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Frame and Underbody Cadillac XLR I

Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers 1 illustration ~2374 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Crossmember Bolt Nut110 N.m81 lb ft
Skid Bar to Frame Bolts50 N.m36 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Tools Required

J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor. See Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

  1. Support the engine. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-46l-lh2-1-of-5__engine-support-fixture) .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  4. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod end stud nuts (3). Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  5. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  7. Disconnect the intermediate shaft lower coupling from the steering gear. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-steering-column) .
  8. Remove the bolts from the electronic brake control module (EBCM)/brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) bracket. Refer to «Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system-with-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  9. Support and reposition the EBCM/BPMV and bracket away from the crossmember.
  10. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts.
  11. Remove the power steering fluid cooler from the crossmember.
  12. Lift the power steering gear off of the crossmember and support.
  13. Using the J 33432-A , remove the transverse spring from the vehicle. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) . Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-transverse-spring-replacement) .
  14. Disconnect the lower shock absorber bolts from the lower control arms.
  15. Remove the lower control arm bolts from the crossmember.
  16. Place a transmission jack under the crossmember.
  17. Remove the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to the following procedures: «Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-44l-1-of-5) «Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-44l-1-of-5)
  18. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the crossmember.
  19. Disconnect the electrical harness from the clips on the crossmember.
  20. Disconnect the brake pipe from the clips on the crossmember.
  21. Remove the crossmember mounting nuts.
  22. Lower the crossmember out of the vehicle by removing the transmission jack from under the crossmember.

Installation Procedure

  1. Raise the crossmember to the vehicle. Align the crossmember dowel pins to the frame rails. Align the engine mount studs.
  2. Install new crossmember mounting nuts. Tighten: Tighten the new crossmember mounting nuts to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  3. Install the engine mount lower nuts. Refer to one of the following procedures: «Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-44l-1-of-5) «Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-44l-1-of-5)
  4. Fasten the wheel speed sensor wiring harness retaining clips to the crossmember.
  5. Fasten the brake pipe to the retaining clips on the crossmember.
  6. Connect the electrical harness to the clips on the crossmember.
  7. Connect the brake pipe to the clips on the crossmember.
  8. Install the transverse spring with the J 33432-A connected, to the crossmember. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody__special-tools) . Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-transverse-spring-replacement) .
  9. Install the lower control arm to the crossmember. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
  10. Install the shock absorbers to the lower control arms. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
  11. Install the power steering gear to the crossmember. Tighten: Tighten the power steering gear mounting bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
  12. Install the bolts to the BPMV bracket. Refer to «Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system-with-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  13. Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering gear. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-steering-column) .
  14. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  15. Connect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
  16. Install the stabilizer shaft to the vehicle. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  17. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Remove engine support fixture from the engine. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-46l-lh2-1-of-5__engine-support-fixture) .
  20. Perform a vehicle front end alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

