Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Mazda Tribute 2WD L4-2.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Rear Subframe: Service and Repair
SUBFRAME - REAR
Removal
Vehicles with 4WD
1. Remove the rear axle assembly.
All vehicles
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the four bolts and position the rear control arm aside.
4. Disconnect the exhaust hanger from the subframe.
5. With an assistant, remove the four bolts and rear subframe.
Installation
1. With an assistant, position the rear subframe and loosely install the bolts.
2. With a 19 mm (0.76 in) rod, align the rear subframe with the alignment holes.
3. Tighten the rear subframe bolts.
4. Connect the exhaust hanger on the subframe.
5. Position the four rear control arms in the subframe.
1. Loosely install the bolts.
Vehicles 4WD
6. Install the rear axle assembly.
All vehicles
7. Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: The vehicles must be at ride height before tightening the bolts.
8. Tighten the four control arms bolts.
Removal
Vehicles with 4WD
1. Remove the rear axle assembly.
All vehicles
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the four bolts and position the rear control arm aside.
4. Disconnect the exhaust hanger from the subframe.
5. With an assistant, remove the four bolts and rear subframe.
Installation
1. With an assistant, position the rear subframe and loosely install the bolts.
2. With a 19 mm (0.76 in) rod, align the rear subframe with the alignment holes.
3. Tighten the rear subframe bolts.
4. Connect the exhaust hanger on the subframe.
5. Position the four rear control arms in the subframe.
1. Loosely install the bolts.
Vehicles 4WD
6. Install the rear axle assembly.
All vehicles
7. Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: The vehicles must be at ride height before tightening the bolts.
8. Tighten the four control arms bolts.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.