Some manufacturers recommend removing a transverse-mounted engine and transaxle as a unit. Which of the following must be disconnected from the transaxle?

Removing a transverse-mounted engine and transaxle as a unit often requires disconnection of certain components to facilitate the removal process. When focusing on the correct choice, it is important to recognize that axle shafts must be disconnected from the transaxle before the engine and transaxle can be removed as a single unit. The axle shafts transmit power from the transaxle to the wheels, and leaving them connected could prevent proper separation and could lead to damage to components during the removal.

While the torque converter cover and the torque converter itself are important components in the assembly, they typically do not have to be disconnected for the purpose of removing the engine and transaxle together. The torque converter is often left in place when pulling the assembly out, as it is usually still attached to the transmission within the transaxle housing, thus making it unnecessary to disconnect it at this point in the process.

By understanding these interactions and the assembly setup, the focus on the axle shafts as essential for disconnection highlights their critical role in the removal procedure.