J 42055 Drivetrain Support Fixture

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness connectors.
  4. Disconnect the park brake cables from the actuator levers.
  5. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the electronic suspension control (ESC) shock absorbers harnesses, if equipped.
  6. Remove the rear suspension position sensors. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
  7. Disconnect the inner tie rod end studs from the rear crossmember. Refer to «Tie Rod Replacement (Outer)»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Tie Rod Replacement (Inner)»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  8. Disconnect the lower control arms from the crossmember. Refer to «Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__rear-axle-lower-control-arm-replacement) .
  9. Support the lower control arms, tie rods, and rear suspension knuckles.
  10. Remove the transverse spring. Refer to «Rear Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  11. Assemble the J 42055 and install it to a transmission jack.
  12. Position and firmly secure the J 42055 with the transmission jack to the transmission. Support the transmission.
  13. Remove the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#rear-drive-axle) .
  14. Disconnect all the electrical harness retainers from the crossmember.
  15. Disconnect the brake pipe retainers from the crossmember.
  16. Position a transmission jack under the rear crossmember and firmly secure the crossmember to the jack. Support the crossmember.
  17. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY, remove the rear crossmember mounting nuts.
  18. Remove the crossmember from the vehicle.
  19. Discard the rear crossmember mounting nuts.
  1. Install the crossmember to the vehicle. Align the crossmember dowel pins to the holes in the frame rails. Align the transaxle mount studs to the crossmember.
  2. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY, install NEW rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts. Tighten: Tighten nuts to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  3. Remove the J 42055 transmission jack from the transmission.
  4. Remove the transmission jack from the crossmember.
  5. Connect all electrical harness retainers to the crossmember.
  6. Connect the brake pipes retainers to the crossmember.
  7. Install the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#rear-drive-axle) .
  8. Install the transverse spring to the crossmember. Refer to «Rear Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  9. Install the lower control arms to the crossmember. Refer to «Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__rear-axle-lower-control-arm-replacement) .
  10. Install the inner tie rod end studs to the crossmember. Refer to «Tie Rod Replacement (Outer)»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Tie Rod Replacement (Inner)»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  11. Install the rear suspension position sensors. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
  12. Connect the electrical connectors to the ESC shock absorber harnesses, if equipped.
  13. Connect the park brake cables to the actuator levers.
  14. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Measure and adjust the rear trim height as necessary. Refer to «Trim Height Inspection»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-inspection) .
  18. Perform a rear wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Use hand tools to remove the nut from the bolt that you are replacing.
  3. Lower the vehicle.
  4. Open the hood.
  5. Use snap ring pliers to remove the spring clip.
  6. Remove the bolt.
  1. Install the crossmember bolt.
  2. Use snap ring pliers to install the spring clip.
  3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  4. Install a new nut to the crossmember bolt and tighten the nut with hand tools. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  1. Remove all related panels and components.
  2. Remove the rear floor trim plate. Refer to «Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Interior Trim.
  3. Locate the scribed marks labeled XMBR BOLT (1) in the floor of the rear compartment panel which identifies the area directly over the bolt.
  4. Drill an access hole with a 50 mm (2 in) hole saw (1).
  5. Remove the nut (3) using hand tools.
  6. Remove the spring clip (1).
  7. Remove the bolt (2).
  1. Install the bolt (2).
  2. Install the spring clip (1).
  3. Install a new nut (3) and tighten with hand tools. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 110 N.m (81 lb in).
  4. Scuff all bonding surfaces.
  5. Clean all bonding surfaces with a lint-free rag using a naphtha solvent.
  6. Apply adhesive (2) GM P/N 89020330 (Canadian P/N 8902332) as necessary to seal the balsa wood.
  7. Cut a piece of Sheet Molded Compound (SMC) or galvanized steel (1) to cover the hole in the floor with at least a 25 mm (1 in) overlap on all sides.
  8. Apply a 6 mm (1/4 in) bead of adhesive (2) GM P/N 89020330 (Canadian P/N 8902332) around the perimeter of the cover.
  9. Position the cover over the hole in the floor (1) and press firmly into place.
  10. Smooth out the adhesive around the cover.
  11. Verify that no skips or gaps occur in the adhesive.
  12. Allow adhesive to cure according to adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.
  13. Install all related panels and components.
  14. Install the rear floor trim panel. Refer to «Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Interior Trim.
  1. Remove all related panels and components.
  2. Remove the rear floor trim panel. Refer to «Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Interior Trim.
  3. Locate the raised area (1) over the rear bolt.
