Frame Removal

TOOLS REQUIRED:  SA9111E Hose Clamp Service Tool

1. Jack or raise the vehicle squarely on a hoist. Reference lift instructions for positioning vehicle correctly on hoist.
   Fig 1: Vehicle Support Locations

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. Remove the front wheels, and shield attachment fasteners from frame.
3. Remove brake caliper bracket attachment bolts (two each side) and tie caliper assemblies to the strut tower springs using safety wire or plastic tie straps. Strut assemblies and springs remain with body.
4. Remove both strut to knuckle attachment bolts (two each side) and allow knuckle and hub assembly to remain with frame. The stabilizer bar remains attached to frame and lower control arms.
   Fig 2: Strut, Knuckle And Brake Caliper Components

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Disconnect lower radiator and heater return hoses at engine. Use Hose Clamp Service Tool SA9111E (or equivalent) Snap-on® Tool HCP10 (or equivalent).
6. Disconnect heater inlet hose at front of dash or engine.
7. Disconnect steering shaft and power steering pressure switch electrical connector at gear, if applicable.
   Fig 3: Disconnect Lower Radiator And Heater Return Hoses, Steering Shaft And Power Steering Pressure Switch Electrical Connector

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE: Do not bend the front exhaust pipe hanger attached to the engine stiffening bracket when servicing the front exhaust pipe and/or catalytic convertor. Bending the bracket may cause premature failure.
8. Disconnect engine front exhaust pipe at exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and powertrain stiffening bracket. (Refer to "Front Exhaust Pipe and Catalytic Converter" removal procedure in the Exhaust section of this service manual.)
9. Remove automatic transaxle flywheel cover and torque converter to flexplate bolts, if applicable.
   Fig 4: Automatic Transaxle Flywheel Cover And Torque Converter To Flexplate Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Disconnect electrical and vacuum connections:
    • Starter (solenoid and battery feed).
    • Generator (field and battery feed).
    • Oil pressure sensor.
    • Knock sensor.
    • Crankshaft position sensor.
      Fig 5: Electrical And Vacuum Connections

      Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
      NOTE: The EVO solenoid connector is also accessible from underhood on vehicles with the SOHC (L24) engine.
    • EVO Solenoid (if equipped).
    • Vehicle speed sensor.
    • EVAP canister purge solenoid.
    • PCM and oxygen sensor.
    • ABS wheel sensors connector grounds, if equipped.
11. Unclip brake lines from rear side of frame.
    Fig 6: Unclip Brake Lines

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
12. Carefully remove the electrical harness from the engine. Lower the vehicle enough on the hoist to lay the electrical harness on top of the underhood fuse block and battery cover.
    Fig 7: Electrical Harness

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Installation of the wood block prior to upper engine torque axis mount removal allows the mount to be easily installed without lifting or jacking the powertrain.
13. Place a 1 in. x 1 in. x 2 in. long block of wood between the torque strut and frame.
    Fig 8: Place A Block Of Wood Between The Torque Strut And Frame

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Remove the three right-hand, upper engine torque axis mount to front cover nuts and the two mount to midrail bracket nuts, allowing the powertrain to rest on the block of wood.
    Fig 9: Upper Engine Torque Axis Mount To Front Cover Nuts And The Two Mount To Midrail Bracket Nuts

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
15. Place powertrain support dolly under the frame. Use two 4 in. x 4 in. x 36 in. blocks of wood to support the frame on the dolly.
    Fig 10: Supporting Powertrain

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. Remove the two right-hand, front engine mount, torque strut brackets to frame nuts.
17. Remove the four frame attachment bolts and carefully lower the complete powertrain assembly from vehicle or raise vehicle off powertrain assembly.