Buick Encore: Repair instructions

Stabilizer shaft replacement

SPECIFICATIONS

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS

STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the intermediate steering shaft upper seal. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Seal Replacement .
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
4. Remove the left front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore) , Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore) .
5. Remove the drivetrain and front suspension frame transmission protector. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement .
6. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
7. Disconnect the lower control arms from the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
8. Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
9. Remove the rear transmission mount bracket through bolt. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .

Fig. 1: Exhaust Pipe Insulators

10. Remove the exhaust front pipe insulators (1).

Fig. 2: Front Suspension Frame

11. Using a suitable support, support the cross member area of the drivetrain and front suspension frame (1).
12. Partially release the drivetrain and the front suspension frame front bolts and remove the frame rear bolts.

    Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Long Cradle) , Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Short Cradle) .

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the front bumper fascia in this procedure.

13. Partially lower the rear of the drivetrain and front suspension frame in order to gain clearance for the stabilizer shaft.

Fig. 3: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

14. Remove the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts (1).

Fig. 4: Stabilizer Shaft

15. Remove the stabilizer shaft (1) from the drivetrain and front suspension frame.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 5: Stabilizer Shaft

1. Position the stabilizer shaft (1) on the drivetrain and front suspension frame.

Fig. 6: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket And Bolts

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

2. Install the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts (1) and tighten to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

Fig. 7: Front Suspension Frame

3. Lift the drivetrain and front suspension frame (1) into the proper position and install and tighten all of the frame bolts. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Long Cradle) , Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement (Short Cradle) .
4. Install the rear transmission mount bracket through bolt. Refer to Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD) , Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD) .
5. Connect the steering linkage outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
6. Connect the lower control arms to the steering knuckles. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
7. Connect the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

Fig. 8: Exhaust Pipe Insulators

8. Install the exhaust front pipe insulators (1).
9. Install the drivetrain and front suspension frame transmission protector. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement .
10. Install the left front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore) , Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore) .
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
12. Install the intermediate steering shaft upper seal. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Upper Seal Replacement .

Stabilizer shaft link replacement

Fig. 9: Stabilizer Shaft Link

Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

Front wheel bearing and hub replacement

Special Tools

CH-50559 Wheel Hub/Bearing Remover Kit

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.

Fig. 10: Steering Knuckle Assembly & Wheel Hub/Bearing Remover Kit

3. Position the steering knuckle in a suitable vise.
4. Position the CH-50059-1 bridge assembly (1) and the CH-50559-2 removal/installation adapter (2) on the steering knuckle.
5. Use the CH-50059-1 bridge assembly and the CH-50559-2 removal/installation adapter to separate the front wheel bearing and hub assembly.

Fig. 11: Wheel Hub/Bearing Removal/Installation Bridge Assembly And Adapter

6. If the front wheel bearing inner race is removed with the front wheel hub, use a hydraulic press (1) and appropriate adaptor (2) to remove the race from the hub.

Fig. 12: Steering Knuckle Retaining Ring

7. Remove the front wheel bearing retaining ring (1) from the steering knuckle.

Fig. 13: Wheel Hub/Bearing Removal/Installation Bridge Assembly & Adapter

8. Position the CH-50059-1 bridge assembly (1) and the CH-50559-3 wheel bearing removal adapter (2) on the steering knuckle.

NOTE:

• Inspect the bore of the steering knuckle for pitting, scoring wear, or corrosion.
• Replace the steering knuckle if the damage cannot be easily cleaned up with light sanding.

9. Remove the front wheel bearing from the steering knuckle and discard. DO NOT reuse the wheel bearing.

   Replace with NEW only.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 14: Wheel Hub/Bearing Installation Adapter Wheel Hub/Bearing Removal/Installation Bridge Assembly & Adapter

NOTE: Ensure the front wheel bearing is seated evenly in the steering knuckle.

1. Use the CH-50559-4 installation adapter (1), appropriate extension and hydraulic press to install the new front wheel bearing into the steering knuckle.