  4. Cut (2) out an access hole over the bolt.
  5. Save the cut-out piece to patch the hole.
  6. Use hand tools to remove the nut (3).
  7. Remove the spring clip (1).
  8. Remove the bolt (2).
  1. Install the bolt (2).
  2. Install the spring clip (1).
  3. Install a new nut (3) and tighten with hand tools. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  4. Scuff all bonding surfaces.
  5. Clean all bonding surfaces with a lint-free rag using a naphtha solvent.
  6. Apply adhesive bonding material (1) GM P/N 89020330 (Canadian P/N 8902332) as necessary to the repair area of the floor and the patch.
  7. Position the patch (1) and press firmly into place.
  8. Smooth out the adhesive around the repaired area.
  9. Verify that no skips or gaps occur in the adhesive.
  10. Allow adhesive to cure according to adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.
  11. Install all related panels and components.
  12. Install the rear floor trim panel. Refer to «Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-rear-end) in Interior Trim.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system__sir-disabling-and-enabling) in SIR.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to «Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__anti-corrosion-treatment-and-repair) in Paint and Coatings.
  5. Remove the welds (1) attaching the tow hook to the impact bar.
  6. Remove the tow hook (1) from the impact bar.
  1. Clean and prepare all of the welded surface and apply 3M weld-thru coating P/N 05916 or equivalent as necessary.
  2. Position the tow hook (1) to the passenger side of the impact bar.
  3. From right outer edge of the impact bar (2) measure 269 mm (105/8 in) to the center of the tow hook (1).
  4. Using a Metal Inset Gas (MIG) welder, weld a 51 mm (2 in) stitch along the tow hook to the impact bar in 4 places (1). Front Rear Inboard side Outboard side
  5. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to «Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__anti-corrosion-treatment-and-repair) in Paint and Coating.
  6. Paint the repair area. Refer to «Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__basecoatclearcoat-paint-systems) in Paint and Coating.
  7. Install all related panels and components.
  8. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) in Engine Electrical.
  9. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system__sir-disabling-and-enabling) in SIR.
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system__sir-disabling-and-enabling) in SIR.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) in Engine Electrical.
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to «Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__anti-corrosion-treatment-and-repair) in Paint and Coatings.
  5. Remove the welds (1) attaching the tow hook to the impact bar.
  6. Remove the tow hook (1) from the impact bar.
  1. Clean and prepare all of the welded surface and apply 3M weld-thru coating P/N 05916 or equivalent as necessary.
  2. Position the tow hook (1) to the center of the impact bar.
  3. Using a Metal Inset Gas (MIG) welder, weld a 51 mm (2 in) stitch along the tow hook to the impact bar in 4 places (1). Front Rear Inboard side Outboard side
  4. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to «Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__anti-corrosion-treatment-and-repair) in Paint and Coating.
  5. Paint the repair area. Refer to «Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/paintcoatings/#paintcoatings__basecoatclearcoat-paint-systems) in Paint and Coating.
  6. Install all related panels and components.
  7. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) in Engine Electrical.
  8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to «SIR Disabling and Enabling»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/airbag/#supplemental-inflatable-restraint-system__sir-disabling-and-enabling) in SIR.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the front fascia. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Support the radiator assembly.
  5. Support the skid bar.
  6. Remove the 4 bolts (1) attaching the skid bar to the frame rails.
  7. Remove the skid bar.
  8. Save all of the brackets, mounting studs, and accessories for transfer to the new skid bar.
  1. Transfer all of the brackets, mounting studs, and accessories to the new skid bar.
  2. Position the skid bar to the frame rails.
  3. Install the 4 bolts (1) attaching the skid bar to the frame rails. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (36 lb ft).
  4. Install all related panels and components.
  5. Install the front fascia. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
  6. Lower the vehicle.

Special Tools

Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Special Tools
Scheme 1: Special Tools

See also:
• Engine Support Fixture
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
• Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement
• Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
• Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
• Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Bracket Replacement
• Front Transverse Spring Replacement
• Engine Mount Replacement - Left Side
• Fastener Notice
• Lower Control Arm Replacement
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Tie Rod Replacement (Outer)
• Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement
• Transmission Mount Replacement
• Trim Height Inspection
• Rear Floor Trim Plate Replacement
• SIR Disabling and Enabling
• Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
• Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair
• Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems
• Front Bumper Fascia Replacement
• Special Tools