Tools Required

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.
2. Remove the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L
3. Remove the engine mount strut. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
4. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
5. Disconnect the transmission wiring harness connector.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Remove the left drive axle from the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.
8. Secure the drive axle to the steering knuckle/strut.

Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or damage to the intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft pinch bolt and the shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
10. Remove the 3-way catalytic converter pipe from right exhaust manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
11. Support the right and the left side of the frame with jackstands.
12. Remove the transaxle mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
13. Loosen the front and the right engine mount lower nuts. Refer to Engine Front Mount Replacement and Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
14. Loosen the right side frame bolts and remove the left side frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
15. Adjust the jackstand to the lower left side of the frame.
16. Position the drain pan under the transaxle.



17. Remove the case side cover bolts (56,57,58).



18. Remove the case side cover pan (53).
19. Remove the case side cover gasket (54).
20. Clean the case.
21. Clean and inspect the side cover gasket mating surfaces.

1. Install the case side cover gasket (54).
2. Install the case side cover pan (53).




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.

3. Install the case side cover bolts (56,57,58).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts  to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

4. Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle.
5. Adjust the jackstand to raise the left side of the frame.
6. Install the left and right side frame bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
7. Install the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to Refer to Engine Front Mount Replacement and Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
8. Install the transaxle mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
9. Remove the jackstands from the frame.
10. Install the 3-way catalytic converter pipe to the right exhaust manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.

Caution: When installing the intermediate shaft make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage. Disengagement of the two mating shafts will cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

11. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear and the pinch bolt. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
12. Install the left drive axle to the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Connect the transaxle wiring harness connector.
15. Remove the engine support fixture.
16. Install the engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L.
17. Install the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.5L
18. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in Engine Electrical.

Notice: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling will result in foaming, loss of fluid, and possible damage to the transmission.

19. Check and fill the transaxle as necessary.
20. Inspect for fluid leaks.