Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers All sections

Frame and Underbody Cadillac DTS I

Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers 4 illustrations ~1880 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Center Support Bracket Bolts128 N.m94 lb ft
Engine Frame Insulator Bolts191 N.m141 lb ft
Front Transmission Mount to Engine Frame Nut70 N.m52 lb ft
Rear Transmission Mount to Engine Frame Retainers50 N.m37 lb ft
Rear Wheelhouse Liner Screw10 N.m89 lb in
Steering Gear Retainer Bolts95 N.m70 lb ft
Support Assembly Front Bolts W/FE1/FE3181 N.m133 lb ft
Support Assembly Front Bolts W/FE7187 N.m138 lb ft
Support Assembly Front Bracket Bolts86 N.m63 lb ft
Support Assembly Rear Bolts W/FE1/FE3191 N.m141 lb ft
Support Assembly Rear Bolts W/FE7207 N.m153 lb ft

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Front Tow Hook Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
1Front Tie Down Loop Bolts (Qty: 2) NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice . Tighten: 20 N.m (15 lb ft)
2Front Tie Down Loop
NOTE
Refer to Fastener Notice .

Tools Required

J 39580 Engine Support Stand. See Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

  1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-46l-2-of-5__engine-support-fixture) .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  5. Remove the bolts retaining the steering gear to the engine frame.
  6. Remove the ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-ball-joint-replacement) or «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  7. Remove the front air deflector. Refer to «Front Air Deflector Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system-fascia) .
  8. Remove the brake pressure modulator valve and bracket from the frame. Refer to «Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#anti-lock-brake-system-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  9. Disconnect the ESC sensor links from the lower control arm ball studs.
  10. Remove the secondary air injection pump assembly. Refer to «Secondary Air Injection Pump Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-control-system-fuel-system-46l-introduction-2-of-2) .
  11. Remove the steering gear heat shield fasteners (1) in order to remove the steering gear heat shield (2) and disconnect the electrical harness retainer that is mounted on the heat shield.
  12. Disconnect the electrical harness from the heat shield.
  13. Remove the brackets (2) retaining the power steering line (1) to the frame.
  14. Remove the retainer (3), retaining the power steering line (4) along the left side of the engine frame.
  15. Using mechanics wire, retain the steering gear to the body.
  16. Lower vehicle until the engine frame rests on the J 39580 or suitable jack stands. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) .
  17. Remove the fastener retaining the front engine mount to the engine frame.
  18. Remove the fasteners retaining the rear transaxle mount (1) to the engine frame.
  19. Remove the engine frame insulator bolts (3) retaining the engine frame (2) to the vehicle.
  20. Raise vehicle away from engine frame.
  21. Remove the control arms. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the control arms. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  2. Lower the vehicle onto the engine frame.
  3. Using dowel pins in the alignment holes (1), align the engine frame (2) with the vehicle.
  4. Install the engine frame insulator retainer bolts in order to retain the engine frame to the vehicle. Tighten: Tighten the retainers to 181 N.m (133 lb ft).
  5. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .
  6. Raise the vehicle away from the jack stands supporting the engine frame.
  7. Install the fasteners in order to retain the rear transaxle mount (1) to the bracket. Tighten: Tighten the retainers to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
  8. Install the fastener in order to retain the front engine mount to the engine frame. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
  9. Install the fasteners in order to retain the steering gear to the engine frame. Tighten: Tighten the fastener to 95 N.m (70 lb ft).
  10. Install the bracket (2) to retain the power steering line (1) to the engine frame.
  11. Install the clips (3) retaining power steering line (4) along engine frame rail.
  12. Connect the wiring harness to the heat shield.
  13. Install the steering gear heat shield (2) to the vehicle. Tighten: Tighten the retainers to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
  14. Install the secondary air injection pump to the vehicle. Refer to «Secondary Air Injection Pump Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-control-system-fuel-system-46l-introduction-2-of-2) .
  15. Install the brake pressure modulator valve. Refer to «Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#anti-lock-brake-system-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  16. Install the ESC sensor links to the lower control arm ball studs.
  17. Install the front air deflector. Refer to «Front Air Deflector Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system-fascia) .
  18. Install the ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-ball-joint-replacement) or «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  19. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
  20. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  21. Lower the vehicle.
  22. Remove the engine support fixture.
  23. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

J-45725 Frame Bushing Installer. See Special Tools .

