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Home >> Pontiac >> 2005 >> Aztek Base, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Transmission >> Automatic Trans >> Automatic Transaxle - Introduction & Repair Instructions >> Repair Instructions >> Case Side Cover Replacement >> Removal Procedure
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Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the air inlet duct. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.4L.
  2. Remove the engine mount struts. Refer to and in Engine Mechanical.
  3. Remove the shift cable bracket from the transmission.
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the left front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  6. Remove the left engine splash shield. Refer to Splash Shield Replacement - Engine in Body Front End.
  7. Remove the left tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
    8. Fig 1: View Of Wheel Speed Sensor, Connector And Harness
    GM188809Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove the left wheel speed sensor harness connector (2) and the harness (1) from the lower control arm.
  9. Remove the left lower ball joint from the left steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement in Front Suspension.
  10. Remove the left stabilizer. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Suspension.
  11. Reposition and secure the drive axle toward the rear of the vehicle.
  12. Remove the trans mount nuts at the frame.
    13. Fig 2: View Of Intermediate Steering Shaft To Power Steering Gear Stub Shaft
    GM294371Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    CAUTION: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or damage to the intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.
  13. Remove the intermediate shaft (1) from the steering gear (2). Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.
    14. Fig 3: Supporting Powertrain With Utility Stand At Center Of Left Frame
    GM1408730Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Support the left side of the frame with a utility stand.
  15. Remove the left side frame bolts.
  16. Use the utility stand in order to lower the left side of the powertrain enough to gain access the case side cover bolts.
    17. Fig 4: Freeing Frame From Utility Stand
    GM1388667Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  18. Use the utility stand in order to lower the left side of the frame enough to access the case side cover lower bolts.
  19. Position the drain pan under the transaxle.
  20. Disconnect the transaxle wiring harness electrical connectors.
    21. Fig 5: Identifying Case Side Cover Bolts/Locations
    GM164786Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Remove the case side cover bolts (56-58).
    22. Fig 6: Identifying Case Side Cover
    GM48208Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  22. Remove the case side cover pan (53).

    If not replacing the side cover, steps 24, 25, 26, and 27 are not required.

  23. Remove the case side cover gasket (54).
  24. Remove the case side cover inner gasket (59).
    25. Fig 7: Inspecting Case Side Cover
    GM49472Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  25. Inspect the case side cover (53) for the following conditions:
    • Damaged or porous gasket sealing surfaces
    • Damaged or porous casting surfaces
    • Damaged or stripped bolt holes
  26. Inspect the case side cover gasket (54) and case side cover inner gasket (59) for damage. The gaskets are reusable if they are NOT damaged.
  27. Clean the case side cover gasket surfaces.
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