GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 28467-360 Engine Support Fixture

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Install the J 28467-360 . Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  3. Remove the air intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
  4. Remove the shift cable and bracket at the transaxle.
  5. Remove the acelerator and cruise control cables from the retainer on the left strut tower.
  6. Unbolt but do not remove the ABS modulator.
  7. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  8. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Remove the inner splash shield.
  10. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle assembly. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  11. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  12. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  13. Remove the drive axle from the transmission. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
  14. Remove the pinch bolt from the steering gear intermediate shaft at steering column. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  15. Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear or to the intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control, which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

  16. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  17. Remove the three frame-to-body bolts on the left side.
  18. Lossen but do not remove the bolts on the right side.
  19. Remove the transaxle oil cooler hoses at the case. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .
  20. Lower the vehicle and loosen the engine support fixture adapters until adequate clearance is available at the case side cover to frame rail area.
  21. Raise the vehicle.

  22. Object Number: 48208  Size: SH
  23. Remove the case side cover bolts.
  24. Remove the case side cover (53).
  25. Clean the case and side cover gasket surfaces.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 49472  Size: SH
  1. Inspect the case side cover for the following conditions:
  2. • Damaged or porous gasket sealing surfaces
    • Damaged or porous casting surfaces
    • Damaged or stripped bolt holes
  3. Install the new gaskets (54 and 59) on the case (53).
  4. Install the case side cover.

  5. Object Number: 330217  Size: SH

    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.

  6. Install the new side cover bolts (56) and one side cover to case stud (58) in the locations shown. These bolts will properly locate the case side cover to the case.
  7. Install the remaining bolts:
  8. • Nine case side cover bolts (56)
    • Four side cover torx® bolts (57)
    • Four side cover to case stud bolts (58

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

  9. Install the transaxle oil cooler hoses to the transmission. Refer to Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Hose Replacement .
  10. Raise the transmission and frame using a transmission jack so that the frame bolts can be installed.
  11. Install the three frame-to-body bolts and tight the right side bolts. Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  12. Remove the transmission jack.
  13. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear and the pinch bolt at the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
  14. Install the drive axle to the transmission. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Driveline/Axle.
  15. Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  16. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
  17. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  18. Install the inner splash shield.
  19. Install the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Remove the J 28467-360 . Refer to Frame Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
  22. Install the shift cable and bracket at the transaxle.
  23. Install the acelerator and cruise control cables from the retainer on the left strut tower.
  24. Install the ABS modulator.
  25. Install the air intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L.
  26. Connect the negative battery cable.
  27. Check the fluid level. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications
  28. Inspect for leaks.
  29. Check front end alignment.