Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Pontiac G5 and 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- With the wheels in the straight ahead position, remove the key from the ignition switch.
- Secure the cooling module to the upper body structure.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
- Remove the front wheels from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
- Remove the left and right splash shields and the 3 screws in the inner fenders. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement .
- Remove the lower radiator air deflector from the frame.
- Remove the front transaxle mount to frame through bolt.
- Remove the rear transaxle mount to frame bolts.
- Remove both stabilizer link to stabilizer shaft nuts. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
- Remove both tie rod to steering knuckle nuts.
- Use the J 24319-B to separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. See Special Tools .
- Remove the intermediate steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt and discard.
- Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
- Remove both lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolts.
- Lower the lower control arms in order to disengage the steering knuckle. If necessary, use the J 43631 . See Special Tools .
- Mark the frame to body position with a paint pen or permanent marker.
- Lower the vehicle to approximately 1 meter (3 feet) off the ground in order to place a hydraulic lift table under the frame.
- Use two 2 x 4s between the lift table and the frame and lift the table to the frame.
- Slowly remove the frame bolts using the following sequence:
- Remove the front frame bolts.
- Remove the rear frame bolts.
- Slowly lower the lift table and frame to the floor.
- Continue with the following steps when replacing the frame:
- Remove the steering gear from the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .
- Remove the stabilizer bar from the frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE1/FE3) or Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE5) .
- Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
- Remove the radiator brackets from the frame.
IMPORTANT:
DO NOT rotate the intermediate shaft once separated from the gear. Possible damage or a malfunction could occur.
NOTE:
Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.