You have to separate the engine from the transmission. On GM front-wheel-drive cars that means dropping the cross member with the engine and transmission on it, then pulling them apart. The transmission is lighter so it's easier to pull that off the engine.
Be absolutely certain to mark the orientation of the four cross member bolts before you unbolt them. It's critical that the cross member be reinstalled in exactly the same orientation to maintain proper handling. If it is slid to either side just a little, the steering system will bounce all over the place when you go over bumps in the road, and an alignment won't solve the issue. If you run into problems, tell your alignment mechanic what was done so he checks and adjusts "steering axis inclination" (SAI). Most mechanics don't look at those numbers unless they have a reason to.
Sunday, August 3rd, 2014 AT 7:50 PM
