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 battery ground (negative) cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement in Engine Controls.
3. Install the engine support fixture.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
5. Remove the left front wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal or Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
6. Remove the left engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
7. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arms. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
8. Remove the left tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Front Suspension.
9. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
10. Remove the left lower ball joint from the left steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
11. Disconnect the left drive axle from the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.
12. Secure the drive axle to the steering knuckle/strut.
13. Remove the pinch bolt at the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
14. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column On-Vehicle Service.
15. Disconnect the catalytic converter pipe to the right (rear) exhaust manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
16. Support the right side of the frame with jackstands.
17. Support the left side of the frame with jackstands.
18. Remove the transaxle mount bracket. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
19. Remove the transaxle mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
20. Loosen the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
21. Loosen the right side frame to body bolts. Refer to Frame Removal in Body Dimensions, Frame and Underbody.
22. Remove the left side frame to body bolts. Refer to Frame Removal in Body Dimensions, Frame and Underbody.
23. Adjust the jackstand to the lower left side of the frame.
24. Position the drain pan under the transaxle.
25. Remove the wiring harness connector.



26. Remove the case side cover bolts (56-58).



27. Remove the case side cover pan (53).
28. Remove the case side cover gasket (54).
29. Remove the case side cover inner gasket (59).



30. Inspect the case side cover (53) for the following conditions:

•	Damaged or porous gasket sealing surfaces

•	Damaged or porous casting surfaces

•	Damaged or stripped bolt holes

31. Inspect the case side cover gasket (54) and case side cover inner gasket (59) for damage. The gaskets are reusable if they are NOT damaged.
32. Clean the case side cover.
33. Clean the case side cover gasket surfaces.

1. Install the case side cover inner gasket (59).
2. Install the case side cover gasket (54).
3. 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.

4. Install the case side cover bolts (56-58).

Tighten
Tighten the case side cover bolts (56-58) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

5. Remove the drain pan from under the transaxle.
6. Install the wiring harness connector.
7. Adjust the jackstand to raise the left side of the frame.
8. Install the left side frame to body bolts. Refer to Frame Removal in Body Dimensions, Frame and Underbody.
9. Install the right side frame to body bolts. Refer to Frame Removal in Body Dimensions, Frame and Underbody.
10. Install the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L.
11. Install the transaxle mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
12. Install the transaxle mount bracket. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
13. Remove the jackstand support from the right side of the frame.
14. Remove the jackstand support from the left side of the frame.
15. Connect the catalytic converter pipe to the right (rear) exhaust manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
16. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column On-Vehicle Service.
17. Install the pinch bolt at the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column On-Vehicle Service.
18. Install the left drive axle to the transaxle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.
19. Install the left lower ball joint to the left steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
20. Install the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
21. Install the left tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Front Suspension.
22. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arms. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.
23. Install the left engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
24. Install the left front wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal or Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
25. Lower the vehicle.
26. Remove the engine support fixture.
27. Install the air cleaner intake duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Intake Duct Replacement in Engine Controls.
28. Connect the battery ground (negative) cable. Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
29. Adjust the fluid level. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications and Transmission Fluid Check
30. Inspect for proper completion of the repairs.
31. Inspect for fluid leaks.