Frame Brace Replacement

Frame Brace Replacement

Removal Procedure

Note: The following service procedures (steps 1 and 2) are for the removal and or replacement of the support brace from the cradle.

Note: In steps 2-9, use a transmission jack or the help of an assistant to remove the support brace, floor tunnel brace, and the rear crossmember brace from the vehicle.

1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Engine Support Fixture.




2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
3. Remove the support brace mounting bolts (1), for vehicles equipped with the 3.5L (LZ4) or 3.9L (LZ9) engines.
4. Remove the support brace (2), for vehicles equipped with the 3.5L (LZ4) or 3.9L (LZ9) engines.




5. Remove the floor tunnel panel brace mounting bolts.




6. Remove the mounting bolts for the exhaust shield.
7. Remove the floor tunnel panel brace.




8. Remove the mounting bolts for the rear crossmember brace.
9. Remove the rear crossmember brace.

Installation Procedure

Note: In steps 1-8, use a transmission jack or the help of an assistant to install the support brace, floor tunnel brace, and the rear crossmember brace in the vehicle.




1. Position the support brace (2) on the cradle, for vehicles equipped with the 3.5L (LZ4) or 3.9L (LZ9) engines.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. Install the support brace bolts (1).

Tighten the bolts to 100 Nm (73 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.




3. Position the floor tunnel panel brace on the vehicle.
4. Hand tighten the mounting bolts.

Note: Tighten all the tunnel panel mounting bolts at the same time.

5. Install the tunnel panel brace mounting bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).




6. Install the remaining tunnel panel mounting bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).




7. Position the rear crossmember brace on the vehicle.
8. Install the crossmember brace mounting bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).

9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture Engine Support Fixture.