Fig. 15: Wheel Hub/Bearing Remover Kit

2. Position the CH-50559-4 installation adapter (1) and the appropriate extension to the inside of the front wheel bearing.
3. Position the CH-50559-2 removal/installation adapter and the appropriate extension on the front wheel hub.
4. Press the front wheel hub until it is correctly seated.

Fig. 16: Steering Knuckle Retaining Ring

5. Install the front wheel bearing retaining ring (1) in the steering knuckle.
6. Verify the front wheel bearing and hub assembly rotates smoothly.
7. Install the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement.

Steering knuckle replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. Disconnect the steering linkage outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
4. If equipped, remove the front wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
5. Disconnect the front wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side , or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
6. Remove the front brake shield. Refer to Front Brake Shield Replacement .
7. Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
8. Disconnect the strut assembly from the steering knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.

Fig. 17: Steering Knuckle Assembly

9. Remove the steering knuckle (1) from the vehicle.
10. Remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the wheel bearing and hub assembly in the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.

Fig. 18: Steering Knuckle Assembly

2. Position the steering knuckle (1) on the vehicle.
3. Connect the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.
4. Connect the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
5. Install the front brake shield. Refer to Front Brake Shield Replacement .
6. Connect the front wheel drive shaft to the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side , or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
7. If equipped, install the front wheel speed sensor in the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
8. Connect the steering linkage outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
10. If the vehicle had a camber adjustment repair, check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

Fig. 19: Front Suspension Measurement

1. Record the front suspension measurement (p) at curb weight which is the distance from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the front fender.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig. 20: Steering Knuckle Nut And Bolt

4. Remove the steering knuckle nut (1) and bolt (2).

Fig. 21: Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt And Nut

5. Remove the front lower control arm front bolt (1) and nut (2).

Fig. 22: Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut And Bolt

6. Remove the front lower control arm rear nut (1) and bolt (2).
7. Push the front brake corner forward and remove the lower control arm (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 23: Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut And Bolt

1. Push the front brake corner forward and position the lower control arm (3) on the vehicle.
2. Install the front lower control arm rear nut (1) and front lower control arm rear bolt (2) and tighten by hand.

Fig. 24: Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt And Nut

3. Install the front lower control arm front bolt (1) and front lower control arm front nut (2) and tighten by hand.

Fig. 25: Steering Knuckle Nut And Bolt

4. Install the steering knuckle nut (1) and steering knuckle bolt (2) and tighten the nut to 37 N.m (27 lb ft).
5. After tightening, loosen the steering knuckle nut (1) 120 degrees.
6. After loosening, tighten the steering knuckle nut (1) to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) + (30-45 degrees).

Fig. 26: Front Suspension Measurement

7. Support the lower control arm with a hydraulic jack and lift the control arm until the previously recorded measurement (p) is achieved.

Fig. 27: Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt And Nut

8. Tighten the front lower control arm front bolt (1) to 115 N.m (85 lb ft).
9. After tightening, loosen the front lower control arm front bolt (1) 720 degrees.
10. After loosening, tighten the front lower control arm front bolt (1) to 70 N.m (52 lb ft) + (90-105 degrees).

Fig. 28: Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut And Bolt

11. Tighten the front lower control arm rear bolt (2) to 80 N.m (59 lb ft) + (60-75 degrees).
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Wheel stud replacement

Special Tools

CH-43631 Ball Joint Separator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
3. Remove the front wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.

Fig. 29: Wheel Stud And Separator

4. Use the CH-43631 separator (2) to remove the wheel stud (1) from the front wheel bearing and hub assembly. Discard the stud.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 30: Wheel Hub Flange, Lug Nut And Washers

1. Install a NEW wheel stud in the front wheel bearing and hub assembly flange (2).
2. Position flat washers (3) and an old wheel nut (1) on the wheel stud.
3. Use a pry bar to prevent the front wheel bearing and hub assembly flange from turning.
4. Tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud is firmly seated in the front wheel bearing and hub assembly flange.
5. Remove the wheel nut and the flat washers.
6. Install the front wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.
7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION

NOTE: The strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

NOTE: A light film of oil on the top portion of the strut is normal. DO NOT replace the strut for this condition.

