Front Subframe. Removal and Installation

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

	300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift
Tie Rod End Remover
Wood block

Removal

1. 1
   Observe the health and safety precautions.
   Refer to: Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
2. 2
   Position the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

   

3. 3
   If equipped.
   Release the tabs and remove the steering column shaft coupling cover.

   

4. 4

   NOTICE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or the clockspring may be damaged. If there is any indication that the steering column shaft has rotated, remove and center the clockspring. For additional information, refer to Section 501-20B.

   Remove and discard the steering column shaft coupling bolt and separate the coupling from the steering shaft.

   

5. 5
   Remove the wheels and tires.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
6. 6
   Both sides.
   Remove and discard the lower stabilizer bar link nut and set the stabilizer bar link aside.

   

7. 7

   NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar or separator fork between the ball joint and steering knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur. Use a pry bar only by inserting it into the lower arm housing hole.

   NOTICE: Be careful when releasing the lower arm and steering knuckle, or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

   Both sides.
   Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

   

8. 8

   NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle, otherwise damage to the steering knuckle may occur.

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator, as damage to the outer tie rod end boot may occur.

   Both sides.
   Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
   Use common shop equipment: tie rod end remover.

   

9. 9
   Remove the bolt and set the engine roll restrictor aside.

   

10. 10
    Disconnect the exhaust system suspension isolator.

    

11. 11
    Remove the subframe support bracket bolts and the subframe support brackets.

    

12. 12
    On both sides.
    Mark the front subframe position with an index mark for reference during installation.

    

13. 13
    Position the powertrain lift under the front subframe.
    Use special service tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
    Use common equipment: wood block

    

14. 14
    1. Remove the front subframe bolts.

    2. Remove and discard the rear front subframe bolts.

    

15. 15
    Lower the subframe.
    Use special service tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
    Use common equipment: wood block

    

Installation

1. 1
   Partially raise the subframe and position it on the vehicle.
   Use special service tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
   Use common equipment: wood block

   

2. 2
   1. At this stage, finger-tighten.
      Install the front subframe bolts.

   2. At this stage, finger-tighten.
      Install the new rear front subframe bolts.

   

3. 3
   On both sides.
   Align the marks made during removal.

   

4. 4
   1. Location 1 -
      Measurement: 10.236 in (260 mm)

   2. Location 2 -
      Measurement: 26.220 in (666 mm)

   

5. 5
   1. Tighten the front subframe bolts.
      Torque: 44 lb-ft (60 N·m)

   2. Tighten the new rear front subframe bolts.
      Torque:
      Stage 1: 74 lb-ft (100 N·m)
      Stage 2: 240°

   

6. 6
   Install the subframe brace and install the subframe brace bolts.
   Torque: 35 lb-ft (48 N·m)

   

7. 7
   Connect the exhaust pipe hanger isolator.

   

8. 8
   Install the engine roll restrictor and install the engine roll restrictor bolt.
   Torque: 37 lb-ft (50 N·m)

   

9. 9
   Both sides.
   Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install a new tie rod end nut.
   Torque: 39 lb-ft (53 N·m)

   

10. 10
    Both sides.
    Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install a new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
    Torque: 38 lb-ft (52 N·m)

    

11. 11
    Both sides.
    Position the stabilizer bar links and install a new lower stabilizer bar link nut.
    Torque: 35 lb-ft (48 N·m)

    

12. 12
    Install the wheels and tires.
    Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
13. 13
    Position the steering shaft coupling and install a new steering shaft coupling bolt.
    Torque: 25 lb-ft (34 N·m)

    

14. 14
    If equipped.
    Install the steering shaft coupling protective cover and engage the tabs.

    

15. 15
    Check and adjust the front toe if necessary.
    Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).