GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • SA9105E Engine Support Bar Assembly
    • SA91112T Axle Seal Protector
    • SA9132S Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 870530  Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  1. Position the vehicle on a hoist.

  2. Object Number: 873348  Size: SH
  3. Remove the air induction system. (DOHC shown, SOHC similar.)

  4. Object Number: 862853  Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
  6. Disconnect the positive battery cable from the battery.
  7. Remove the hold-down retaining nut (1) and screws (2), and lift off the battery hold-down retainer (3).
  8. Lift the battery out of the vehicle, and place it in a safe location.
  9. Important: One bolt is located in the fender well.


    Object Number: 864859  Size: SF
  10. Remove the battery tray bolts and the tray.

  11. Object Number: 864715  Size: SH
  12. Remove the transaxle strut-to-midrail bracket fastener.
  13. Loosen the transaxle strut to transaxle bracket fastener and flip the transaxle strut out of the way.

  14. Object Number: 890024  Size: SH
  15. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the transaxle.
  16. • Back-up light switch
    • Vehicle speed sensor
    • Two ground terminals from top two clutch housing bolts
  17. Remove the vent tube retaining clip.

  18. Object Number: 863845  Size: SH
  19. Remove the top two clutch housing-to-engine bolts. (Automatic shown, manual similar.)
  20. Important: Note which spark plug wire is removed from which coil tower. The spark plug wires must be connected to the correct coil towers.


    Object Number: 862444  Size: SH
  21. Disconnect the spark plug wires from the coil towers.
  22. Disconnect the electrical connectors at the electronic ignition module.
  23. Important: Discard the electronic ignition module bolts and replace with new bolts upon installation.

  24. Remove the bolts from the electronic ignition module. Remove the electronic ignition module.

  25. Object Number: 890060  Size: SH
  26. Remove the shifter cables from the shift arms and from the clutch housing. Use care not to damage the cable boot.
  27. Notice: Removal of the hydraulic damper with a power tool prior to removal of the actuator could result in breaking off the hydraulic line.

    Important: Prior to removing the slave cylinder from the clutch housing, make sure that the clutch hydraulic system has sufficient fluid.


    Object Number: 890038  Size: SH
  28. Rotate the clutch slave cylinder ¼ turn counterclockwise while pushing into the clutch housing. Remove the cylinder from the housing.
  29. Remove the two clutch hydraulic dampener to clutch housing fasteners. Wire the actuator cylinder and the dampener to the upper radiator hose.

  30. Object Number: 889973  Size: SH
  31. Wire the radiator to the upper radiator support to hold the radiator in place when the cradle is removed.

  32. Object Number: 863864  Size: SH

    Important: The two cross bars on the engine support have two settings, one for the SOHC (L24) (1) and one for the DOHC (LL0) (2) engine. The setting locations are marked on the bars as shown.

  33. Install the engine support bar assembly SA9105E .

  34. Object Number: 863869  Size: SH
  35. Place the engine support bar in the vehicle as shown. Place the support bar feet on the outer edge of the shock tower.

  36. Object Number: 864667  Size: SH
  37. Connect the bar hooks to the engine support brackets.
  38. Position the stabilizer foot on the engine block to the right of the engine oil dipstick.
  39. Adjust the hooks and the stabilizer to remove looseness.

  40. Object Number: 890040  Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  41. Raise the vehicle and drain the transaxle fluid.

  42. Object Number: 864711  Size: SH
  43. Remove the front road wheels.
  44. Remove the left and the right front inner fender splash shields.

  45. Object Number: 860205  Size: SH
  46. Remove the front engine splash shield from the vehicle.

  47. Object Number: 859933  Size: SH
  48. Remove the engine strut cradle bracket-to-cradle fasteners.

  49. Object Number: 859973  Size: SH
  50. Remove the transaxle mount-to-cradle fastener.

  51. Object Number: 865433  Size: SH
  52. Remove the front exhaust pipe-to-manifold fasteners.

  53. Object Number: 862045  Size: SH
  54. Remove the front exhaust pipe-to-catalytic converter fasteners.

  55. Object Number: 872635  Size: SH
  56. Remove the exhaust pipe support bracket-to-exhaust pipe fasteners.
  57. Remove the front exhaust pipe from the vehicle.

