115 N.m (84 lb ft) plus 120 degrees rotation.
3. Tighten the front suspension crossmember to body bolts to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).

7. Raise the vehicle and support with jack stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
8. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the crossmember (2).
9. Install the rear transmission mount bracket bolts.
10. Install the front transmission mount bracket bolts.
11. Remove the mechanic's wire or equivalent and install the power steering gear mounting bolts.
12. Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles.
13. Install the brake modulator assembly to the support bracket.
14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles.
15. Connect the ABS sensor to the wheel speed sensor and frame.
16. Install the front fender liner.
17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
18. Remove the engine support fixture.
19. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System in Power Steering System.