Front Subframe: Service and Repair
Subframe - Front
NOTE: The front bumper cover and the RH/LH brake assemblies have been removed for clarity.
Removal
1. Center the steering wheel, remove the ignition key and lock the steering wheel in position.
2. Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering column coupling shaft.
- Discard the bolt.
3. Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.
4. NOTICE: Leave the tie-rod end nuts in place to protect the ball joint studs or damage to the vehicle may occur.
Loosen, but do not remove, the tie-rod end nut on both sides.
5. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle on both sides.
- Remove the tie-rod end nuts.
6. Remove the stabilizer bar link nuts on both sides and position the stabilizer bar links and ABS wiring brackets aside.
7. Remove the power steering line retainer bolt and retainer from the steering gear.
8. Remove the power steering line clamp clockwise, and disconnect the 2 power steering lines from the power steering gear.
- Allow the remaining oil to drain into a suitable container.
- Discard the O-ring seals.
9. Remove the roll restrictor bolt.
10. Using a suitable support table, support the front subframe.
11. Index-mark the location of the subframe to the vehicle before removal.
12. NOTE: Separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle as the front subframe is lowered.
Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle on both sides.
- Remove the 2 lower arm ball joint heat shields.
13. Remove the 6 subframe bolts.
14. Remove the front subframe.
Installation
1. Position the subframe to the vehicle.
2. NOTE: While tightening the subframe bolts, make sure the front subframe does not move.
Loosely install the 6 subframe lower bolts.
- Align the index marks made before removal.
- Tighten the front subframe bolts to 125 Nm (93 lb-ft).
- Tighten the rear subframe bolts to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
3. Remove the support table.
4. Install the roll restrictor bolt.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
5. Position the lower arm ball joint to the wheel knuckle on both sides and install the nuts.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
6. NOTE: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.
Using the Teflon(R) Seal Installer Set, install new O-ring seals onto the power steering lines.
7. Connect the power steering lines to the power steering gear, rotate the power steering line clamp counterclockwise and loosely install the bolt.
- Tighten to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).
8. Install the power steering line retainer and bolt.
9. Tighten the power steering line clamp bolt to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).
10. Install the 2 stabilizer bar links, ABS wiring brackets and the nuts.
- Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
11. WARNING: Do not reuse a tie rod-to-wheel knuckle nut. This can result in nut failure and loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Install the 2 tie-rod ends and the nuts.
- Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
12. Install the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.
13. WARNING: Install a new steering column shaft bolt. Reuse could result in bolt failure and loss of vehicle control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Connect the steering column shaft to the steering column coupling shaft and install the bolt.
- Tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
14. Fill and bleed the power steering system. For additional information, refer to Steering.
15. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary. For additional information, refer to Suspension &/or Alignment.