GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 28467-A Engine Support Fixture
    • J 28467-330 Engine Support Fixture Adapter

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Install the engine support fixture adaptersJ 28467-330 .
  3. Install the J 28467-A Engine Support Fixture .
  4. Notice: Ensure that lowering the frame does not interfere with the bumper fascia or fascia damage may result.

  5. Install the J 28467-A . Refer to Transaxle for engine support information.
  6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Support the vehicle with jack stands under the front bumper.

  7. Object Number: 314180  Size: SH
  8. Remove the front tires and the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Remove the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement in Body Front End.
  10. Remove the stabilizer links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  11. Lower the control arms from the frame (7).
  12. Rotate the control arms out of the way.

  13. Remove the metal shield at the front crossmember.
  14. Remove the wiring harness from the front crossmember.
  15. Perform the following steps:
  16. 12.1. Rotate the intermediate steering shaft so that the clamp bolt of the steering gear stub shaft is in the up position.
    12.2. Remove the clamp bolt.
    12.3. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the stub shaft.
  17. For non-supercharged vehicles, perform the following steps:
  18. • Remove the power steering cooler from the frame (7).
    • Secure the power steering cooler.
  19. For supercharged vehicles, perform the following steps:
  20. • Remove the heat shield.
    • Remove the cooler pipe of the power steering gear from the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Hoses Replacement in Power Steering.
  21. Remove the power steering gear from the frame (7).
  22. Support the power steering gear out of the way.

  23. Remove the mount bolts (5) from the rear transaxle at the frame (7).
  24. Remove the bolt and the nut that secure the torque strut to the bracket at the frame (7).
  25. Remove the mount bolts (5) from the front transaxle at the frame (7).
  26. Support the frame (7).
  27. Remove the 6 bolts (5) from the insulator (2,3).
  28. Carefully lower the frame (7).
  29. Remove the frame.

  30. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the frame.
  31. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

  32. Remove the insulators (2,3).
  33. Remove the right mount bracket from the rear transaxle at the frame.
  34. Separate the frame if needed.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 314180  Size: SH
  1. Assemble the frame members if needed.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the right mount bracket of the rear transaxle to the frame (7).
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  5. Install stabilizer shaft to the frame (7).
  6. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  7. Lift the frame (7) into position.
  8. Support the frame (7).

  9. Insert a 16 mm (5/8 in) drill bit into the alignment holes (6) located on the left side.
  10. Important: Install and firmly seat the proper insulator (2,3) at each position.

    Improper installation may cause the following conditions:

       • Structure shake
       • Road noise
       • Squeaks

  11. Assemble the frame insulators (2,3).
  12. Install the bolts (5).
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the insulator bolts (5) to 90 N·m (66 lb ft) in the following order:

    7.1. The left hand position 2
    7.2. The right hand position 2
    7.3. The left hand position 1
    7.4. The left hand position 3
    7.5. The remaining bolts in any sequence
  14. Remove the frame support.
  15. Remove the drill bit.
  16. Install the mounts of the front transaxle and the left rear transaxle to the frame (7).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  18. Install the strut to the mounting bracket.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the nut and the bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  20. Support and assemble the steering gear to the frame (7).
  21. Install the intermediate shaft to the stub shaft of the steering gear.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the clamp bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  23. For non-supercharged vehicles, perform the following steps:
  24. • Install the power steering cooler.
    • Install the bolt.
  25. For supercharged vehicles, perform the following steps:
  26. 15.1. Install the power steering cooler pipe.
    15.2. Install the heat shield.
    15.3. Fill the power steering system and bleed. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding in Power Steering.
  27. Install the wiring harness to the front crossmember.
  28. Install the metal splash shield to the front crossmember.
  29. Important: Do NOT tighten the nuts (1) of the control arm at this time. Support the weight of the vehicle with the control arms. Obtain the vehicle design trim heights before tightening the mounting nuts (1) of the control arm. Refer to Trim Height in Suspension General Diagnosis.

  30. Rotate the control arm into position.
  31. Install the bolts.

  32. Install the stabilizer links.
  33. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  34. Install the front air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement
  35. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  36. Remove the jack stands.
  37. Lower the vehicle.
  38. Remove the engine support fixture and adapters
  39. Connect the negative battery cable.
  40. Verify the trim height. Refer to Trim Height in Suspension General Diagnosis.
  41. Tighten the nuts (1) of the control arm in the following order:
  42. Tighten

    1. Tighten the front mounting nut (1) to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the rear mounting nut (1) to 123 N·m (91 lb ft).
  43. Align the front wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.