Buick Encore: Drivetrain and front suspension frame replacement (long cradle)

Removal Procedure

1. Support the radiator and condenser from above using the upper brackets on each side.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
4. Remove the drivetrain and front suspension frame transmission protector from the front frame, if equipped. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement.
5. Remove the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement.
6. Remove the front bumper fascia opening lower cover. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement (Encore) .
7. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Fig. 6: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

8. Remove the four fasteners (1) retaining the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension.

Fig. 7: Steering Rack Retaining Bolts And Exhaust Isolators

9. Remove the steering rack retaining bolts (1) and discard.
10. Using mechanics wire, secure the power steering gear and stabilizer shaft to the vehicle.
11. Disconnect the hydraulic power steering hoses from the front frame.
12. Disconnect the exhaust isolators (2) from the front suspension frame.
13. Disconnect the power brake booster pump hose and connector, if equipped.

Fig. 8: Transmission Mount Bracket To Rear Mount Through Bolt

14. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket to rear mount through bolt (1).
15. Using a suitable support table or equivalent, support the front suspension frame.

Fig. 9: Upper Frame Suspension Retaining Bolts

16. Remove the upper frame suspension retaining bolts (1).

Fig. 10: Frame And Bolts

17. Remove the frame front bolts (1).
18. Remove the frame rear bolts (2).
19. Remove the frame (3) from the vehicle.
20. Remove the following components, if replacing the frame:

• The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
• The front bumper lower impact bar-Refer to Front Bumper Lower Impact Bar Replacement (Encore) .
• The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement .
• The rear transmission mount bracket-Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .

Installation Procedure

1. Install the following components on the drivetrain and front suspension frame if removed:

• The rear transmission mount bracket-Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .
• The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement .
• The front bumper lower impact bar-Refer to Front Bumper Lower Impact Bar Replacement (Encore) .
• The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

2. Install the frame (3) into the vehicle.

Fig. 11: Front Suspension Frame And Floor Panel

3. Using a commercially available guide pin, have an assistant vertically insert and hold the pins through the front suspension frame and floor panel (1).

Fig. 12: Frame And Bolts

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

4. Install the frame (3) rear fasteners (2) and tighten:

1. First pass: 100 (74 lb ft)
2. Final pass: plus 60 to 75 degrees

5. Install the frame front bolts and tighten:

1. First pass: 80 (59 lb ft)
2. Final pass: plus 45 to 60 degees

Fig. 13: Upper Frame Suspension Retaining Bolts

6. Install the upper frame suspension retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 135 (100 lb ft).
7. Remove the wire retaining the power steering gear and stabilizer shaft to the vehicle.

Fig. 14: Steering Rack Retaining Bolts And Exhaust Isolators

8. Install the steering gear retaining fasteners (1). Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (N40) , Steering Gear Replacement (NJ1) .
9. Connect the hydraulic power steering hoses to the front frame, if equipped.
10. Connect the exhaust isolators (2) to the front suspension frame.

Fig. 15: Transmission Mount Bracket To Rear Mount Through Bolt

11. Install the rear transmission mount bracket to rear mount through bolt (1). Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (AWD) , Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (FWD) .
12. Connect the power brake booster pump hose and connector, if equipped.
13. Connect the lower ball joints to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement

Fig. 16: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

14. Connect the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
15. Install the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement.
16. Install the front bumper fascia opening lower cover. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement (Encore) .
17. Install the skid plate to the front frame, if equipped. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement.
18. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Remove the support of the radiator and condenser.

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