GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2001 🢒 Aztek - FWD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Front Frame Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  6. Remove the propeller shaft . Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

    7. Important: It is NOT necessary to remove the catalytic converter pipe on FWD models.

  7. Remove the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  8. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement in Power Steering System.
  9. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  10. Remove the power steering gear from the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

    11. Object Number: 378919 Size: SH
  11. Use a strap in order to secure the power steering gear to the exhaust pipe.
  12. Remove the front engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
  13. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering System.
  14. Use utility wire in order to secure the power steering cooler line out of the way .
  15. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
  16. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
  17. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  18. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical-3.4L.
  19. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transaxle-4T65-E.

    20. Object Number: 333118 Size: SH
  20. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580 .

    21. Object Number: 478740 Size: SH
  21. Remove and DISCARD the frame front bolts.
  22. Remove and DISCARD the frame rear bolts.
  23. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
  24. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
    25. 24.1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
    24.2. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.

Installation Procedure
  1. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
    2. 1.1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement in Front Suspension.
    1.2. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to Front Frame Cushion or Insulator Replacement .
  2. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.

    3. Object Number: 333118 Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.

  3. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
  4. Adjust the utility straps as necessary in order to align the powertrain mounts with the frame.

    5. Important: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.

  5. Inserting two 19 mm (0.75 in) diameter X  203 mm (8.0 in) long guide pins or drill bits into the frame right side alignment holes in order to align the frame.

    6. Object Number: 478740 Size: SH

    Caution: These fasteners MUST be replaced with new fasteners anytime they become loose or are removed. Failure to replace these fasteners after they become loose or are removed may cause loss of vehicle control and personal injury.

  6. Install the NEW frame front bolts.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 155 N·m (114 lb ft).

  7. Install the NEW frame rear bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 240 N·m (177 lb ft).

  8. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
  9. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Automatic Transaxle-4T65-E.
  10. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical-3.4L.
  11. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
  12. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
  13. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  14. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement in Power Steering System.
  15. Install the front engine splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
  16. Install the power steering gear to the frame. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  17. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  18. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement in Power Steering System.
  19. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  20. Install the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  21. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
  22. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement in Front Suspension.
  23. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  24. Lower the vehicle.
  25. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical - 3.4L.
  26. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust the toe angle if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.