Buick Encore: Diagnostic information and procedures

SPECIFICATIONS

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

SYMPTOMS - WHEEL DRIVE SHAFTS

IMPORTANT: Complete the following steps prior to beginning the wheel drive shaft diagnosis.

1. Review the Vibration Diagnosis, Starting Point, and Correction .
2. Perform the Vibration Analysis - Road Testing (EL-38792-A Electronic Vibration Analyzer) , Vibration Analysis - Road Testing (CH-51450-NVH Oscilloscope) in order to effectively diagnose the concern.
3. Review the system operation in order to become familiar with the system function. Refer to Wheel Drive Shafts Description and Operation.

Visual/Physical Inspection

• Inspect for aftermarket equipment and modifications which could affect the operation of the wheel drive shafts or other rotating components.
• Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
• Thoroughly inspect the entire wheel drive shaft for visible damage, leaking joint seals, and missing seal clamps.
• Inspect the wheel drive shaft seals for cuts, tears, or other damage which may allow the loss of lubricant and the entry of contaminates.

Symptom List

After performing the Visual/Physical Inspection and no visual signs of damage or other interference impairing the wheel drive shaft function is apparent, it may be necessary to remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle and manipulate the joints manually. Any binding or otherwise impeded movement of the joints may indicate damage which could contribute to the concern. Refer to the following:

• Click Noise In Turns
• Clunk When Accelerating from Coast
• Clunk Noise When Accelerating During Turns
• Shudder or Vibration During Acceleration

CLICK NOISE IN TURNS

A click noise occurring during turns may be caused by a worn or damaged wheel drive shaft outer joint. This may be more apparent while simultaneously turning and accelerating. This click is caused by wear and/or damage to the constant velocity joint bearings and/or races. Commonly, this damage or wear is caused by the loss of lubricating grease from the constant velocity joint and the entry of foreign material or contaminates.

Carefully inspect the wheel drive shaft seals for cuts, tears or other damage which may allow the lubricating grease to escape. The loss of this grease will cause damage to the wheel drive shaft constant velocity joint in a very short period of time.

If inspection reveals no visual evidence of wear or damage, inspect the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection.

CLUNK WHEN ACCELERATING FROM COAST

A clunk noise occurring when accelerating from coast or a standing start may be caused by a worn or damaged wheel drive shaft inner joint. The common cause of wheel drive shaft inner joint damage is the loss of lubricating grease and/or the presence of foreign material and contaminates in the joint. This usually occurs as a result of a torn or damaged inner joint seal.

Carefully inspect the wheel drive shaft seal for cuts, tears or other damage that may allow the loss of the lubricating grease and/or the entry of contaminates.

If inspection reveals no visual evidence of wear or damage, inspect the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Inspection.

CLUNK NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING DURING TURNS

A clunk noise that occurs while accelerating during turns may be caused by wear and/or damage to the inboard and the outboard joints in combination. The loss of lubricant and/or the presence of contaminates can cause damage to the internal components of the joints.

Carefully inspect the joint seals for cuts, tears or other damage. Joint seals that are damaged may allow lubricant leakage and the entry of contaminates.

If inspection reveals no visual evidence of wear or damage, inspect the wheel drive shaft inner and outer joints.

Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Outer Joint Inspection, or Wheel Drive Shaft Inner Joint Inspection.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION

In order to diagnose a shudder or vibration during acceleration, refer to Vibration Diagnosis, Starting Point, and Correction .

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