Removal & Installation: Transaxle: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue and 2002 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

On AWD models, install a new torque converter and differential housing "O" ring seal. See Figure .
On all models, with the transaxle supported, carefully raise the transaxle. It may be helpful to lower the vehicle down around the transaxle. Ensure that there is not interference with the coolant lines during installation.
Install the engine to the transaxle. See Figure .
Install the lower transaxle-to-engine bolts. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On AWD models, install new retaining rings on the stub shaft. See Figure .
Install the stub shaft into the transaxle.
Install the PTU and bolts to the transaxle. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the PTU-to-engine bracket assembly. See Figure . Tighten bracket bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On all models, rotate the crank and align the net hole of the flexplate through the starter opening.
Install the torque converter-to-flexplate bolts through the starter opening. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the starter and the starter bolts. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the starter wiring harness as follows:
- Tighten the battery positive cable-to-starter nut. Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the "S" terminal nut. Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On FWD models, install the axle seal protector inside the seal. See Fig 1 .
Position the bracket to the engine and hand start the bolts, then tighten. See Fig 2 . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 1: Installing Axle Seal Protector
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 2: Installing Bracket To Engine
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lubricate the axle with appropriate fluid. See Figure .
CAUTION: Ensure not to damage the seal when inserting the axle into the transaxle.
Install the intermediate drive shaft into the transaxle.
Remove the axle seal protector after the splines clear the axle seal protector, but before the intermediate drive shaft is fully installed.
Push the intermediate drive shaft all the way into the transaxle.
Install a new retaining ring to the intermediate drive shaft.
Install the right axle shaft to the intermediate drive shaft. See Figure .
On AWD models, install a new axle shaft "O" ring. See Fig 3 .
Install the right axle shaft the PTU shaft.
Install a new retaining ring on the left axle shaft. See Fig 4 .

Fig 3: Installing Right-Side Axle Shaft & "O" Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 4: Separating Left-Side Axle Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the axle seal protector inside the seal.
Lubricate the axle with appropriate fluid. See Figure .
CAUTION: Ensure not to damage the seal when inserting the axle into the transaxle.
Install the left axle shaft into the transaxle.
Remove the axle seal protector after the splines clear the axle seal protector, but before the axle shaft is fully installed.
Push the left axle shaft all the way into the transaxle.
On all models, support the cradle with a cradle support.
Install the cradle and the bolts. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Remove the support table.
Install the rear pitch restrictor through bolt. See Figure . Tighten bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the front pitch restrictor bolts and front pitch restrictor. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the tie rod to the knuckle.
Install the steering linkage installer and tighten. See Figure . Tighten steering linkage installer to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Remove the steering linkage installer.
CAUTION: Do not allow stud to rotate while tightening the nut. Damage may occur to the seal.
Install a new nut. See Figure . Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the lower control arm ball stud to the knuckle. See Figure .
Install the nut and a new cotter pin. Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Tighten the nut one additional flat to align the cotter pin hole if necessary.
Install the rack and pinion bolts to the cradle. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the lower stabilizer nuts to the cradle on both sides of the vehicle. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
On AWD models, install the drive shaft to the PTU. See Figure . Tighten drive shaft fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
CAUTION: Avoid spinning the seal in the case bore. Damage to the case bore may result.
On all models, if the transaxle being installed is not new, the transaxle oil cooler line seals must be removed and replaced. See appropriate SERVICING article as follows:
- For 2002 models, see TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINE SEALS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
- For 2003 models, see TRANSAXLE OIL COOLER LINE SEALS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
Install the transaxle oil cooler lines and nut to the transaxle. See Figure . Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the front air dam deflector-to-cradle pushpins. See Fig 5 .
Install the left and right inner splash shield. See Figure .
Install the left and right wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten wheel nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the axle shaft hub nut. See Fig 6 . Tighten nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 5: Installing Front Air Dam Deflector-To-Cradle Pushpins
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Fig 6: Installing Axle Shaft Hub Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lower the vehicle.
Install the upper left transaxle mount bolts. See Figure . Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install one upper transaxle-to-engine bolt. See Figure . Tighten bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Remove the engine support fixture.
Remove the tie straps from the radiator.
Install the transaxle range switch harness to the transaxle range switch. See Figure .
Install the transaxle harness connector to the valve body. See Figure .
Install the shifter cable to the shifter cable bracket. See Figure .
Install the shifter cable to the transaxle range switch lever.
Install the air induction resonator bracket. See Figure .
Install the air induction resonator.
Install the battery tray bracket and screws. See Figure . Tighten screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Install the battery cooling box. See appropriate SERVICING article as follows:
- For 2002 models, see BATTERY COOLING BOX under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
- For 2003 models, see BATTERY COOLING BOX under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
Install the battery and the battery hold down screw. See Figure . Tighten screw to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Connect the positive battery cable to the battery. Tighten battery terminal bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
NOTE: Clean any existing corrosion from the battery terminal bolt flange and the battery cable end.
Connect the negative battery cable and bolt to the battery. Tighten bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Program all of the customer's radio station presets and set the radio clock to the current time.
Install the battery cooling box cover and screws. Tighten screws to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Fill the transaxle with appropriate fluid to proper level. See appropriate SERVICING article as follows:
- For 2002 models, see LUBRICATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
- For 2003 models, see LUBRICATION in SERVICING - VUE (VT25-E) article.
Align the wheels. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in SUSPENSION.