Automatic Transmission/Transaxle: Service and Repair

Fig. 6 Transaxle Assembly Removal:

Refer to Fig. 6 during replacement procedures.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable, remove battery and battery tray.
2. Remove air cleaner assembly, air pipe and air hose on turbocharged models.
3. Drain transaxle oil, then remove tension rod on 1.6L/4-97.4 engines.
4. Disconnect clutch cable or slave cylinder as equipped and secure at body side, then disconnect the backup lamp switch electrical connector and speedometer cable.
5. Remove starter motor, transaxle upper attaching bolts, transaxle mounting bracket and under cover.
6. Disconnect tie rod ends and lower ball joints using steering linkage puller MB990635 or equivalent, then remove drive shafts as follows:
a. On models less turbocharger, insert a pry bar between transaxle case and drive shaft and pry drive shaft from transaxle. Secure to body with wire.
b. On models with turbocharger lefthand side, disconnect drive shaft and inner shaft assembly by tapping on tripod joint case with a plastic hammer. Secure to body with wire. Do not tap on center bearing, damage may result.
c. On models with turbocharger righthand side, refer to step 6a.
7. On all models, remove bell housing cover and transaxle lower attaching bolts.
8. Support transaxle assembly on a suitable transaxle jack, then move assembly to right, lower and remove from vehicle.
9. Reverse procedure to install. Torque attaching bolts to specifications.