Pathfinder 1997 suspension damage and CRossmember

[strikesentinel]

I recently got into a car accident and damaged the passenger side suspension of my 1997 pathfinder se. Basically, the control arm, tie rod, strut with assembly included, stabilizer link. I started installing the parts and realized halfway that the crossmember is bent. I decided to get a mechanic involved and he tells me that the whole engine has to be taken out. My question is, is it really necessary to take out the engine to change it. are there any other ways around it.

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO! Sorry to hear about your accident, glad you're okay!
If you don't want to take out the engine to replace the cross member, the only way you'll get away with it is by loosening the motor mounts & transmission mounts and using an engine hoist to raise them up and hold them in place while you remove the rest of the cross member.

[strikesentinel]

thanks frapjap. how many hours would this take a professional or a an experienced DIY to do it in this manner without removing the engine? im not sure if i can attempt this one.

Welcome to NICO! Sorry to hear about your accident, glad you're okay!
If you don't want to take out the engine to replace the cross member, the only way you'll get away with it is by loosening the motor mounts & transmission mounts and using an engine hoist to raise them up and hold them in place while you remove the rest of the cross member.

[frapjap]

I'm not too familiar with your vehicle so I couldn't even give you a ball park time. However, I'd estimate at least a weekend working 8 hours if you DIY. Most professionals will probably only want to remove the engine. You might check around with some body shops to get some quotes.

[shmee]

you can just push the transmission, and the engine up with house jacks and replace the K-Frame, it is the steel cross member in the front of the car that basically holds everything together. easy job.

[shmee]

you need to take the rack and pinion off, that is the biggest pita, getting the tie rods off the wheels.

[rgk]

As a DYI'er, I wouldn't get underneath any vehicle that has been in a collision with the engine and transmission supported by jack stands. Like you said, you realized after the fact the crossmember was bent. Who knows what other damage was suffered?

There is a reason professionals want to remove the engine. If I were you, I'd give my insurance company a call.