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Frame and Underbody Chevrolet Camaro V

Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers 3 illustrations ~2178 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Brake Line Bracket to Frame Nut10 N.m89 lb in
Brake Module to Bracket Nut10 N.m89 lb in
Brake Pipe Fittings15 N.m11 lb ft
Engine Mount Nuts to Frame50 N.m37 lb ft
Front Frame Anchor Bolts to BodyFront Bolts 160 N.m Rear Bolts 240 N.mFront Bolts 118 lb ft Rear Bolts 177 lb ft
Front Lower Ball Joint Nut (Front and Rear)
First Pass40 N.m30 lb ft
Second PassPlus 90 degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Front to Frame Nut50 N.m plus 120 degrees turn37 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Front Lower Control Arm Rear to Frame50 N.m plus 120 degrees turn37 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Front Outer Tie Rod to Knuckle Nut
First Pass30 N.m22 lb ft
Second PassPlus 120 degrees turn
Front Stabilizer Shaft Bracket Bolts17 N.m13 lb ft
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut49 N.m36 lb ft
Power Steering Gear to Frame Mounting Bolts50 N.m plus 120 degrees turn37 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Rear Adjuster Link to Frame Nuts115 N.m85 lb ft
Rear Adjuster Link to Knuckle Bolts140 N.m103 lb ft
Rear Frame Insulator Anchor Bolts to Body100 N.m plus 110 degrees turn74 lb ft plus 110 degrees turn
Rear Lower Control Arm to Knuckle Bolts40 N.m plus 120 degrees turn30 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Rear Lower Control Arm to Frame Nuts115 N.m85 lb ft
Rear Shock Lower Nut80 N.m plus 120 degrees turn59 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Rear Shock Mount to Body Bolts58 N.m43 lb ft
Rear Stabilizer Shaft Clamp Bolt20 N.m16 lb ft
Rear Stabilizer Shaft Link Nuts49 N.m36 lb ft
Rear Trailing Arm to Frame Bolts100 N.m74 lb ft
Rear Trailing Arm to Knuckle Bolts40 N.m plus 120 degrees turn30 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Rear Upper Control Arm Bushing to Control Arm Bolt160 N.m118 lb ft
Rear Upper Control Arm Bushing Bracket to Frame Bolts50 N.m plus 120 degrees turn37 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Transmission Mount Lower Nuts60 N.m44 lb ft
Transmission Support to Body Bolts58 N.m43 lb ft
Under Body Brace58 N.m43 lb ft
Upper Control Arm to Knuckle Bolt60 N.m plus 120 degrees turn44 lb ft plus 120 degrees turn
Washer Solvent Bottle Bracket Nut10 N.m89 lb in

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the rear wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust Muffler with Resonator, Exhaust, and Tail Pipe Replacement (Vehicle Service)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to «Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#propeller-shaft) .
  5. Remove the top strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1).
  6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor jumper harness electrical connector (1).
  7. Detach the rear park brake cable and clevis (1) from the park brake actuator (2).
  8. Remove the outer cable (4) from the rear knuckle (3).
  9. Remove the brake caliper anchor plate to knuckle retaining bolts (2). Discard the bolts.
  10. Remove the brake caliper from the knuckle.
  11. Support the brake caliper (4) with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent (3).
  12. Clean all dirt and foreign material from the brake hose and the brake pipe fittings.
  13. Detach the brake hose (1) from the upper control arm mounted brake hose retaining bracket (5).
  14. Position the suitable frame support table under the vehicle.
  15. Using suitable frame support table, lower the vehicle to the frame support table.
  16. Remove the rear sub frame to rear chassis rail retaining fasteners.
  17. Carefully raise the vehicle from the rear frame assembly.
  18. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  19. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  20. Remove the rear wheel hub and knuckle assembly. Refer to «Knuckle Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  21. Remove the rear strut assembly to lower control arm retaining bolt (2) and nut (1). Discard the nut.
  22. Mark the eccentric washers (3) with reference to their seating position relative to the subframe.
  23. Remove the lower control arm to subframe retaining bolt (1) and nut (5). Discard the nut.
  24. Remove the lower control arm (4) from the subframe (3).
  25. Remove the upper control arm pivot bushing. Refer to «Rear Suspension Upper Control Arm Bushing Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  26. Remove the upper control arm ball joint to subframe retaining bolt (1) and nut (5). Discard the nut.
  27. Remove the trailing arm to subframe retaining bolt (2) and nut (1). Discard the nut.
  28. Remove the drive shafts. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  29. Remove the trailing arm.
  30. Remove the differential. Refer to «Differential Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#rear-drive-axle) .
  31. Mark the eccentric washers (1) with reference to their seating position relative to the subframe (4). Remove the adjust link to subframe retaining bolt (2) and nut (5).
  32. Remove the adjust link (3) from the subframe (4).
  33. Disconnect the rear frame wiring harness to rear frame center retaining clips (1).
  34. Disconnect the rear frame wiring harness to rear frame side retaining clips (1).