  58. Object Number: 890109  Size: SH
  59. Remove the steering gear to cradle fasteners. (Power steering gear shown, manual steering gear similar.)
  60. Support the steering gear with safety wire.

  61. Object Number: 904585  Size: SH
  62. Remove the brake pipe bracket push pin at the rear of the cradle.

  63. Object Number: 865765  Size: SH
  64. Remove the engine to transaxle stiffening brace bolts and remove the brace.

  65. Object Number: 865672  Size: SH
  66. Remove the dust cover to clutch housing bolts and remove the dust cover.

  67. Object Number: 859109  Size: SH
  68. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joints and discard. Loosen the nut and back off until the top of the nut is even with the top of the threads.
  69. Repeat for the opposite side.

  70. Object Number: 871526  Size: SH

    Notice: On ABS equipped vehicles, the outer CV joint has a speed sensor ring. Using the incorrect tool or procedure to separate the control arm from the knuckle can damage the ring, resulting in a loss of ABS operation.

    Notice: Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.

    Important: It will be necessary to pull down on the lower control arm to remove the castle nut.

  71. Separate the ball joint from the lower control arm using the SA9132S and remove the nut.
  72. Repeat for the opposite side.
  73. Notice: Do not allow screwdriver to contact axle seal or damage to the seal may occur.


    Object Number: 864656  Size: SH
  74. Separate the left side axle from the transaxle using a large screwdriver or appropriate pry bar.
  75. Remove the axle only part way and install SA91112T . Use the seal protector that was previously used or open up the protector at the split line and install around the axle and into the seal. This will protect the seal from being cut by the shaft spline.
  76. Separate the right side axle from the intermediate shaft.

  77. Object Number: 863211  Size: SH
  78. On DOHC (LL0) vehicles, remove the intake bracket to intake manifold bolt.
  79. Remove the intake bracket to intermediate shaft support bolt, and remove the support bracket.
  80. Remove the two intermediate shaft to engine block bolts.
  81. Carefully slide the intermediate shaft out of the transaxle.

  82. Object Number: 877538  Size: MH
  83. Use the powertrain support dolly and two 4 in x 4 in x 36 in pieces of lumber to support the cradle on the dolly.

  84. Object Number: 864658  Size: SH
  85. Remove the four cradle-to-body bolts. Carefully lower the cradle from the vehicle with the powertrain support dolly.

  86. Object Number: 865773  Size: MF
  87. Support the transaxle securely with a jack.
  88. Remove the two bottom clutch housing to engine bolts, and install the guide bolt into the bottom rear clutch housing bolt hole.
  89. Separate the transaxle from the engine and lower the transaxle.

Installation Procedure

    Important: When reinstalling the transaxle, tap out the ignition module mounting holes prior to installing the transaxle.


    Object Number: 865773  Size: MF
  1. Place the transaxle securely on a jack and position it under the vehicle.
  2. Install the axle seal protector into seals on both sides; use the SA91112T .
  3. Place the transaxle in any gear.
  4. Raise the transaxle into the vehicle to align the input shaft to the center of the clutch. Guide the transaxle into position, rotate back and forth to align input shaft splines to the clutch disc.
  5. Important: Make sure the input shaft splines line up with the clutch disc splines before tightening the clutch housing bolts. Do not use the bolts to pull the transaxle up to the engine.

  6. Install the two lower clutch housing to engine bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the clutch housing-to-engine bolts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).


    Object Number: 864682  Size: SH
  8. Remove the transaxle jack.
  9. Install the axle seal protector tool SA91112T inside the seal.
  10. Notice: Use caution not to damage axle seal when intermediate shaft is installed into transaxle.

  11. Install the left-hand side axle into the transaxle.
  12. After the splines clear the seal protector but before snapping the axle into place, remove the seal protector tool.
  13. Install the axle seal protector tool SA91112T inside the seal. (Left side shown, right side similar.)
  14. Notice: Use caution not to damage axle seal when intermediate shaft is installed into transaxle.