  1. Remove the frame. Refer to «Front Frame Replacement (4.6L)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  2. Remove cradle bushing with a rubber mallet.
  1. Install clamp J-45725 onto the bushing leaving about an 1/8 inch from the bottom of the bushing. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) .
  2. Align the split of the bushing to the front of the frame.
  3. Using J-45725 install the bushing until the entire radius of the bushing is halfway recessed in the cradle. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) .
  4. Remove the J-45725 clamp. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) .
  5. Using J-45725 install the bushing until the lip of the bushing is fully seated to the bottom of the cradle assembly. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) .
  6. Install the frame. Refer to «Front Frame Replacement (4.6L)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Fastener Tightening Specifications: Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Preliminary Procedures Lift and support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Retainers, Front Wheelhouse Liner (Qty: 10)
2Liner, Front Wheelhouse

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice . Fastener Tightening Specifications: Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Preliminary Procedure Lift and support vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Screw, Rear Wheelhouse Liner (Qty: 1) Tighten: 10 N.m (89 lb in)
2Retainers, Rear Wheelhouse Liner (Qty: 5)
3Liner, Rear Wheelhouse liner
NOTE
Refer to Fastener Notice .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the push-in retainers securing the splash shield to the vehicle.
  3. Remove the splash shield from the vehicle.
  1. Position the splash shield to the vehicle.
  2. Install the push-in retainers to secure the splash shield to the vehicle.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the tires and the wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
  3. Remove the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust System Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  4. Remove the coil springs. Refer to «Coil Spring Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Coil Spring Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__coil-spring-replacement-fe7) .
  5. Remove the brake calipers and support. Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from each wheel.
  7. Disconnect the ABS electrical connectors from the support assembly.
  8. Remove the electronic level control link (FE1) or links (FE3).
  9. Support the rear suspension support assembly with a transmission jack and securely support.
  10. Remove the 3 bolts per side, securing the support brackets to the body of the vehicle.
  11. Remove the front 2 bolts and the rear 2 bolts securing the support assembly to the body.
  12. Lower the transmission jack and remove the support assembly.
  13. Transfer all necessary parts from the old support to the new support.
  1. Raise the support assembly with the transmission jack in position.
  2. Install the 2 rear bolts and the 2 front bolts at the mounts. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 191 N.m (141 lb ft).
  3. Install the brackets at the forward support assembly mounts. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 86 N.m (63 lb ft).
  4. Install the air tube to the electronic level control compressor.
  5. Connect the electronic level control electrical connector and install the vent tube.
  6. Connect the electrical connectors to the support assembly (FE3).
  7. Install the electronic level control link (FE1) or links (FE3) to the control arms.
  8. Install the brake calipers. Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  9. Install the springs. Refer to «Coil Spring Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Coil Spring Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__coil-spring-replacement-fe7) .
  10. Install the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust System Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  11. Install the tires and the wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the tires and the wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
  3. Lower the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust System Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  4. Remove the coil springs. Refer to «Coil Spring Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Coil Spring Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__coil-spring-replacement-fe7) .
  5. Remove the brake calipers and support. Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from each wheel.
  7. Release the park brake cable from the brake calipers.
  8. Loosen the park brake cable (1) and then disconnect the cable at the rear suspension support assembly.
  9. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the support assembly.
  10. Disconnect the electrical connector from the electronic level control.
  11. Remove the vent hose.
  12. Remove the electronic level control link from the left and the right control arm, if equipped.
  13. Remove the vent tube from the electronic level control compressor.
  14. Support the rear suspension support assembly with a transmission jack and securely support.
  15. Remove the center support brackets (1).
  16. Remove 3 bolts per side, securing the support brackets to the body of the vehicle.
  17. Remove the front 2 bolts and the rear 2 bolts securing the support assembly to the body.
  18. Lower the transmission jack and remove the support assembly.
  1. Raise the support assembly with the transmission jack in position.
  2. Install the 2 rear bolts and the 2 front bolts at the mounts. Tighten: Tighten the front support assembly bolts to 187 N.m (138 lb ft). Tighten the rear support assembly bolts to 207 N.m (153 lb ft).
  3. Install the brackets at the forward support assembly mounts. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 86 N.m (63 lb ft).
  4. Install the center support bracket bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 128 N.m (94 lb ft).
  5. Install the air tube to the electronic level control compressor.
  6. Connect the electronic level control electrical connector and install the vent tube.
  7. Connect the electrical connectors to the support assembly.
  8. Install the electronic level control links to both the control arms.
  9. Install the air tube to the electronic level control compressor.
  10. Connect the electrical connector to the electronic level control and install the vent tube.
  11. Connect the electrical connectors to the support assembly.
  12. Connect the electronic level control links to both the control arms.
  13. Attach the park brake cable at the support assembly.
  14. Install the park brake cable (1) to the brake calipers.
  15. Install the brake calipers. Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Rear Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  16. Install the coil springs. Refer to «Coil Spring Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Coil Spring Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__coil-spring-replacement-fe7) .
  17. Install the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust System Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  18. Install the tires and the wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .

Underbody Inspection

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Check for obvious deterioration on the floor pan.
  3. Check for loose dirt and corrosion around the inside of the floor pan reinforcement member access holes. This is the first indication that corrosion may exist in hidden areas. Perform all repairs before the final cleaning and protective treatment is performed.
  4. Using a chisel, ensure that the drain provisions in the floor pan reinforcement members are open. Open the drain holes in the body side panels using a punch and a drift.

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 28467-A Engine Support Fixture J 39580 Engine Support Stand J 45725 Frame Bushing Installer

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Special Tools