2026-08-09

Subframe Assembly - Rear (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 3001020112 3.78 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-05-08: Updated the steps to remove/install LH/RH rear suspension assembly.
  • 2024-04-30: Updated the way of performing the routines from using Toolbox to using the touchscreen.
Equipment:
  • 1096075-00-A Tool, Hub Puller, Hydraulic
  • 1457016-00-A KIT, SPRING COMPRESSOR, GEDORE
  • 1135762-00-A Kit, Svc Plug, Cooling Hose, Model 3
  • 1130279-00-A Lifting Sling, Drive Unit, Model 3 (NA, APAC)
Table 1. Torque Specifications: Subframe Assembly - Rear (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Nut that secures the rear drive unit ground strap to the vehicle
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
  • 10 mm 12-point deep socket
 Reuse
Nut that attaches the rear drive unit HV cable bracket to the HV battery
10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
  • 10mm Magnetic Deep Nutsetter
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • 10 mm socket
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
 Reuse
LH and RH rear bolts that attach the subframe to body
160 Nm (118.0 lbs-ft)
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
  • 6 in extension
  • 21 mm socket
 Replace 1461657-00-A
LH, RH and rear bolts that attach the drive unit to subframe
80 Nm (59.0 lbs-ft)
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
  • 18 mm socket
 Reuse
Bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear brake caliper to the LH rear knuckle
83 Nm (61.2 lbs-ft)
  • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  • External Torx E18
  • 3 in extension
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
 Replace 1088969-00-B

Remove

  1. Inspect the tires for abnormal wear.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Note any abnormal tire wear that could indicate the need for an alignment.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  3. Open all four doors and lower all four windows.
  4. Open the trunk from an exterior switch.
  5. Move both front seats forward.
  6. Place the vehicle in Service Mode by using the touchscreen. See Service Mode.
  7. Unlock the vehicle gateway. See Gateway Unlock.
  8. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Thermal > Coolant System > Coolant Fill/Drain, click Run, and then allow the routine to complete.
  9. While holding the brake pedal, tap the Service Mode "wrench" at the bottom of the touchscreen UI, and then tap Chassis > Brakes > EPB Service Mode, select BOTH in the Action target dropping list, and select START in the Action type dropping list. Click Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  10. Remove the fresh air gutter assembly. See Assembly - Fresh Air Gutter - HVAC (Remove and Replace).
  11. Perform the Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure. See Vehicle HV Disablement Procedure (Test/Adjust).
  12. Remove the LH and RH rear wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  13. Remove the LH and RH rear suspension covers. See Cover - Rear Suspension - LH (Remove and Replace).
  14. Remove the rear fascia. See Fascia Assembly - Rear (Remove and Install).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Remove the rear aero shield instead of partially releasing it. See Panel - Aero Shield - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  15. Install a spring compressor onto the LH rear suspension spring:
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Springs in a compressed state are under large amounts of energy. Refer to the Tool Profile for the spring compressor kit prior to performing this step for additional warnings and cautions.
  16. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear damper to the body at the top mount.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 15 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
  17. Remove and discard the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear caliper to the LH rear knuckle, remove the caliper from the knuckle, and allow the caliper to hang from an S-hook.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • External Torx E18
    • 3 in extension
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  18. Repeat from step 15 to 17 for the RH side.
  19. Remove the nut that secures the rear drive unit ground strap to the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 10 mm 12-point deep socket
  20. Disconnect the RH side subframe harness connector.
  21. Remove the RH side subframe harness clips (x2) from the body.
  22. Remove the rear stabilizer bar assembly. See Stabilizer Bar - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  23. Position a coolant drain container underneath the RH rear of the vehicle.
  24. Release the push clips (x2) that attach the RH rear wheel liner to rocker panel, and move the wheel liner aside for access.
  25. Disconnect the rear drive unit outlet hose from powertrain return tube and plug both hose ends.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Lower the hose located at the RH rear of HV battery. Use a shop towel to clean any residue coolant if necessary. Coolant loss greater than 1L requires vacuum fill.
