Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Subframe - Front









Removal









NOTICE: Suspension and subframe fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected, or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to Restraints and Safety Systems &/or Air Bag Systems.

NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter(R) 28-75-1 or equivalent).
Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.






2. Remove the wheel and tire.

3. WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Remove and discard the steering column shaft-to-steering gear bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
- To install, tighten new bolt to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).


4. Mark the subframe position for reference during installation.

5. Remove the RH front fender splash shield.

6. Remove the 3 pushpin fasteners, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.

7. Remove the 3 RH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).






8. Remove the 3 LH subframe-to-lower bumper nuts and washers and separate the bumper from the subframe.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).






9. Remove the power steering fluid cooler-to-subframe bolt.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).


10. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe.

11. Remove and discard the 2 outer tie-rod-end cotter pins and nuts.

12. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.





13. NOTE: RH side shown, LH side similar.
Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle pinch bolts and separate the lower control arms from the knuckles.

- Discard the bolts.

- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).






14. Remove the 2 nuts and the roll restrictor heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).


15. Remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
- Clean the bolt using a wire brush and apply new threadlock to the threads.

- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).


16. Position the lift table under the subframe.





17. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Remove and discard the 2 crossbrace bolts and remove the crossbrace.

- To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).






18. NOTE: During installation, the subframe brackets are loosely installed with the support bracket bolts. Tighten the rear subframe nuts prior to tightening the support bracket bolts.
Remove the 2 remaining subframe bracket bolts, the 2 subframe bracket nuts and the subframe support brackets.

- Discard the nuts and bolts.

- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

- To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).






19. Remove and discard the 2 forward subframe nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).






20. NOTE: During installation, align the index marks made during removal.
Remove and discard the 2 middle subframe nuts.

- To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).






21. Using the jack, lower the subframe approximately 101 mm (3.976 in).

22. NOTICE: Install a new banjo bolt and seals any time the power steering pressure line is disconnected from the steering gear, or a fluid leak may occur.

Remove and discard the pressure line-to-steering gear banjo bolt and 2 seals.
- On installation, replace the 2 seals.

- To install, tighten the new banjo bolt to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).


23. Remove the 2 steering gear heat shield bolts and the steering gear heat shield.
- To install, tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).


24. Remove the 4 return hose bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).


25. Release the clamp and disconnect the return hose from the steering gear.

26. Remove the subframe.

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

2. Fill the power steering system. For additional Information, refer to Steering.