Front Subframe: Service and Repair
FRONT SUBFRAMESpecial Tool(s):
Special Tool(s)
Removal
1. Center the steering wheel and secure it in position.
- Remove the ignition key and lock the steering in position.
2. Remove the instrument panel lower panel.
1 Remove the screws.
2 Disconnect the fasteners.
3. Disconnect the hood release cable and the data link connector (DLC) from the instrument panel lower panel and remove the instrument panel lower panel.
4. Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering column coupling shaft.
- Discard the bolt.
5. Remove the front wheels and tires.
6. CAUTION: Leave the tie-rod end nuts in place to protect the ball joint studs.
Loosen the tie-rod end nut on both sides.
7. CAUTION: Protect the ball joint seal to prevent damage.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle on both sides.
- Remove and discard the tie-rod end nuts.
8. Remove the stabilizer bar link nuts on both sides.
9. Using the special tool, disconnect the fluid cooler hose.
1 Insert the special tool into the hose quick-release coupling.
2 Move the special tool along the pipe to release the locking tangs.
- Drain the fluid into a suitable container.
10. Remove the engine support insulator-to-transaxle center bolt.
11. Remove the two steering gear heat shield bolts.
12. Disconnect the power steering line to the clamp.
13. Disconnect the power steering lines from the power steering gear.
1 Remove the bolt.
2 Rotate the power steering line clamp clockwise.
- Allow the remaining oil to drain into a suitable container.
- Discard the O-ring seals.
14. Using a suitable support table, support the crossmember.
15. CAUTION: Protect the ball joint seal to prevent damage.
NOTE: Separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle as the subframe is lowered.
Disconnect the lower arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle on both sides.
- Remove the heat shields
16. Remove the crossmember bolts (support removed for clarity).
17. Remove the crossmember.
Installation
1. Using a suitable support table, position and align the crossmember.
1 Insert the alignment pins through the crossmember alignment holes and the washers.
2 Slide the locking plates on top of the washers and into the groove of the tool and tighten the alignment pin sleeve.
3 Raise the crossmember engaging the alignment pins into the chassis aligning holes.
2. CAUTION: Make sure the heat shield is installed to prevent damage to the ball joint.
NOTE: Align the ball joint with the steering knuckle as the subframe is moved into place.
Install the heat shield on both sides.
3. Position the lower arm ball joint to the wheel knuckle on both sides and install the bolts.
4. CAUTION: While tightening the crossmember bolts, make sure the crossmember does not move.
Install the crossmember bolts (support removed for clarity).
5. Remove the support table.
6. Remove the crossmember alignment pins.
7. NOTE: New O-ring seals must be installed any time the lines are disconnected from the steering gear.
Install new O-ring seals.
8. Connect the power steering lines to the power steering gear.
- Rotate the power steering line clamp counterclockwise and install the bolt.
9. Attach the power steering line to the clamp.
10. Install the two steering gear heat shield bolts.
11. Install the engine support insulator to transaxle center bolt.
12. Connect the fluid cooler hose.
13. Install the two stabilizer bar link nuts.
14. WARNING: Install new tie-rod end nuts. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
Install the two tie-rod end nuts.
15. Install the front wheels and tires.
16. WARNING: Use a new bolt. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
Connect the steering column shaft to the steering column coupling shaft.
- Install the bolt.
17. Connect the hood release cable and the DLC to the instrument panel lower panel and position the instrument panel lower panel.
18. Position the instrument panel lower panel and install the bolts.
19. Fill and bleed the power steering system.