  26. Remove the RDU HV harness. See HV Harness - HV Battery to Rear Drive Unit (Remove and Replace).
  27. Remove the coolant drain container from underneath the vehicle.
  28. Place the subframe lifting tool underneath the rear subframe, and connect air supply to the tool.
  29. With assistance, raise the subframe lifting tool to support the rear subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Attach metal hooks at the end of straps to rings on subframe lifting tool and pull the straps until secure. Lower the vehicle if necessary.
  30. Remove the LH and RH rear subframe shear plates. See Shear Plate - Rear Subframe - LH (Remove and Replace).
  31. Mark the LH and RH rear subframe bolts (x2).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Mark the original location of the subframe in order to re-align during install. Also mark the subframe casting and the subframe bushing to body if needed.
  32. Remove and discard the LH and RH rear bolts that attach the subframe to body.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 6 in extension
    • 21 mm socket
  33. Lower the subframe and rear drive unit assembly from the vehicle.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use caution while lowering the subframe to avoid damage to surrounding components.
  34. Disconnect air supply from the subframe lifting tool, and then move the subframe lifting tool and subframe away from the vehicle.
  35. Release the rear drive unit ground strap clip from the subframe.
  36. Release the rear drive unit logic connection clip.
  37. Release the rear drive unit logic connector.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Release the locking tab then push the handle downward to release the connector.
  38. Disconnect the resolver connector.
  39. Release the clips (x2) from the rear drive unit.
  40. Disconnect the oil pump connector.
  41. Release the LH rear wheel speed sensor harness connector clip from the subframe.
  42. Disconnect the LH rear wheel speed sensor connector.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use hands to hold the connector end on the subframe harness; release the connector clip with a pocket screwdriver.
  43. Remove the LH harness retainer clip from the subframe.
  44. Repeat from step 41 to step 43 for the RH side.
  45. Release the clips (x8) that attach the subframe harness to the top rear of the subframe, and then remove the harness.
  46. Position the rear subframe assembly under the gantry.
  47. Attach the drive unit sling tools to the drive unit.
  48. Secure the drive unit sling to the gantry, and raise the sling until there is slight tension on the cables.
  49. Remove the LH, RH,and rear bolts that attach the drive unit to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 18 mm socket
    Figure 1. LH Shown, RH Similar
    Figure 2. Rear Bolt
  50. Separate the LH half shaft from the rear drive unit by using the cable removal kit.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Hand-tighten the U-bolt and 2 nuts. Wrap the cable around the inner joint, and then tighten with the U-bolt. Use slide hammer with cable eyelets to release. To avoid damage to the halfshaft boots and oil seals, take special caution when removing. Remove the cable when done.
  51. Repeat step 50 for the RH side.
  52. Raise the sling to carefully lift the rear drive unit out of the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    As the rear drive unit is lifted, maneuver the halfshafts out of the way.
  53. Position an empty drive unit crate below the drive unit.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use a pallet if no empty crate is available.
  54. Lower the drive unit into the drive unit crate.
  55. Move the subframe and lifting tool from underneath the drive unit.
  56. With assistance, position the support stand underneath the LH suspension.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Raise the support stand until the lower aft link is supported.
  57. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear upper aft link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm combination wrench
    • 21 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  58. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear upper fore link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Turn the bolt a few times to feed the end out while maneuvering the upper fore link to allow just enough space to remove the link from the rear subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm combination wrench
    • 18 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  59. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear toe link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm deep socket
    • 18mm 12pt combination wrench
  60. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear lower fore link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
  61. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear lower aft link to the rear subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm socket
    • 21 mm combination wrench
  62. Remove the LH rear suspension assembly from the rear subframe.
  63. Repeat from step 56 to 62 to remove the RH rear suspension assembly.
  64. With assistance, release the straps and remove the subframe from the lifting tool.

Replace

  1. With assistance, install a new subframe onto lifting tool and secure the straps.
  2. Install the LH rear suspension assembly to the rear subframe.
  3. Install the LH rear lower aft link to the rear subframe, then install and hand-tighten the bolt and nut that attach the link to the subframe.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The step of tightening this bolt is included in the installation of the LH rear suspension spring.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm socket
    • 21 mm combination wrench
  4. Position the LH rear lower fore link onto the subframe, and then install and hand-tighten the bolt and nut.
  5. Position the LH rear toe link onto the subframe, and then install and hand-tighten the bolt and nut.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Recommend assistance when performing this step.
