Front Subframe Mount: Service and Repair

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement

Tools Required
J 45296 Frame Insulator Remover/Installer
Removal Procedure

Important:In order to remove any frame insulator, loosen the adjacent frame insulators to permit the frame to separate from the body. Do not break the fan shroud or damage the frame attachments, such as steering hoses and brake pipes during the replacement of body mounts. When installing a body mount, ensure the lower insulator is seated into the frame. The lower insulator should not be loose. The spacer and the corresponding upper insulator is pressed into the lower insulator thus squeezing the frame. The bolt is then inserted through the mount, capturing the lower retainer. The body mount components prevent contact of the frame to the body. Do not over tighten the body mount. Over tightening may collapse a spacer or strip a bolt. When the frame insulator bolts are removed, always discard the bolts and replace with new bolts. When clamping by the mount, ensure the surfaces are clean and dry. If the frame insulator bolt does not screw in smoothly, run a tap through the frame crossmember nut in the body in order to remove foreign material. Ensure the tap does not punch through the underbody. Whenever the body is moved in relation to the frame, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear and stub shaft.

1.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

2.Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

3.Install an adjustable jackstand under the center of the frame, between the front frame insulators (7).





4.Remove the front frame bolts (4) and retainers (5).

5.Lower the front of the frame.

6.Remove the frame front upper insulators (3).





1.Install the J 45296 to the front frame insulator you are removing.

2.Using the J 45296 , remove the front frame insulator from the frame.

Installation Procedure

1.Clean the front frame insulator opening.

2.Apply a thin coat of rubber lubricant GM P/N 12345884 (Canadian P/N 5728223), or equivalent to the inside of the front frame insulator opening.

3.Apply a thin coat of rubber lubricant GM P/N 12345884 (Canadian P/N 5728223), or equivalent to the front frame insulator.





4.Align the front frame insulator to the front frame opening with the front frame alignment tabs facing to the front.

5.Using J 45296 , install the front frame insulator to the front frame.





1.Install the frame front upper insulators (3).

2.Raise the front of the frame (7).

Notice:Refer to Fastener Notice .

3.Install the front frame retainers (5) and bolts (4).

TightenTighten the bolts to 130 N �m (96 lb ft).

4.Raise the vehicle and secure.

5.Remove the jackstand.

6.Connect the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .

7.Lower the vehicle.