Fix It

Explore » home» 2000 » a » axle » how » malibu » remove » to » trans » How to Remove a 2000 Malibu Trans Axle

---

How to Remove a 2000 Malibu Trans Axle

Removing the trans axle from a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu is a challenging task that may be accomplished in a well equipped home shop. According to Robert Kautz of ACE Automotive, the job will require an experienced mechanic with a full complement of general automotive repair tools and supplies as well as the special tools listed below. Read the procedure through before starting and wear safety glasses at all times.

Instructions

Preparation

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface. Use the floor jacks to lift it and place the car on the jack stands. Raise it high enough that you can comfortably work on top and get underneath. Be sure all stands are solidly engaged on a firm surface. Try to shake the car, if there is any movement, re-set the stands. Do not get under the vehicle until you are sure it is stable. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2

Use the lengths of rope to secure the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Loop the rope around the units on each side and tie them off using the hood bumpers. Remove the air cleaner box and hose.

3

Attach the engine hoist or support fixture to the engine lifting tabs and adjust so that the full weight of the engine will be supported at all times. You will be removing the bottom engine supports with the transaxle.

Removal

4

Label and disconnect all electrical connections to the engine. Disconnect the shift cable from the transaxle. Remove the harnesses from their brackets on the transaxle and tuck them out of the way.

5

Remove the three engine to transaxel bolts from the top. Loosen the front wheel lugs and drive axel hub nuts. Remove the inner fender splash shields. Use the ball joint tool to separate the control arm balljoints from the steering knuckles to facilitate axel removal. Disconnect the tie rod ends from the steering linkage.

6

Disconnect and label the remaining electrical connectors under the vehicle. Detach them from the brackets on the subframe. Remove the bracket that connects the transaxel to the engine. Remove the bolts securing the torque converter cover and remove the cover. Remove the starter motor. Mark the driveplate and torque converter to indicate their position relative to each other and use the offset box wrench and flywheel tool to remove the bolts connecting the two.

7

Use the flare nut wrenches as necessary to remove all cooler and brake lines obstructing the removal process. Plug the lines to prevent leaks. Disconnect the power steering lines and remove the bolt securing the line on the right side of the subframe. Remove the panel supporting the radiator and condenser.

8

Remove the three transaxle mounts. Position two floor jacks under the transaxel subframe and remove the mounting bolts. Remove the subframe slowly. Remove the left bracket to transaxle mounting bolts and the heater core bracket bolt. Remove the remaining bolts holding the transaxle to the engine.

9

Use the transmission jack to slide the transaxle to the left and lower it slowly.