Subframe - Front

Subframe - Front, 3.7L





Removal and Installation

1. NOTE: Automatic transmission shown, manual transmission similar.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. Remove the 2 steering column dash boot bearing nuts.





3. 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.






4. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
If equipped, remove the 4 nuts (2 shown) and the strut tower cross brace.






5. If equipped, detach the 2 retainers and remove the engine appearance cover.





6. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Remove the RH and LH engine mount-to-engine bracket mount nuts.






7. Remove the nut from the rear LH valve cover stud bolt and position the generator wiring harness bracket aside.





8. Install the LH engine lift eye.





9. Install the RH front engine lift eye.





10. Remove the 8 pin-type retainers and the radiator sight shield.





11. Remove the 2 bolts and the RH radiator support bracket.





12. NOTICE: Do not position the legs of the Engine Support Bar on the fenders. instead, position the legs on the body structure near the suspension strut tower. Failure to follow these instructions may result in body damage.

Install the Engine Support Bar.






13. Remove the front tires and wheels. For additional information,

14. Remove the 9 bolts and the lower air deflector.





15. Disconnect the outer LH and RH tie-rod ends.
- Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.

- Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.






16. Disconnect the lower control arm.
- Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut and bolt.

- Separate the lower control arm from the wheel spindle.


17. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Loosen the 2 nuts for the crossmember brace.






18. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Remove the 6 bolts (2 shown), slide the crossmember forward and remove.






19. Disconnect the 2 Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors.





20. Detach the 2 EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering) wiring harness pin-type retainers.





21. Remove the steering shaft pinch bolt and disconnect the steering shaft.





22. Mark the position of the 4 subframe nuts and 4 subframe bolts for reference during installation.

23. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Remove the 4 rear subframe bolts.






24. Position the Powertrain Lift Table under the subframe assembly.





25. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Remove the 4 front subframe nuts.






26. Lower the subframe assembly from the vehicle.

Installation

1. If installing a new subframe, transfer the steering rack and lower control arms to the new subframe and refer to Front Suspension &/or Steering Knuckle.

2. Position the subframe to the vehicle and loosely install the 4 front subframe nuts.





3. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Loosely install the 4 rear subframe bolts.






4. Use a suitable alignment tool with a 15 mm (0.59 in) OD shaft that is long enough to go through the subframe and body.
- Align the subframe to the alignment marks made during removal.


5. Tighten the 4 rear subframe bolts in a cross pattern to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

6. Tighten the 4 front subframe nuts in a cross pattern to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

7. Remove the Powertrain Lift Table or suitable device from the subframe.

8. Connect the lower control arms to the wheel spindles.
- Install new fasteners.

- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).


9. Connect the outer LH and RH tie-rod ends.
- Install new fasteners.

- Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).


10. Connect the steering shaft and install the steering shaft pinch bolt.
- Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).






11. Connect the 2 EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering) electrical connectors.





12. Attach the 2 EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering) wiring harness pin-type retainers.





13. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Install the crossmember brace and 6 bolts (2 shown).

- Tighten to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).






14. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Tighten the 2 nuts for the crossmember brace to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).






15. Install the lower air deflector and the 9 bolts.
- Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).






16. Install the front tires and wheels.

17. Remove the engine support bar.

18. Remove the LH engine lifting eye and position the generator wiring harness bracket on the rear LH valve cover stud bolt and install the nut.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).






19. Remove the RH engine lifting eye.

20. Install the RH radiator support bracket and the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).






21. Install the radiator sight shield and the 8 pin-type retainers.





22. NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.
Install the RH and LH engine mount bracket-to-engine mount nuts.

- Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).






23. If equipped, install the appearance cover.





24. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
If equipped, install the strut tower cross brace and the 4 nuts (2 shown)

- Tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).






25. Install the 2 steering column dash boot bearing nuts.
- Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).