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Home >> Pontiac >> 2003 >> Aztek AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Frame And Underbody >> Repair Instructions >> Frame Replacement - Front >> Installation Procedure
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Installation Procedure

  1. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
    1. 1.1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
    2. 1.2. Install the frame insulators to the frame. Refer to FRAME CUSHION OR INSULATOR REPLACEMENT - FRONT  .
  2. Position the transaxle table with the frame under the vehicle.
    IMPORTANT: Ensure that the power steering cooler line does not become trapped by the engine mount during this step.
    Fig 1: Positioning Transaxle Table With Frame Under Vehicle
    G03383410Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Lower the vehicle until the frame is close to the vehicle.
    IMPORTANT: Ensure that the alignment pins remain installed during the frame installation.
  4. Insert 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.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
  5. Install the frame front bolts.

    Tighten 

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

  6. Install the frame rear bolts.

    Tighten 

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

  7. Remove the alignment pins from the frame.
  8. Install the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACEMENT in Automatic Transaxle-4T65-E.
  9. Install the engine mount nuts. Refer to ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT in Engine Mechanical-3.4L.
  10. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses to the lower control arms.
    Fig 2: Installing Frame Rear Bolts
    G03383411Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.
  12. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  13. Install the power steering cooler pipe to the frame. Refer to POWER STEERING COOLER PIPE/HOSE REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  14. Install the front engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE in Body Front End.
  15. Remove the mechanics wire and install the power steering gear to the frame. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  16. Install the power steering gear bolts. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  17. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  18. For AWD, install the propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Propeller Shaft.
  19. For AWD, install the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in Engine Exhaust.
  20. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  21. Install both tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  22. Install front fender liner. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Exterior Trim.
  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.
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