Front Subframe: Removal
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NOTE: Disconnect the battery ground cable anytime the steering gear is being serviced or damage to the steering gear internal power relay may occur resulting in steering gear replacement.
Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
- Steering wheel in straight ahead position.
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WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).
Remove and discard the steering column shaft coupler bolt and separate the coupler from the steering shaft.
- Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
- Remove the fender splash shield. Refer to: Fender Splash Shield .
- Remove the bolts and the underbody shields.
- Remove the retainers and the underbody shields.
- Remove the retainers and the underbody shields.
- Remove front bumper cover. Refer to: FRONT BUMPER COVER .
- Remove the subframe support bracket bolts.
- On both sides. Remove and discard the bolts and remove the front outer side member.
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NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.
On both sides. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut and position aside the stabilizer bar link.
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NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.NOTE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.
On both sides. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle. Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover
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NOTE: Do not use a prying device to open the slot in the knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle assembly. Damage to the knuckle assembly may occur.NOTE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower arm body opening.NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.
On both sides. Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
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NOTE: Do not excessively bend or twist the exhaust flexible pipe. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the exhaust flexible pipe.
Secure the exhaust flexible pipe.
- Remove the exhaust support bracket bolts.
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NOTE: 2.0L GTDI shown, others similar.
Remove and discard the roll restrictor bolt.
- If equipped. Unclip the wire harness retainers.
- If equipped. Unclip the wire harness retainers.
- Position a transmission jack under the front subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
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NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.
On both sides. Index-mark the subframe to the body.
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NOTE: Front mounting location shown.
On both sides. Index-mark the subframe to the body.
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- Remove and discard the rearward subframe bolts.
- Remove and discard the bolts and remove the subframe brackets.
- On both sides. Remove and discard the forward subframe bolts.
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NOTE: Make sure that no components catch.
Lower the subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
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NOTE: The steering column floor seal is a one time use seal and must be replaced anytime that the front subframe is lowered or separated from the vehicle.NOTE: Note the position of the component before removal.
Remove and discard the steering column floor seal.