Fig. 31: Illustrating Of Strut Conditions

Condition 1

Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the strut tube or on other strut components and not originating from the shaft seal, is not a strut related problem. DO NOT replace the strut, look for other external leaks.

Condition 2

Light film/residue on the strut tube, but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the strut.

Condition 3

Oil drip or trail down the strut tube and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the strut.

Condition 4

Extreme wet film of oil covering the strut tube and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the strut.

Inspection

1. Verify the customer's concern is present. If the concern is present, continue to the next step. If the concern is not present, then the vehicle is operating normally.

NOTE: The strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers or struts for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1, 2 , 3 , and 4 for visual inspection.

• If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 4.
• If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace strut. Refer to Strut Replacement.

4. If equipped with electronic suspension control system, ensure that the system is working properly. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point-Electronic Suspension Control.
5. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the strut. If the strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

Strut assembly removal and installation

Special Tools

CH-49375 Spanner

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the air inlet grille panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) , Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) .

Fig. 32: Front Suspension Strut Mount Plate Nut Cap

2. If equipped, remove the front suspension strut mount plate nut cap (1).

Fig. 33: Special Tool And Torx(R) Bit

3. Use the CH-49375 spanner (2) and a suitable tool (1) to loosen the front suspension strut mount plate nut.

Fig. 34: Front Strut Nut And Retaining Plate

4. Remove the front suspension strut mount plate nut (1) and the front suspension strut mount plate (2).
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
7. Remove any harnesses or hoses attached to the strut assembly.
8. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the strut assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

Fig. 35: Front Strut Components

9. Remove the front suspension strut nuts (1) and bolts (2).

Fig. 36: Front Strut Assembly

10. Push the lower control arm and steering knuckle downward to disengage the strut assembly and remove the strut assembly (1) from the vehicle.
11. If removing the strut assembly to service any of the strut assembly components, refer to Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 37: Front Strut Assembly

1. Push the lower control arm and steering knuckle downward and install strut assembly (1) on the vehicle.

Fig. 38: Front Strut Components

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

2. Install the front suspension strut nuts (1) and bolts (2) and tighten the nuts (1) to 110 N.m (82 lb ft).
3. Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
4. Connect any harnesses or hoses previously attached to the strut assembly.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig. 39: Front Strut Nut And Retaining Plate

6. Install the front suspension strut mount plate (2) and start the front suspension strut mount plate nut (1)

Fig. 40: Special Tool And Torx(R) Bit

7. Use the CH-49375 spanner (2) and a suitable tool (1) to tighten the front suspension strut mount plate nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

Fig. 41: Front Suspension Strut Mount Plate Nut Cap

8. If equipped, install the front suspension strut mount plate nut cap (1).
9. Install the air inlet grille panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) , Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) .

Strut, strut component, or spring replacement

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.

Fig. 42: Compressing/Releasing Lower Part Of Shock Spring

NOTE: The spring is compressed when the strut moves freely.

2. Install the strut assembly (2) in a suitable spring compressor (1) and compress the front spring.

Fig. 43: View Of TORX(R) Bit And Special Wrench

3. Use a suitable bit (1) and socket (2) to loosen the front suspension strut mount nut.

Fig. 44: View Of Compressor Forcing Screw & Coil Spring

4. Slowly loosen the spring compressor (2) to remove the front suspension strut components to be serviced.

Fig. 45: Strut Components

5. Remove the front suspension strut mount assembly (1), front spring insulator (2), front spring (3), front suspension strut bumper (4) and the front strut (5) from the spring compressor.

Assembly Procedure

Fig. 46: Strut Components

1. Install the front suspension strut (5), front suspension strut bumper (4), front spring (3), front spring insulator (2) and the front suspension strut mount assembly (1) in the spring compressor.

Fig. 47: View Of Compressor Forcing Screw & Coil Spring

2. Use the spring compressor (1) to compress the front spring (2).
3. Install the front suspension strut mount nut and tighten as much as possible by hand.

Fig. 48: View Of TORX(R) Bit And Special Wrench

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

4. Use a suitable bit (1) and socket (2) to tighten the front suspension strut mount nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
5. Remove the strut assembly from the spring compressor.
6. Install the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.

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