Large RDU: Remove

Prepare the vehicle for lifting:
1. Air suspension vehicles only: Put the vehicle into Jack mode.
2. Put the vehicle into Tow mode.
3. Support the vehicle, but do not lift it at this time.
Disconnect 12V power. Refer to Disconnect 12V Power .
Verify correct operation of the multimeter.
NOTE: Set multimeter to DC voltage. Confirm multimeter is properly measuring voltage by testing the 12v battery.

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Remove the rear wheels. See Wheel (Remove and Install) .
Raise the vehicle to working height.
On both sides of the vehicle, remove the nut that secures the shock absorber to the knuckle (torque 140 N.m), but do not remove the bolt yet.

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On both sides of the vehicle, loosen the bolts (x2) that secure the brake caliper to the knuckle (torque 120 N.m). Remove and support the calipers.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the brake line, the brake caliper must be supported at all times.

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Release the red locking tabs, and then disconnect the electrical harnesses from the LH and RH parking brake connectors.
NOTE: Mando caliper shown; Brembo parking brake is a separate caliper

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Remove the LH and RH subframe shear plates by removing the nut (torque 35 Nm), clips (x2), and screws (x3) (torque 6 Nm) that attach each shear plate to the subframe.

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Remove the mid aero shield. See Panel - Aero Shield - Mid (Remove And Replace) .
On both sides of the vehicle, remove the nuts (x3) that attach the mid aeroshield reinforcement.
NOTE: Nuts 10mm, torque 6 Nm.

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar

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If equipped, remove the screws (x2) that secure the rear skid plate to the subframe (torque 10 N.m).

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Disconnect the subframe harnesses from the body harness.

Vehicles built through September 2014: 4 connectors at the back of the rear subframe

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Vehicles built after September 2014: 3 connectors above the RH side of the rear undershield

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Perform an electrical isolation check at the rear drive unit inverter. See Checking for High Voltage at the Drive Inverter .
Remove and discard the 2 fasteners that secure the HV cables to the drive unit (torque 9 N.m). Do not remove the cables at this time.

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Release the clips that secure the HV cables:
NOTE: 2 clips to the subframe

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Remove the coolant hose from the LH and RH sides of the drive unit.

Place a coolant drain cart under the LH side of the drive unit.

Clamp the LH rear drive unit coolant hose.

NOTE: LH shown; RH similar

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Remove the hose, and then plug the drive unit.
NOTE: Coolant Hose Plug Kit - 1135762-00-A
Repeat these substeps on the RH side of the drive unit.
Move the coolant drain cart away from the working area.

Use a paint pen to trace around each subframe mounting bolt, so that the bolts can be realigned later during installation of the subframe.
Position the powertrain table with subframe fixture beneath the vehicle subframe.
If the drive unit is being removed, drain the gearbox fluid. See Gearbox Fluid - Large Rear Drive Unit (Remove and Replace) .
Connect shop air to the powertrain table.
Carefully raise the powertrain table to support the rear subframe, aligning the subframe fixture dowels with the holes at the front of the subframe.

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Use a paint pen to apply witness marks where the front/rear subframe contacts the body at each subframe mounting bolt, so that the subframe can be realigned to the body later during subframe installation.
NOTE: Apply the witness marks at 90 degrees so that they indicate left/right and fore/aft movement.
Remove the bolts (x4) that attach the rear subframe to the body (torque 140 Nm).

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Carefully lower the powertrain table approximately 3 in (75 mm) to gain access to the remaining attachments.
CAUTION: While lowering the table, occasionally stop to make sure no hoses, harnesses, or other components are caught or tangled. Also pay extra attention to the HV battery aero shield mounting tabs.

Release the remaining attachments to the drive unit:

On the top RH side of the drive unit, remove and discard the bolt that attaches the ground strap to the drive unit (torque 6.5 N.m).

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Near the ground strap bolt hole, remove the bolt that attaches the HV cable bracket to the rear drive unit (torque 6.5 N.m), and then remove the bracket from the vehicle.

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On both sides of the vehicle, remove the bolt that attaches the shock absorber to the knuckle (torque 140 N.m).

NOTE: If necessary, raise or lower the powertrain table to reduce tension on the joint.

NOTE: LH shown; RH similar

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Pull the HV cables out of the drive unit.
NOTE: In case the HV cables are seized inside the rear drive unit and cannot be removed, cut the cables to enable subframe removal. If the vehicle does not have a Rapid Splitter, install a new rear drive unit to HVJB HV harness while the subframe is removed. See HV Harness - Rear Drive Unit To HVJB (Subframe Removed) (Remove & Replace) . If the vehicle has a Rapid Splitter, install a new rapid splitter while the subframe is removed. See HV Rapid Splitter Vehicle Side - Remove And Replace .

Carefully lower the powertrain table.
CAUTION: While raising the vehicle, have an assistant monitor the underside of the vehicle. Ensure that no components are still connected and that there is sufficient clearance so that no components are damaged.
Move the powertrain table with subframe away from the vehicle.