GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 41623-B Cooler Quick Connect Tool
    • J 41160 Transmission Jack Adapter
    • J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 333146  Size: SH

    Notice: The wheels of the vehicle must be straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the SIR coil assembly to become uncentered, which may cause damage to the coil assembly.

  1. Lock the steering column by installing J 42640 into the underside of the steering column.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Replacement .
  3. Remove the front compartment sight shield. Refer to Front Compartment Sight Shields Replacement .
  4. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 820397  Size: SH
  6. Remove the range select cable terminal from the transaxle range select lever.
  7. Remove the nuts securing both the range selector cable bracket and heater pipe to the transaxle.
  8. Remove the range selector cable with bracket and heater pipe from the transmission case and position aside.
  9. Remove the Magnasteer wire from the retaining clip.
  10. Disconnect the master cylinder brake pipe retainers from the side rail.
  11. Important: Supporting the brake pipes above the body side rail is necessary while removing the transaxle in order to prevent pinching of the brake pipes.

  12. Remove the brake pipe retainers from the side rail and using mechanics wire, support the brake pipes above the side rail.

  13. Object Number: 1688267  Size: SH
  14. Reposition the main wiring harness to gain access to the upper transaxle to engine bolts.
  15. Remove the transaxle to engine upper bolts. The lower bolt will temporally retain the transaxle and will be removed from the underside of the vehicle.
  16. Place a drain pan under the vehicle.

  17. Object Number: 1687897  Size: SH
  18. Remove the upper transaxle oil cooler pipe retaining bolt from the radiator fan shroud.
  19. Disconnect the upper transaxle oil cooler pipe from the radiator using the J 41623-B . Install plugs in the oil cooler pipe and the radiator to prevent fluid loss and contamination.

  20. Object Number: 627386  Size: SH
  21. Disconnect the lower transaxle oil cooler pipe from the transaxle using the J 41623-B . Install plugs in the oil cooler pipe and the transaxle to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
  22. Disconnect the transaxle vent tube from the transaxle.
  23. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .
  24. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  25. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  26. Object Number: 1687898  Size: SH
  27. Remove the secondary air injection (AIR) reaction intake pipe retainer (1) from the transaxle.
  28. Disconnect the AIR pump electrical connector.

  29. Object Number: 1687904  Size: SH
  30. Disconnect the AIR hose (2) from the AIR pipe (1).
  31. Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  32. Secure the vehicle to the front hoist pads.

  33. Object Number: 1679758  Size: SH
  34. Remove the left front wheelhouse liner (1). Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement .

  35. Object Number: 1687905  Size: SH
  36. Remove the air deflector extension. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement .
  37. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  38. Swing the stabilizer shaft downward in order to gain access to the power steering gear retaining bolts.

  39. Object Number: 105357  Size: SH

    Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear or to the intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control, which could result in an accident and possible personal injury.

  40. Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  41. Disconnect the intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
  42. Remove the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .

  43. Object Number: 337379  Size: SH
  44. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  45. Remove the power steering line retainers from the frame.
  46. Secure the power steering gear to the exhaust manifold.

  47. Object Number: 1679761  Size: SH
  48. Remove the mounting bolts (2) in order to allow removal of the brake pressure modulator valve from the bracket.
  49. Remove the brake line retainers (1) from the frame.
  50. Important: The following are exceptions while following the frame removal procedure:

       • Do not remove the front stabilizer shaft from the frame.
       • Do not remove the insulators from the frame.
       • Do not remove the control arms from the frame.

  51. Remove the frame. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .

  52. Object Number: 189013  Size: SH
  53. Disengage the right and left drive shafts (2) from the transaxle (1). The drive shafts do not have to be removed from the wheels. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  54. Using mechanic's wire, support the wheel drive shafts out of the way by tying them up to the strut spring.

  55. Object Number: 820394  Size: SH
  56. Remove the bolt securing the left transaxle brace to the transaxle.
  57. Loosen the nut securing the left transaxle brace to the engine.
  58. Remove the left transaxle brace from the powertrain assembly.

  59. Object Number: 627341  Size: SH
  60. Remove the 3 ground connections from the side of the transaxle.
  61. Disconnect the transaxle main electrical harness connector.

  62. Object Number: 588757  Size: SH
  63. Remove the bolt (2) securing the left transaxle brace (1) to the transaxle.

  64. Object Number: 1687900  Size: SH
  65. Remove the nut (3) securing the AIR pipe to the transaxle.

  66. Object Number: 694213  Size: SH
  67. Remove the nuts (2, 3) securing the vehicle speed sensor heat shield (1) to the transaxle.
  68. Remove the vehicle speed sensor heat shield (1) from the vehicle.
  69. Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor electrical connector.

  70. Object Number: 1687896  Size: SH
  71. Remove the bolts (2) securing the rear transaxle mount bracket (3) to the transaxle.

  72. Object Number: 820532  Size: SH
  73. Remove only the bolts securing the rear transaxle brace to the transaxle.

  74. Object Number: 627396  Size: SH
  75. Remove the transmission to engine oil pan brace. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement .
  76. Remove the torque converter cover. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .

  77. Object Number: 1688240  Size: SH

    Important: Mark the flywheel to torque converter position so that they can be assembled in the same position.

  78. Remove the flywheel to torque converter bolts (1).
  79. Position the power steering gear pressure hose to the right side of the vehicle in order to clear the transaxle during removal.
  80. Support the transaxle using the J 41160 and a suitable transmission jack.
  81. Secure the J 41160 to the transaxle.