    Object Number: 863211  Size: SH
  15. Install the intermediate shaft into the transaxle.
  16. After the splines clear the seal protector but before snapping the axle into place, remove the seal protector tool.
  17. Position the intermediate shaft support and install the two bolts.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the intermediate shaft support bracket-to-engine bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  19. Install the starter bracket to intermediate shaft bolt, if removed.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the intake manifold support bracket-to-intake manifold bolt (LLO) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  21. On DOHC (LLO) vehicles, position the intake manifold support bracket and install the intake bracket to intake manifold bolt.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the intake manifold support bracket-to-intake manifold bolt (LLO) to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  23. Install the intake bracket to intermediate shaft support bolt.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the intake manifold support bracket-to-intermediate shaft support bracket nut (LLO) to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  25. Install the right axle to intermediate shaft.

  26. Object Number: 877538  Size: MH

    Notice: Take care not to damage rubber boot when installing ball joint to knuckle.

  27. Clean and lubricate the ball joint threads.
  28. Important: Make sure that the following parts are correctly positioned when raising the cradle into the vehicle.

       • Lower control arm bar studs to knuckle
       • Cooling module support bushings
       • Engine strut cradle bracket
       • Transaxle mount

  29. Place the cradle on a lift and raise it to the vehicle and place the lower ball joint into the knuckles when raising the cradle up.

  30. Object Number: 861125  Size: SH

    Important: Cradle-to-body guide pins must be used to maintain proper alignment. Insert using 9/16 in round steel rod for alignment pins. Alignment holes are at both front cradle mounting locations. Mount studs must be guided into holes in cradle as the cradle is installed.

    Important: Do not tighten the fasteners at this time.

  31. Install the two rear cradle-to-body fasteners.
  32. Position the cradle-to-body at the two front cradle-to-body fasteners.
  33. Tighten the four cradle-to-body fasteners.
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the cradle-to-body bolts to 210 N·m (155 lb ft).

  35. Remove the powertrain support dolly.

  36. Object Number: 862136  Size: SH
  37. Lower the vehicle and remove the engine support bar SA9105E .

  38. Object Number: 859961  Size: SH
  39. Install the transaxle strut, transaxle bracket-to-transaxle bolts, if removed.
  40. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle strut bracket-to-case bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).


    Object Number: 864715  Size: SH
  41. Install the transaxle strut-to-midrail bracket fastener.
  42. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle strut-to-midrail bracket fastener to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  43. Tighten the transaxle strut-to-transaxle bracket fastener, if removed.
  44. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle strut-to-transaxle bracket bolt to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  45. Remove the cooling module support wire.

  46. Object Number: 890005  Size: SH

    Important: Run a tap through the ignition module mounting holes in the transaxle to remove any thread sealant residue.

    Tap size 6 x 1.0 mm

    Important: Always use new electronic ignition module bolts to insure proper thread sealant.

  47. Inspect the new electronic ignition module bolts to make sure they are coated with yellow thread sealant and the mating surfaces are free from grit and dirt.
  48. Notice: Use extreme care when installing the electronic ignition module bolts make sure the bolt head is seated on the electronic ignition module when the torque specification is reached. If the bolt head is not seated on the electronic ignition module, remove the bolt and tap the hole to clean any debris from the threads.

  49. Install the electronic ignition module and bolts. (Automatic shown, manual transaxle similar.)
  50. Tighten
    Tighten the electronic ignition module and bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).


    Object Number: 863845  Size: SH
  51. Install the top two clutch housing to engine studs. (Automatic shown, manual transaxle similar.)
  52. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle-to-engine studs to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 890058  Size: SH
  53. Connect the electrical connectors to the transaxle.
  54. • Vehicle speed sensor
    • Back-up lamp switch
    • Two ground terminals to the top two clutch housing studs

    Tighten
    Tighten the ground terminal-to-top clutch housing studs to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

    • Install the vent hose clip to the housing

    Object Number: 890060  Size: SH
  55. Connect the shifter cables to the shift arms and the clutch housing. Install the cable retainers.

  56. Object Number: 890038  Size: SH
  57. Unwire the clutch hydraulic system from the upper radiator hose. Install the two clutch hydraulic system to clutch housing nuts.
  58. Tighten
    Tighten the clutch hydraulic damper bracket-to-case studs at 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  59. Install the actuator into the clutch housing. Push in and rotate ¼ turn clockwise. Install the retaining clip.
  60. Check the master cylinder at front of the dash connection to be sure it is locked in place.