  6. Install the LH rear upper fore link to the subframe and hand-tighten the nut and bolt.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not force the bolt into position. Turn the bolt a few times to align while maneuvering the link.
  7. Position the LH rear upper aft link onto the subframe, and then install and hand-tighten the bolt and nut.
  8. Remove the support stand from the LH rear suspension.
  9. Repeat step 2 to step 8 to install the RH rear suspension.
  10. Move the subframe and lifting tool to underneath the drive unit.
  11. Raise the drive unit out of the drive unit crate.
  12. With assistance, lower the sling to install the drive unit into subframe.
  13. Hand tighten the bolts (x3) that attach the drive unit to subframe.
    Figure 3. LH Shown, RH Similar
    Figure 4. Rear Bolt
  14. Lower the sling to release tension on the cables.
  15. Torque the bolts (x3) that attach the drive unit to subframe.
    80 Nm (59.0 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 18 mm socket
  16. Release the drive unit sling tool from the rear drive unit.
  17. Move the subframe assembly away from under the gantry.
  18. Install the subframe harness into position, and then secure the clips (x8) along the top rear of subframe.
  19. Install the LH harness retainer clip to the subframe.
  20. Connect the LH rear wheel speed sensor connector.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Engage the locaking tab. Use hands to hold the connector end on the subframe harness.
  21. Secure the LH rear wheel speed sensor harness connector clip onto the subframe.
  22. Repeat from step 19 to step 21 for the RH side.
  23. Connect the oil pump connector.
  24. Secure the clips (x2) onto the rear drive unit.
  25. Connect the resolver connector.
  26. Connect the rear drive unit logic connector.
  27. Secure the rear drive unit logic connection clip.
  28. Secure the rear drive unit ground strap clip onto the subframe.
  29. Position the subframe and rear drive unit assembly under the vehicle, and then connect air supply to the subframe lifting tool.
  30. Raise the subframe and rear drive unit assembly into position.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use caution to not damage components while raising the subframe.
  31. Hand tighten new LH and RH rear bolts that attach the rear subframe to body.
    Figure 5. LH Shown, RH Similar
  32. Install the LH and RH rear subframe shear plates. See Shear Plate - Rear Subframe - LH (Remove and Replace).
  33. Position the subframe to the marked location.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use previous markings to align the subframe to body. Return the subframe to original position as close as possible.
  34. Torque the LH and RH rear bolts that attach the subframe to body.
    160 Nm (118.0 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Mark the bolts after torque.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 6 in extension
    • 21 mm socket
    Figure 6. LH Shown, RH Similar
  35. Lower the rear subframe lifting tool from the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Verify the yellow safety straps are removed from the subframe.
  36. Disconnect the air supply from the subframe lifting tool, and remove the subframe lifting tool from underneath vehicle.
  37. Install the RDU HV harness. See HV Harness - HV Battery to Rear Drive Unit (Remove and Replace).
  38. Position coolant drain container underneath the RH rear of vehicle.
  39. Install the rear drive unit outlet hose to the powertrain return tube.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Perform a push-pull-push test to make sure the hose is fully engaged. Clean excess coolant from area.
  40. Secure the push clips (x2) that attach the RH rear wheel liner to the rocker panel.
  41. Remove the coolant drain container from underneath vehicle.
  42. Install the rear stabilizer bar assembly. See Stabilizer Bar - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  43. Install the clips (x2) that attach the RH side subframe harness to body.