Installation Procedure

  1. Connect the rear frame wiring harness to rear subframe side retaining clips (1).
  2. Connect the rear frame wiring harness to rear subframe center retaining clips (1).
  3. Install the adjust link (3) into the rear subframe (4).
  4. Install the adjust link to rear subframe retaining bolt (2).
  5. Install the eccentric washer (1) and the NEW nut (5). Do not fully tighten at this stage.
  6. Install the trailing arm (5) to the rear subframe.
  7. Install the trailing arm to rear subframe retaining bolt (3) and NEW nut (4). Do not fully tighten at this stage.
  8. Install the trailing arm to knuckle retaining bolt (1) and NEW nut (2). Do not fully tighten at this stage.
  9. Install the upper control arm into the rear subframe.
  10. Install the upper control arm ball joint to rear subframe retaining bolt (1) and NEW nut and tighten a first pass to 80 N.m (59 lb ft) and a final pass 120 degrees.
  11. Install the upper control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (3) and NEW nut (4) and tighten the bolt first pass to 60 N.m (44 lb ft) and an additional 90 degrees.
  12. Install the upper control arm pivot bushing. Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  13. Install the lower control arm (4) into the rear subframe (3).
  14. Install the lower control arm to rear subframe retaining bolt (1).
  15. Install the eccentric washer (2) and the NEW nut (5). Do not fully tighten at this stage.
  16. Connect the rear strut assembly (4) to the lower control arm (3).
  17. Install the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1). Do not fully tighten at this stage.
  18. Install the rear wheel hub and knuckle assembly. Refer to «Knuckle Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) in rear Suspension.
  19. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  20. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  21. Lower the vehicle to the frame.
  22. Index the rear side frame mounts to the rear locator sleeves located on the body.
  23. Lower the vehicle until the frame mounts contact the body rail.
  24. Install the rear sub frame to rear chassis rail retaining bolts and tighten to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) and a final pass of 110 degrees.
  25. Raise the vehicle.
  26. Remove the frame support table from under the vehicle.
  27. Attach the brake hose (1) from the upper control arm mounted brake hose retaining bracket (5).
  28. Remove the heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent support (2) from the brake caliper (1).
  29. Install the brake caliper assembly (2) to the knuckle (3).
  30. Install the NEW brake caliper anchor plate to knuckle retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  31. Install the rear park brake cable (4) into the rear knuckle (3). Make sure that the rear park brake cables (4) are properly seated.
  32. Attach the rear park brake cable and clevis (1) to the park brake actuator (2).
  33. Connect the wheel speed sensor jumper harness electrical connector (1).
  34. Install the top strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).
  35. Attach the electrical connector to the right hand rail.
  36. Install the outer cable (4) to the vehicle underbody bracket (3). Make sure that the outer cables (4) are properly seated in the vehicle underbody bracket (3).
  37. Install the rear inner cables (1) to the front park brake cable and equalizer bracket assembly (2).
  38. Install the differential. Refer to «Differential Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#rear-drive-axle) .
  39. Install the drive shafts. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  40. Install the rear strut assembly. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  41. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to «Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#propeller-shaft) .
  42. Install the exhaust system. Refer to «Exhaust Muffler with Resonator, Exhaust, and Tail Pipe Replacement (Vehicle Service)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
  43. Install the rear wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  44. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  45. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  46. Align the marks on the eccentric washers (3) with the marks on the subframe.
  47. Tighten the lower control arm to subframe retaining bolt (1) and nut (2) and tighten to 115 N.m (85 lb ft).
  48. Tighten the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and nut (1) a first pass to 40 N.m (30 lb ft) and a final pass 120 degrees.
  49. Tighten the trailing arm to subframe retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1) to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
  50. Tighten the trailing arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1) to 40 N.m (30 lb ft) and final pass 120 degrees.
  51. Align the marks on the eccentric washers (1) with the marks on the subframe (3).
  52. Tighten the adjust link to subframe retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (4) to 115 N.m (85 lb ft).
  53. Correct the wheel alignment of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Special Tools

J 39580 Engine Support Stand. See Special Tools .