  61. Object Number: 864859  Size: SF
  62. Install the battery tray.
  63. Tighten the battery tray bolts.
  64. Tighten
    Tighten the battery tray-to-frame rail bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 862853  Size: SH
  65. Make sure the battery tray is clean.
  66. Make sure that the battery cable ends are clean and free of corrosion. (Clean with a wire brush.)
  67. Make sure that the battery is in good physical condition (e.g., no cracks, or obvious damage) and that the terminals are clean.
  68. Install the battery carefully in the battery tray; make sure that the terminals do not short against any metal during the installation.
  69. Install the battery hold-down retainer (3), locking the battery into the tray. Install and tighten the hold-down retainer nut (1) and screws (2).
  70. Tighten
    Tighten the battery hold down-to-battery tray fasteners to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 873348  Size: SH
  71. Install the air induction system.
  72. Connect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor connector.

  73. Object Number: 859973  Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  74. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
  75. Install the transaxle lower mount-to-cradle fastener.
  76. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle mount-to-cradle nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

    Important: To ensure proper powertrain alignment, make sure that all other mounts have been torqued.


    Object Number: 859933  Size: SH
  77. Install the two engine strut cradle bracket-to-cradle fasteners.
  78. Tighten
    Tighten the engine strut bracket-to-cradle nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 860964  Size: SH
  79. Remove the steering gear support wire.
  80. Install the steering gear-to-cradle attachment fasteners. (Power steering gear shown, manual similar.)
  81. Tighten
    Tighten the steering gear-to-cradle bolt and nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 904585  Size: SH
  82. Connect the brake pipe-to-cradle retainer.

  83. Object Number: 865672  Size: SH
  84. Insert Graphic SMPMT49304AB. Install the dust cover to clutch housing bolts.
  85. Tighten
    Tighten the flywheel housing cover-to-clutch housing bolts to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


    Object Number: 865765  Size: SH
  86. Install the engine to transaxle stiffening brace and install the brace to engine and transaxle bolts.
  87. Tighten
    Tighten the engine-to-transaxle stiffening brace bolts 54 N·m (40 lb ft).


    Object Number: 865433  Size: SH
  88. Position the exhaust manifold pipe into the vehicle.
  89. Install the exhaust manifold pipe-to-exhaust manifold fasteners and tighten.
  90. Tighten
    Tighten the exhaust manifold pipe-to-exhaust manifold nuts to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).


    Object Number: 862045  Size: SH
  91. Install the intermediate exhaust pipe-to-three way catalytic converter flange fasteners.
  92. Tighten
    Tighten the catalytic converter-to-intermediate exhaust pipe nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 865465  Size: SH
  93. Install the front exhaust pipe clamp support to engine stiffening bracket.
  94. 57.1. Clamp the support to the engine stiffening bracket.

    Tighten
    Tighten the front exhaust pipe hanger-to-powertrain stiffening brackets bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

    57.2. Clamp the support to the front exhaust pipe.

    Tighten
    Tighten the front exhaust pipe hanger strap clamp to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 859109  Size: SH
  95. Install the nut to lower ball joint and tighten.
  96. Tighten
    Tighten the front lower control arm ball stud-to-steering knuckle nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

    After torquing, if necessary, tighten the nut additionally to align the slot in the nut with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint. Install the cotter pin.


    Object Number: 864711  Size: SH
  97. Install the right side, left side, and front splash shield to the cradle fasteners.
  98. On Coupes, install the right and left lower fascia brace to the cradle J-nuts.
  99. Tighten
    Tighten the fascia support-to-cradle fasteners to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    Notice: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

  100. Position the wheels onto the hubs.
  101. Install the wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat the tightening pattern to be sure torque is correct.
  102. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel lug nuts, in crisscross pattern, to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  103. Install the drain plug.
  104. Tighten
    Tighten the transaxle drain plug to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) (with rubber seal).

    Important: Clean and lubricate the fastener with Saturn Transaxle Fluid. Wipe off excess fluid and install.

  105. Fill the transaxle to the proper level using Saturn Transaxle Fluid.
  106. Specification
    Saturn Transaxle Fluid: 2.5L (2.6 qt)

  107. Install the positive battery cable first.
  108. Tighten
    Tighten the battery terminal bolts to 17 N·m (151 lb in).

  109. Install the negative battery cable last.
  110. Tighten
    Tighten the battery terminal bolts to 17 N·m (151 lb in).

  111. Perform the vehicle alignment. Refer to the Alignment procedures in the Chassis Service Manual.