Frame and Underbody Chevrolet Impala IX

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Special Tools

J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table

Removal Procedure

1. Install the engine support fixture to support the engine/transaxle assembly. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
4. Remove the lower radiator air deflector. Refer to «Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system) .
5. Remove the positive battery cable retainers. Position the positive battery cable aside. Refer to «Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LGD/LZE)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) .
6. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to «Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.5L and 3.9L)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
7. Secure the power steering cooler to the exhaust pipe.
8. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Rotate the stabilizer shaft up to gain access to the mounting bolts for the power steering gear. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
9. Remove the mounting bolts for the power steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
10. Secure the power steering gear.
11. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
12. Remove the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-4t65-e-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 4T65-E transaxle.
13. Disconnect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
14. Remove both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) from the frame and the lower control arms, if equipped.
15. Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
16. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts J 39580 .
17. Remove the frame reinforcement nuts (3).
18. Remove the frame reinforcement bolts (1).
19. Remove the frame reinforcements (2).
20. Remove the bolts (1) which secure the frame to the body.
21. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the engine support table with the frame under the vehicle.
2. Lower the vehicle to the frame.
3. Loosely install the bolts (1) to secure the frame to the body.
4. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19X203 mm (0.74X8.0 in) pins in the alignment holes (2) on the right side of the frame. Tighten: Tighten the new front frame bolts to 145 N.m (107 lb ft). Tighten the new rear frame bolts to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
5. Install the frame reinforcements (2).
6. Install the frame reinforcement bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
7. Install the frame reinforcement nuts (3). Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
8. Connect both the lower ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
9. Install the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
10. Install the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-4t65-e-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 4T65-E transaxle.
11. Remove the power steering gear from the exhaust pipe. Position to the frame.
12. Install the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
13. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
14. Connect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
15. Install both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) to the frame and to the lower control arm, if equipped.
16. Install the positive battery cable. Refer to «Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LGD/LZE)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) .
17. Install the power steering cooler pipe. Refer to «Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.5L and 3.9L)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
18. Install the radiator lower air deflector. Refer to «Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system) .
19. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.

J 39580 Universal Engine Support Table

1. Install the engine support fixture to support the engine/transaxle assembly. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
4. Remove the lower radiator air deflector. Refer to «Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system) .
5. Remove the positive battery cable retainers. Position the positive battery cable aside. Refer to «Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LGD/LZE)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) .
6. Disconnect the power steering cooler pipe from the frame. Refer to «Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.5L and 3.9L)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
7. Secure the power steering cooler to the exhaust pipe.
8. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Rotate the stabilizer shaft up to gain access to the mounting bolts for the power steering gear. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
9. Remove the mounting bolts for the power steering gear. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
10. Secure the power steering gear.
11. Remove the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
12. Remove the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-4t65-e-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 4T65-E transaxle.
13. Disconnect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
14. Remove both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) from the frame and the lower control arms, if equipped.
15. Separate both of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
16. Lower the vehicle until the frame contacts J 39580 .
17. Remove the frame reinforcement nuts (3).
18. Remove the frame reinforcement bolts (1).
19. Remove the frame reinforcements (2).
20. Remove the bolts (1) which secure the frame to the body.
21. Raise the vehicle in order to separate the frame from the body.
22. If you are replacing the frame, remove the following components: Both of the lower control arms-Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The stabilizer shaft-Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The spacers, the upper insulator, the lower insulator, and the retainers-Refer to «Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) and to «Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Rear Insulator Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .

1. If you are replacing the frame, install the following components: Both of the lower control arms-Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The stabilizer shaft-Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The spacers, the upper insulator, the lower insulator, and the retainers-Refer to «Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) and to «Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Rear Insulator Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
2. Position the engine support table with the frame under the vehicle.
3. Lower the vehicle to the frame.
4. Loosely install the bolts (1) to secure the frame to the body.
5. Align the frame to the body by inserting two 19X203 mm (0.74X8.0 in) pins in the alignment holes (2) on the right side of the frame. Tighten: Tighten the new front frame bolts to 145 N.m (107 lb ft). Tighten the new rear frame bolts to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
6. Install the frame reinforcements (2).
7. Install the frame reinforcement bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
8. Install the frame reinforcement nuts (3). Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
9. Connect both the lower ball joints to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
10. Install the nuts which secure the engine mount to the frame. Refer to «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Mount Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
11. Install the nuts which secure the transaxle mount to the frame. Refer to «Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-4t65-e-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 4T65-E transaxle.
12. Remove the power steering gear from the exhaust pipe. Position to the frame.
13. Install the steering gear mounting bolts. Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
14. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
15. Connect both front wheel speed sensor connectors (1), if equipped.
16. Install both front wheel speed harness retainers (2) to the frame and to the lower control arm, if equipped.
17. Install the positive battery cable. Refer to «Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LGD/LZE)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/charging-system/#battery-charging-system-and-starting-system) .
18. Install the power steering cooler pipe. Refer to «Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.5L and 3.9L)»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
19. Install the radiator lower air deflector. Refer to «Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/cooling-system-mechanical/#engine-cooling-system) .
20. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-35l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.5L engine, «Engine Support Fixture»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical/#engine-mechanical-39l-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) for the 3.9L engine.
23. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

J 45296 Frame Insulator Remover/Installer. See Special Tools .

