GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2000 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the front fender liners. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
  4. Remove the engine strut from the lower engine mount and frame. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.2L or Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.4L.
  5. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  6. Disconnect the antilock brake system (ABS) harness from the wheel speed sensor and frame. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  7. Remove the lower pinch bolt from the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard.
  8. Separate the ball joint studs from the steering knuckles. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  9. Remove the tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.

    10. Object Number: 490128 Size: SH
  10. Remove the brake lines from the retainers on the support frame.
  11. Remove the power steering hoses from the power steering gear. Refer to the following procedures:
    12. •  Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement
    •  Power Steering Return Hose Replacement
  12. Remove the front suspension support brace. Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  13. Lower the vehicle until the front suspension crossmember rests on jack stands.
  14. Remove the front suspension crossmember mounting bolts.
  15. Raise the vehicle off of the front suspension crossmember.
  16. Remove the following components if replacing the front suspension crossmember:
    17. • The stabilizer shaft
    • Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
    • The lower control arms
    • Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
    • The power steering gear
    • Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 490128 Size: SH
  1. Install the following components on the front suspension crossmember, if removed:
    2. • The stabilizer shaft
    • Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
    • The lower control arms
    • Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
    • The power steering gear
    • Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  2. Lower the vehicle on to the front crossmember support.

    3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the front suspension crossmember mounting bolts.

    4. Tighten

    1. Tighten the left rear outboard bolt to 110 N·m (71 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the right rear outboard bolt to 110 N·m (71 lb ft).
    3. Tighten the front upper bolt to 110 N·m (71 lb ft).
    4. Tighten the rear inboard bolts to 110 N·m (71 lb ft).
  4. Install the front suspension support brace. Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  5. Install the power steering hoses to the power steering gear. Refer to the following procedures:
    6. •  Power Steering Pressure Pipe/Hose Replacement
    •  Power Steering Return Hose Replacement
  6. Install the brake lines to the retainers on the support frame.
  7. Install the tie rods to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  8. Install the ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  9. Install the lower pinch bolt to the steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column-Standard.
  10. Connect the ABS harness to the wheel speed sensor and frame. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  11. Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Intermediate Pipe Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
  12. Install the engine strut to the lower engine mount and frame. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.2L or Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.4L.
  13. Install the front fender liners. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement in Body Front End.
  14. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding in Power Steering System.
  16. Align the front wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.