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

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. 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.
4. Remove the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement.
5. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Fig. 17: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

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

Fig. 18: Steering Rack Retaining Bolts And Exhaust Isolators

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

Fig. 19: Transmission Mount Bracket To Rear Mount Through Bolt

12. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket to rear mount through fasteners (1).
13. Using a suitable support table or equivalent, support the front suspension frame.

Fig. 20: Upper Frame Suspension Retaining Bolts

14. Remove the two upper frame suspension retaining fasteners (1).

Fig. 21: Frame Rear Fasteners

15. Remove the two frame rear fasteners (1).
16. Remove the frame (2) from the vehicle.
17. Remove the following components, if replacing the frame:

• The lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement .
• 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 lower control arms-Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement

2. Install the frame into the vehicle.

Fig. 22: 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. 23: Frame Rear Fasteners

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

4. Install the frame (2) rear fasteners (1) and tighten:

1. First Pass:100 (74 lb ft).
2. Final Pass: an additional 60 to 75 degrees.

Fig. 24: Upper Frame Suspension Retaining Bolts

5. Install the two upper frame suspension retaining fasteners (1) and tighten to 135 N.m (100 lb ft).
6. Remove the wire retaining the power steering gear and stabilizer shaft to the vehicle.

Fig. 25: Steering Rack Retaining Bolts And Exhaust Isolators

7. Install the steering gear retaining fasteners (1). Refer to Steering Gear Boot Replacement .
8. Connect the hydraulic power steering hoses to the front frame.
9. Connect the exhaust isolators (2) to the front suspension frame.

Fig. 26: Transmission Mount Bracket To Rear Mount Through Bolt

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

Fig. 27: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

13. Connect the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
14. Install the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement.
15. Install the drivetrain and front suspension frame transmission protector to the front frame, if equipped.

    Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement.

16. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
17. Lower the vehicle.

FRONT WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT (ENCORE)

Fig. 29: Front Wheelhouse Liner

Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore)

REAR WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT

Fig. 30: Rear Wheelhouse Liner

Rear Wheelhouse Liner Replacement

REAR WHEELHOUSE PANEL AIR DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT

Fig. 31: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector

Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector Replacement

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