  1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias)
  2. Using mechanics wire, support the radiator and AC condenser assembly to the vehicle body.
  3. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture (V6)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-36l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle-1-of-2) .
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  5. Remove the front wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  6. Remove the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.
  7. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the strut assemblies. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  8. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  9. Remove the six power steering pipe fasteners from the frame.
  10. Using mechanics wire secure the power steering gear to the engine.
  11. Separate the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  12. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  13. Remove the engine mounts lower retaining fasteners.
  14. Install J 39580 under the frame. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  15. Lower the vehicle to the frame support table.
  16. Remove the six frame mounting bolts.
  17. With the aid of an assistant, carefully raise the body from the frame.
  18. Ensure when raising the body the following items are clear from the frame: Steering knuckles Electrical wiring harnesses Power steering pipes
  19. Remove the lower control arms. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  20. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  21. With the aid of an assistant, remove the frame from the support fixture.
  1. Install the lower control arms to the frame. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  2. Install the stabilizer shaft to the frame. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  3. With the aid of an assistant, position and secure the new frame assembly to the support fixture.
  4. With the aid of an assistant, carefully lower the body to the frame.
  5. Ensure the following components are clear from the frame: Electrical wiring harness Steering knuckles Power steering pipes
  6. Install the front frame mountings bolts and tighten to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
  7. Install the rear frame mountings bolts and tighten to 240 N.m (177 lb ft).
  8. Raise the vehicle.
  9. Install the engine mount lower retaining fasteners and tighten to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
  10. Remove the J 39580 from under the vehicle. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  11. Remove the mechanics wire supporting the power steering gear.
  12. Install the power steering gear retaining fasteners. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  13. Install the six power steering pipe to frame fasteners and tighten 20 N.m (15 lb ft)
  14. Install the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  15. Install the outer tie rods to the knuckle assemblies. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  16. Install the stabilizer links to the strut assemblies. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  17. Remove the mechanics wire supporting the radiator.
  18. Install the electrical harness retainers, if equipped, securing the engine harness to the frame.
  19. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Tighten the stabilizer shaft fasteners to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).
  22. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture (V6)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-36l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle-1-of-2) .
  23. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias)
  24. Align the vehicle. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
Scheme 1: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 5) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 3 N.m (27 lb in)
2Front Wheelhouse Liner Push-In Retainer (Qty: 5)
3Front Wheelhouse Liner
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement
Scheme 2: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Screw (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 3 N.m (27 lb in)
2Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Bolt Tighten: 3 N.m (27 lb in)
3Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Push-In Retainer (Qty: 2)
4Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Nut (Qty: 3)
5Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

The following components are supported by a front crossmember frame which is rigidly bolted to the body rail at 6 locations.

  1. The engine
  2. The front suspension components
  3. The steering linkage

The following components are supported by the rear suspension frame which is attached to the body rail through rubber insulators at 4 locations

  1. The rear drive axle assembly
  2. The rear suspension components

The transmission support is rigidly bolted to the floor pan and supports the transmission extension.

The underbody frames must be properly aligned to maintain the correct transmission, suspension and wheel alignment.

Note. In the event there is evidence of structural damage to the frames they must be replaced.

The individual underbody components contribute directly to the overall strength of the unibody. Use proper metal panel bonding techniques during service repair operations to the underbody. Refer to Metal Panel Bonding for metal panel bonding information and for vehicle preparation.

The components must be corrosion protected whenever body repair operations damage or destroy the original sealing surfaces. Use a two part catalysed primer when corrosion protection is needed to welded surfaces. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair . Do not combine paint systems. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems , for further information.

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 39580 Engine Support Stand

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Special Tools
Scheme 3: Special Tools