GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Install the engine support fixture to support the engine. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical-1.8L.
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
  4. • The 6 left splash shield bolts
    • The left splash shield
    • The 3 nuts from the rear transaxle mount at the front suspension crossmember
    • The plastic access cover from the crossmember
  5. Separate both front control arms from both steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Remove the 2 bolts from the center crossmember at the radiator core support
  7. Support the front suspension and center crossmembers using a suitable jack.

  8. Object Number: 243462  Size: SH
  9. Remove the 12 bolts from the front suspension crossmember.
  10. Slowly lower the front suspension and center crossmembers until the rear transaxle mounting studs are clear of the front suspension crossmember.
  11. Remove the through bolt and the rear transaxle mount from the rear transaxle mounting bracket.
  12. Remove the rear transaxle mount from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the rear transaxle mount into the rear transaxle mounting bracket.
  2. Secure the rear transaxle mount with the through bolt. Do NOT fully tighten the through bolt.
  3. Use a suitable jack in order to raise the transaxle into position.
  4. Slowly raise the front suspension and center crossmembers until the rear transaxle mounting studs are aligned with their holes in the front suspension crossmember.

  5. Object Number: 243462  Size: SH

    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.

  6. Install the 12 bolts into the front suspension crossmember.
  7. Tighten

        • Tighten the 12 front suspension crossmember bolts to 206 N·m (152 lb ft).
        • Tighten the rear transaxle through-bolt to 87 N·m (64 lb ft).
  8. Remove the jack.
  9. Install the 2 bolts to the center crossmember at the radiator core support.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 bolts to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).

  11. Install the 2 bolts to the front transaxle mount at center crossmember.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 bolts to 64 N·m (47 lb ft).

  13. Install the center crossmember plastic access cover to the center crossmember.
  14. Connect both front control arms to both steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
  15. Install the 3 nuts to the rear transaxle mount at the front suspension crossmember.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the 3 nuts to 57 N·m (42 lb ft).

  17. Install the 6 bolts and the left splash shield onto the vehicle.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the 6 bolts to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

  19. Remove the engine support fixture from the engine.
  20. Lower the vehicle.