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Home >> Buick >> 2003 >> Century Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Frame And Underbody >> Repair Instructions >> Frame Replacement >> Installation Procedure
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Installation Procedure

  1. If you are replacing the frame, install the following components:
  2. Position the engine support table with the frame under the vehicle.
  3. Lower the vehicle to the frame.
    Fig 1: Lowering Vehicle To Frame
    G03383825Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Loosely install the bolts which secure the rear frame to the body.
    Fig 2: Installing Bolts Which Secure Rear Frame To Body
    G03383826Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Loosely install the bolts which secure the front frame to the body.
  6. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19x203 mm (0.74x8.0 in) pins in the alignment holes on the right side of the frame.
  7. Install the frame bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the bolts to 180 N.m (133 lb ft).

  8. Connect both the lower ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT  in Front Suspension.
  9. Install the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to the following procedures:
    • ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT  in Engine Mechanical - 3.1 L 
    • ENGINE MOUNT AND BRACKET REPLACEMENT  in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 
      Fig 3: Installing Bolts Which Secure Front Frame To Body
      G03383827Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to Automatic Transmission Mount Replacement  in Automatic Transaxle.
  11. Install the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT  in Power Steering System.
  12. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  13. Connect both speed sensor connectors (1) to the front wheels, if equipped.
  14. Install both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) to the frame and to the lower control arm, if equipped.
  15. Install the positive battery cable and retainers to the frame. Refer to BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE REPLACEMENT  in Engine Electrical.
  16. Install the power steering cooler pipe. Refer to POWER STEERING COOLER PIPE/HOSE REPLACEMENT  in Power Steering System.
  17. Install the radiator lower air deflector. Refer to RADIATOR AIR BAFFLE AND DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT - LOWER  in Engine Cooling.
  18. Connect the fog lamp electrical connectors.
  19. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  in Tires and Wheels.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to the following procedures:
    • ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE  in Engine Mechanical - 3.1 L 
    • ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE  in Engine Mechanical - 3.8L 
  22. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT  in Wheel Alignment.
    Fig 4: Connecting Both Speed Sensor Connectors To Front Wheels
    G03383828Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.