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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 >> Removal Procedure
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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 the inner fender liner enough to gain access to the front frame bolts. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Exterior Trim.
  5. Remove both outer tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  7. For AWD, remove the propeller shaft. Refer to PROPELLER SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Propeller Shaft.
    IMPORTANT: It is NOT necessary to remove the catalytic converter pipe on FWD models.
  8. For AWD, remove the catalytic converter pipe. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in Engine Exhaust.
  9. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR HEAT SHIELD REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  10. Remove the power steering gear bolts. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  11. Remove the power steering gear from the frame. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  12. Use mechanics wire to secure the power steering gear to the exhaust manifold.
  13. Remove the front engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE in Body Front End.
  14. Remove the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to POWER STEERING COOLER PIPE/HOSE REPLACEMENT in Power Steering System.
  15. Use utility wire in order to secure the power steering cooler line out of the way.
  16. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor connectors.
  17. Remove the front wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses from the lower control arms.
  18. Remove the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
  19. Remove the engine mount nuts. Refer to ENGINE SUPPORT FIXTURE in Engine Mechanical-3.4L
  20. Remove the transaxle mount nuts. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MOUNT REPLACEMENT in Automatic Transaxle-4T65-E.
  21. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts the J 39580.
    Fig 1: Placing Special Tool Lower Vehicle
    G03383408Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  22. Remove frame front bolts.
  23. Remove the frame rear bolts.
  24. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the vehicle.
  25. If you are REPLACING the frame, perform the following steps:
    1. 25.1. Remove the frame insulators from the frame. Refer to FRAME CUSHION OR INSULATOR REPLACEMENT - FRONT  .
    2. 25.2. Remove the lower control arms from the frame. Refer to LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in Front Suspension.
      Fig 2: Removing Frame Rear Bolts
      G03383409Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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