  44. Connect the RH side subframe harness connector.
  45. Lower the vehicle to a comfortable working height and set the lift onto locks.
  46. Install the nut that secures the rear drive unit ground strap to the vehicle.
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Re-install a washer if vehicle had this washer during removal.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    • 10 mm 12-point deep socket
  47. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear damper to the body at the top mount.
    41 Nm (30.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Apply pressure at top of the damper to push down and clear LH rear wheel arch liner.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 15 mm socket
    • 3 in extension
  48. Install new bolts (x2) that attach the LH rear caliper to the LH rear knuckle.
    83 Nm (61.2 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • External Torx E18
    • 3 in extension
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    During installation of the brake caliper, make sure that the flexible brake hose is not twisted and can bend forward. The flexible brake hose must not make contact with the wheel arch liner when the vehicle is lowered.
  49. Remove the bolt that attaches the LH rear brake rotor to the hub.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
  50. Install the hub jack adapter onto the LH rear hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts (x5).
  51. Position and raise the underhoist stand to simulate the suspension at ride height.
  52. Adjust the underhoist stand and/or spring compressor until the lower beam of the rear ride height torque tool rests against the bottom edge of the lower aft link, as illustrated.
  53. Measure the distance between the bottom of the quarter panel and the center of the rear axle to make sure that the rear suspension is set to ride height. The distance should measure 378 mm.
  54. Tighten the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear upper aft link to the subframe. Mark the bolt with a paint pen.
    134 Nm (98.8 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm combination wrench
    • 21 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  55. Tighten the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear upper fore link to the subframe, and then mark the bolt and nut with a paint pen.
    76 Nm (56.0 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm combination wrench
    • 18 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
  56. Tighten the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear toe link to the subframe. Mark the bolt with a paint pen.
    85 Nm (62.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm deep socket
    • 18mm 12pt combination wrench
  57. Tighten the bolt and nut that attach the LH rear lower fore link to the subframe. Mark the bolt with a paint pen.
    76 Nm (56.0 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm socket
  58. Tighten the bolt that attach the LH rear lower aft link to the rear subframe, and then mark the bolt and nut with a paint pen.
    115 Nm (84.8 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm socket
    • 21 mm combination wrench
  59. Remove the underhoist stand from underneath the LH rear suspension.
  60. Remove the lug nuts (x5) that attach the hub jack adapter, and then remove the hub jack adapter from the vehicle.
  61. Install the bolt that attaches the LH rear brake rotor to the LH rear hub.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft)
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
  62. Remove the spring compressor from the LH rear suspension spring:
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Be careful while unloading the spring. Hold the spring horizontally and facing away from you.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Springs in a compressed state are under large amounts of energy. Refer to the Tool Profile for the spring compressor kit prior to performing this step for additional warnings and cautions.
  63. Repeat from step 47 to step 62 for the RH side.
  64. Install the rear fascia. See Fascia Assembly - Rear (Remove and Install).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Fully install the rear aero shield. See Panel - Aero Shield - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  65. Install LH and RH suspension covers. See Cover - Rear Suspension - LH (Remove and Replace).
  66. Install the LH and RH rear wheels. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  67. Install the 2nd row seat cushion. See Seat Cushion - 2nd Row (Remove and Replace).
  68. Perform a cooling system vacuum refill. See Cooling System - Vacuum Refill (Test/Adjust).
  69. Install the cabin intake duct. See Assembly - Fresh Air Gutter - HVAC (Remove and Replace).
  70. Move both front seats to original position.
  71. On the touchscreen, tap the Service Mode "wrench" (at the bottom of the touchscreen UI), and then tap Chassis > Brakes > EPB Service Mode, select Both in the EPB Selection dropping list, and select Stop in the Action Selection dropping list. Click Run, and allow the routine to complete.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The EPB Selection field can also be selected as Left/Right as needed.
  72. Exit Service Mode. See Service Mode.
  73. Close the trunk by using interior switch.
  74. Raise all windows and close all doors.
  75. Remove the lift arms from below the vehicle.
  76. Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust as a separate activity. See Alignment Requirement - Suspension.