Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Failure to follow the proper removal and installation procedures may result in damage to the engine crankshaft thrust bearing.

NOTE: When tilting down the rear of the driveline, observe the clearance between the rear of the engine and the composite dash panel. Do not allow the engine to rest unsupported against the composite dash panel, or vehicle damage may result.

NOTE: When lowering and removing the rear of the driveline, observe the clearance between the rear of the transaxle assembly and the underbody to prevent damage.

Fig 1: Marking End Of Crankshaft & Flywheel

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important:

For manual transmission applications, note the position and direction of the engine flywheel before removal. The flywheel does not use a locating pin for alignment. Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the flywheel before component removal. The engine flywheel must be reinstalled to the original position and direction. The engine flywheel will not initially seat against the crankshaft flange, but will be pulled onto the crankshaft by the engine flywheel bolts. This procedure requires a 3 stage tightening process.
DO NOT remove the prop shaft hub or flex plate from the automatic transmission engine flywheel. The flywheel, prop shaft hub, and flex plate are balanced as an assembly. If service is required, the entire flywheel assembly should be replaced.

Remove the catalytic converter. Refer to CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT in Engine Exhaust.
Remove the driveline support, if equipped with a automatic transmission. Refer to DRIVELINE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) or DRIVELINE SUPPORT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (MANUAL TRANSMISSION) in Propeller Shaft.
Remove the clutch assembly, if equipped with a manual transmission. Refer to CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT in Clutch.
Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the manual transmission flywheel.
Refer to ENGINE BALANCING .
If equipped with an automatic transmission, remove the engine flywheel bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Engine Flywheel (Automatic Transmission)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
If equipped with a manual transmission, remove the engine flywheel bolts.
Remove the engine flywheel.

Fig 3: Removing Engine Flywheel (Manual Transmission)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.