  82. Object Number: 1688267  Size: SH
  83. Remove the remaining transaxle to engine bolt.
  84. Separate the transaxle from the engine.
  85. Tilt the transaxle using the support jack enough to allow clearance for the starter nose cone.
  86. Important: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transaxle and the following:

       • The brake pipes
       • The power steering pressure hose
       • The wiring harnesses

  87. Carefully lower the transaxle from the vehicle.
  88. Flush the transmission cooler and lines. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test .
  89. Complete the following if transaxle replacement is necessary:
  90. • Remove the transaxle cooler pipe. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
    • Remove the left transaxle bracket. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .

Installation Procedure

  1. Complete the following if previously removed from the transaxle:
  2. • Install the left transaxle bracket. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .
    • Install the transaxle cooler pipe. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .

    Important: Ensure clearance is maintained between the transaxle and the following:

       • The brake pipes
       • The power steering pressure hose
       • The wiring harnesses

  3. Carefully raise the transaxle to the engine in a tilted position in order to clear the starter nose cone.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1688267  Size: SH
  5. Align the transaxle with the engine and position the transaxle onto the engine dowels.
  6. Install the engine to transaxle lower bolt.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 75 N·m (55 Ib ft).


    Object Number: 820532  Size: SH
  8. Install the bolts securing the rear transaxle brace to the transaxle.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 Ib ft).


    Object Number: 627402  Size: SH
  10. Connect the vehicle speed sensor electrical connector.
  11. Install the vehicle speed sensor heat shield and nuts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 Ib ft).


    Object Number: 1687896  Size: SH
  13. Install the bolts (2) securing the rear transaxle mount bracket (3) to the transaxle.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 73 N·m (54 Ib ft).

  15. Remove the transmission jack and the J 41160 .

  16. Object Number: 1688240  Size: SH

    Important: Line up the flywheel and converter using the alignment marks made during disassembly.

  17. Install the flywheel to converter bolts (1).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 Ib ft).


    Object Number: 627396  Size: SH
  19. Install the torque converter cover. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement .
  20. Install the transmission to engine oil pan brace. Refer to Transmission Brace Replacement .

  21. Object Number: 189013  Size: SH
  22. Install the right and left drive shafts (2) to the transaxle (1). Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .

  23. Object Number: 1687900  Size: SH
  24. Install the nut (3) securing the AIR pipe to the transaxle.

  25. Object Number: 588757  Size: SH
  26. Install the bolt (2) securing the left transaxle brace (1) to the transaxle.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 120 N·m (89 Ib ft).


    Object Number: 627341  Size: SH
  28. Install the 3 ground connections to the side of the transaxle.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 Ib ft).

  30. Connect the transaxle main electrical harness connector.

  31. Object Number: 820394  Size: SH
  32. Install the left transaxle brace to the powertrain assembly.
  33. Install the bolt securing the left transaxle brace to the transaxle.
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 Ib ft).

    Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 Ib ft).

  35. Install the front frame assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Front Frame Replacement .

  36. Object Number: 1679761  Size: SH
  37. Position the brake pressure modulator valve into the bracket.
  38. Install the mounting bolt (2).
  39. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  40. Install the brake line retainers (1) onto the frame.

  41. Object Number: 337379  Size: SH
  42. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  43. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  44. Install the power steering line retainers onto the frame.
  45. Install the power steering gear heat shield. Refer to Steering Gear Heat Shield Replacement .

  46. Object Number: 105357  Size: SH

    Caution: When installing the intermediate shaft make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage. Disengagement of the two mating shafts will cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

  47. Connect the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear.
  48. Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt.
  49. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  50. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

  51. Object Number: 1687905  Size: SH
  52. Install the air deflector extension. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .

  53. Object Number: 1679758  Size: SH
  54. Install the left front wheelhouse liner (1). Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement .

  55. Object Number: 1687904  Size: SH
  56. Connect the AIR hose (2) to the AIR pipe (1).

  57. Object Number: 1687898  Size: SH
  58. Install the AIR intake pipe retainer (1) to the transaxle.
  59. Connect the AIR pump electrical connector.
  60. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  61. Lower the vehicle.

  62. Object Number: 627386  Size: SH
  63. Connect the lower transaxle oil cooler pipe to the transaxle. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .

  64. Object Number: 1687897  Size: SH
  65. Install the upper transaxle oil cooler pipe to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .

  66. Object Number: 1688267  Size: SH
  67. Install the remaining transaxle to engine bolts.
  68. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 75 N·m (55 Ib ft).

  69. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture .

  70. Object Number: 820397  Size: SH
  71. Install the range selector cable bracket to the studs on the transaxle.
  72. Install the heater pipe to the stud on the transaxle.
  73. Install the nuts that retain the heater pipe and the range selector cable bracket to the transaxle.
  74. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 Ib ft).

  75. Connect the range selector cable terminal to the transaxle range selector lever.
  76. Install the Magnasteer wire to the retaining clip.
  77. Install the brake pipe retainers to the side rail.
  78. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement .
  79. Install the front compartment sight shield. Refer to Front Compartment Sight Shields Replacement .
  80. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Replacement .

  81. Object Number: 333146  Size: SH
  82. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
  83. Fill the transaxle to the proper level. Refer to Fluid Capacity Specifications .
  84. Add DEXRON® VI transmission fluid as required.
  85. Check the front suspension alignment, adjust the toe as necessary.
  86. Clear the transmission adaptive pressures (TAPS). Refer to Transmission Adaptive Functions .
  87. Check the front end alignment.
  88. Road test the vehicle and check for transaxle leaks.