GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table

  1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front tires and wheels.
  4. • For vehicles with steel wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
    • For Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
    • For Pontiac and Export vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  5. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  7. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement in Power Steering System.
  8. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  9. Remove the power steering gear from the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

  10. Object Number: 378919  Size: SH
  11. Use a strap in order to secure the power steering gear to the exhaust pipe.
  12. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering System.
  13. Use utility wire in order to secure the power steering cooler line to the battery cables.
  14. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
  15. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
  16. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  17. Important: 

       • The J 28467-500UPD utility straps MUST be installed in order to prevent powertrain movement when the frame is removed.
       • Ensure that the J 28467-500UPD utility straps do not contact the frame in order to provide clearance for the frame removal.

  18. Install the J 28467-500UPD utility straps. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
  19. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical.
  20. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .

  21. Object Number: 333118  Size: SH
  22. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 .

  23. Object Number: 478740  Size: SH
  24. Remove and DISCARD the frame front bolts.
  25. Remove and DISCARD the frame rear bolts.
  26. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
  27. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
  28. 22.1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
    22.2. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Installation Procedure

  1. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
  2. 1.1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    1.2. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement and to Rear Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
  3. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.

  4. Object Number: 333118  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.

  5. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
  6. Adjust the utility straps as necessary in order to align the powertrain mounts with the frame.
  7. Important: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.

  8. Inserting two 19 mm (0.75 in) diameter X N·m203 mm (8.0 in) long guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.

  9. Object Number: 478740  Size: SH

    Caution: These fasteners MUST be replaced with new fasteners anytime they become loose or are removed. Failure to replace these fasteners after they become loose or are removed may cause loss of vehicle control and personal injury.

    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.

  10. Install the NEW frame front bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 150 N·m (111 lb ft).

    Install the NEW frame rear bolts.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 165 N·m (122 lb ft).

  12. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
  13. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
  14. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  15. Remove the J 28467-500UPD utility straps.
  16. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
  17. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
  18. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  19. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering System.
  20. Install the power steering gear to the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  21. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  22. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement in Power Steering System.
  23. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  24. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  25. Install the front tires and wheels.
  26. • For vehicles with steel wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
    • For Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
    • For Pontiac and Export vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  27. Lower the vehicle.
  28. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
  29. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .