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Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove and discard the two plastic braces from the front of the radiator lower air deflector. The plastic braces are directly below the front cradle bolts.
  5. Remove the positive battery cable and the retainers from the frame and position aside. Refer to Battery Positive Cable Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  6. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement in Power Steering System.
  7. Secure the power steering return hose.
  8. Remove the stabilizer shaft links and rotate the stabilizer shaft upward to gain access to the mounting bolts in the power steering gear. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  9. Remove the mounting bolts from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  10. Secure the power steering gear.
    11. Fig 1: Securing Power Steering Gear
    GM378919Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Remove the nuts that secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
  12. Remove the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to Automatic Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transaxle.
  13. If applicable, disconnect the front wheel speed sensor harness connectors.
    14. Fig 2: View Of Front Wheel Speed Sensor Harness Connectors
    GM1209233Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. If applicable, disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the frame and lower control arms.
  15. If applicable, remove the retainers at the front wheel speed harness from the frame and from the lower control arms.
  16. Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
  17. Remove both front drivetrain reinforcements using the following procedure.
    1. Remove the drivetrain reinforcement to support brace bolts.
    2. Remove the drivetrain reinforcement to front cradle mounting stud nut.
    3. Remove the drivetrain reinforcement from the vehicle.
  18. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580  . See Special Tools and Equipment .
    19. Fig 3: Identifying Utility Stand
    GM333118Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Remove the bolts which secure the front frame to the body.
    20. Fig 4: View Of Bolts From Front Frame Of Body
    GM1208433Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  20. Remove the bolts which secure the rear frame to the body.
    21. Fig 5: View Of Bolts From Rear Frame Of Body
    GM1208437Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.
  22. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components:
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