Attention! If the vehicle is equipped with electronically controlled air suspension, turn off the suspension height control switch by raising the vehicle.
1. Disconnect the ground wire from the battery (see paragraph 1 of chapter 5).
2. Release nuts of fastening of forward wheels. Raise the front of the car and place secure supports under it. Remove both front wheels.
Note. Supports should be placed behind the front subframe. without propping the car under the subframe.
3. Remove front bumper trim (see chapter 11).
4. Disconnect the clamps of the stabilizer bushings from the subframe (see paragraph 2).
5. Disconnect the cross arms from the steering knuckles (see paragraph 5). Also disconnect the ride height sensor linkage, if equipped.
6. Turn out bolts of fastening of the steering mechanism to a stretcher (see paragraph 20).
Note. Suspend the steering gear with a suitable cable.
7. Inspect the subframe for the presence of fastening elements of hoses, pipelines or wiring harnesses fixed to it and disconnect them.
8. Support the engine from above using an engine jack or equivalent (see chapter 2B).
Attention! Do not climb under the engine when it is only supported by a hoist or other lifting device.
9. Disconnect all engine and gearbox mounts in the block with the drive axle from the subframe (see chapter 2).
10. Using two floor jacks, support the subframe. Position one jack on each side of the subframe, midway between the front and rear support points.
11. After making sure that the jacks are securely installed under the subframe, unscrew the bolts of the subframe and subframe brackets (pic. 23.11).
23.11. Bolted subframe and bracket
12. Call an assistant to hold the subframe, and then carefully lower the jacks until the subframe is completely lowered.
Installation
13. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. Tighten all suspension and subframe mountings to the specified torque as specified in Specifications at the beginning of this chapter. Tighten all other fasteners to the prescribed torque given in the Specifications at the beginning of the chapters 2.