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
3. Disconnect the fog lamp electrical connectors from the fog lamps.
4. Remove the frame reinforcement nuts (3).
5. Remove the frame reinforcement bolts (1).
6. Remove the frame reinforcements (2).
7. Install a jackstand under the center of the frame, between the front frame insulators.
8. Remove the front frame bolts and retainers.
9. Lower the front of the frame.
10. Remove the frame front upper insulators.
11. Install the J 45296 , or equivalent to the front frame insulator you are removing. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
12. Using the J 45296 , or equivalent remove the front frame insulator from the frame. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .

1. Clean the front frame insulator opening.
2. Apply a thin coat of rubber lubricant GM P/N 01051717 (Canadian P/N 12345884) or equivalent to the inside of the front frame insulator opening.
3. Apply a thin coat of rubber lubricant GM P/N 01051717 (Canadian P/N 12345884) or equivalent to the front frame insulator.
4. Align the front frame insulator to the front frame opening with the front frame alignment tabs facing to the front.
5. Using the J 45296 , or equivalent install the front frame insulator to the front frame. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
6. Install the frame front upper insulators.
7. Raise the front of the frame.
8. Install the front frame bolts and retainers. Tighten: Tighten the front frame bolts to 145 N.m (107 lb ft).
9. Remove the jackstand.
10. Install the frame reinforcements (2).
11. Install the frame reinforcement bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
12. Install the frame reinforcement nuts (3). Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
13. Connect the fog lamp electrical connectors to the fog lamps.
14. Connect the steering intermediate shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
15. Lower the vehicle.

Note. In order to remove any frame insulator, loosen the adjacent frame insulators to permit the frame to separate from the body. Do not break the fan shroud or damage the frame attachments, such as steering hoses and brake pipes during the replacement of body mounts. When installing a body mount, ensure the lower insulator is seated into the frame. The lower insulator should not be loose. The spacer and the corresponding upper insulator is pressed into the lower insulator thus squeezing the frame. The bolt is then inserted through the mount, capturing the lower retainer. The body mount components prevent contact of the frame to the body. Do not over tighten the body mount. Over tightening may collapse a spacer or strip a bolt. When the frame insulator bolts are removed, always discard the bolts and replace with new bolts. When clamping by the mount, ensure the surfaces are clean and dry. If the frame insulator bolt does not screw in smoothly, run a tap through the frame crossmember nut in the body in order to remove foreign material. Ensure the tap does not punch through the underbody. Whenever the body is moved in relation to the frame, disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear and stub shaft.

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the intermediate shaft from the steering gear stub shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
3. Install a utility stand to the rear of the frame.
4. Remove the rear frame bolts.
5. Lower the rear of the frame.
6. Remove the upper and lower insulators from the rear of the frame as a set.

1. Apply lube to inside surface of lower insulator and to top surface of upper insulator.
2. Install the upper and lower insulators to the rear of the frame as a set.
3. Raise the rear of the frame.
4. Install the rear frame bolts. Tighten: Tighten the rear frame bolts to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
5. Remove the utility stand.
6. Install the intermediate shaft to the steering gear stub shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
7. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover. See Special Tools .

1. Remove the push-in retainers that hold the ABS lead to the engine splash shield.
2. Remove the engine splash shield from the lower flange of the engine compartment side rail.

1. Install the engine splash shield to the lower flange of the engine compartment side rail.
2. Route the ABS lead through the slot in the engine splash shield.
3. Align the holes in the engine splash shield to holes in the outboard side engine compartment side rail.
4. Install the push-in retainers to the engine splash shield.

Scheme 3

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 38778 Door Trim Pad Clip Remover J 39580 Power Pack Stand Engine And Transaxle Assembly Support Remove/Installer J 45296 Frame Insulator Remover/Installer

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

See also:
• Engine Support Fixture
• Engine Support Fixture
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement
• Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LGD/LZE)
• Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement (3.5L and 3.9L)
• Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
• Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side
• Fastener Caution
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement
• Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Front Insulator Replacement