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Frame and Underbody Buick Encore I

Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers 7 illustrations ~1451 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Bolt Center135100 lb ft
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Bolt Front
First Pass80 N.m59 lb ft
Final Pass+ 45 to 60 degrees
Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Bolt Rear
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final Pass+ 60 to 75 degrees
Front Compartment Front Insulator Cover Bolt2216 lb ft
Front Compartment Front Insulator Cover Screw - Europe Only2.522 lb in
Front Wheelhouse Liner Inner Front Extension Screw327 lb in
Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw - Front327 lb in
Front Wheelhouse Rear Liner Nut327 lb in
Front Wheelhouse Rear Liner Screw327 lb in
Power Steering Fluid Cooling Pipe Bolt, if equipped980 lb in
Power Steering Inlet and Outlet Hose Bolt, if equipped980 lb in
Rear Differential Carrier Bolt10880 lb ft
Rear Suspension Frame Bolt10074 lb ft
Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Nut218 lb in
Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Screw327 lb in
Transmission Protector Fastener2216 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement
Scheme 1: Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
1Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Push-In Retainer (Qty: 4)
2Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 9 (80 lb in)
3Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Screw (Qty: 2) Tighten 2.5 (22 lb in)
4Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Procedure Disengage the fascia opening lower cover front alignment tabs.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the front suspension frame transmission protector.
  3. Remove the front suspension frame transmission protector (2).

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the front suspension frame transmission protector (2) on the frame.
  2. Install the front suspension frame transmission protector mounting bolts (2) and tighten to 22 (16 lb ft).
  3. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Underbody Number 4 Cross Sill Shield Replacement
Scheme 2: Underbody Number 4 Cross Sill Shield Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
1Underbody Number 4 Cross Sill Shield Fastener (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 2.5 (22 lb in)
2Underbody Number 4 Cross Sill Shield
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Underbody Number 4 Cross Sill Shield Replacement

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Rear Crossmember Replacement (AWD)
Scheme 3: Rear Crossmember Replacement (AWD)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust Muffler Replacement (LUV) .
1Rear Suspension Frame Bolt (Qty:2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 100 (74 lb ft)
2Rear Differential Carrier Bolt (Qty:2) Tighten 108 (80 lb ft)
3Rear Crossmember Procedure Support the right side of the rear differential Module (RDM) assembly with a hydraulic jack before removing the rear crossmember and rear suspension frame bolts.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Rear Crossmember Replacement (AWD)

  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  5. Remove the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to «Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  6. Remove the front bumper fascia opening lower cover. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement (Trax)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias) .
  7. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  8. Remove the four fasteners (1) retaining the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension.
  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.
  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.
  16. Remove the upper frame suspension retaining bolts (1).
  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The front bumper lower impact bar-Refer to «Front Bumper Lower Impact Bar Replacement (Trax)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias) . The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to «Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) . The rear transmission mount bracket-Refer to «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) .
  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)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) . The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to «Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) . The front bumper lower impact bar-Refer to «Front Bumper Lower Impact Bar Replacement (Trax)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias) . The lower control arms-Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  2. Install the frame (3) into the vehicle.
  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).
  4. Install the frame (3) rear fasteners (2) and tighten: First pass: 100 (74 lb ft) Final pass: plus 60 to 75 degrees
  5. Install the frame front bolts and tighten: First pass: 80 (59 lb ft) Final pass: plus 45 to 60 degees
  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.
  8. Install the steering gear retaining fasteners (1). Refer to «Steering Gear Replacement (N40)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) , «Steering Gear Replacement (NJ1)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  9. Connect the hydraulic power steering hoses to the front frame, if equipped.
  10. Connect the exhaust isolators (2) to the front suspension frame.
  11. Install the rear transmission mount bracket to rear mount through bolt (1). Refer to «Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (AWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) .
  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  14. Connect the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  15. Install the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to «Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  16. Install the front bumper fascia opening lower cover. Refer to «Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement (Trax)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-and-fascias) .
  17. Install the skid plate to the front frame, if equipped. Refer to «Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Transmission Protector Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  18. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Remove the support of the radiator and condenser.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  4. Remove the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to «Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  5. Disconnect the lower ball joints from the steering knuckles. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  6. Remove the four fasteners (1) retaining the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension.
  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.
  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.
  14. Remove the two upper frame suspension retaining fasteners (1).
  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to «Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) . The rear transmission mount bracket-Refer to «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (AWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) .
  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)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) . The power brake booster pump, if equipped-Refer to «Power Brake Booster Pump Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) . The lower control arms-Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  2. Install the frame into the vehicle.
  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).
  4. Install the frame (2) rear fasteners (1) and tighten: First Pass:100 (74 lb ft). Final Pass: an additional 60 to 75 degrees.
  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.
  7. Install the steering gear retaining fasteners (1). Refer to «Steering Gear Boot Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  8. Connect the hydraulic power steering hoses to the front frame.
  9. Connect the exhaust isolators (2) to the front suspension frame.
  10. Install the rear transmission mount bracket to rear mount through fasteners (1). Refer to «Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (AWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) , «Transmission Rear Mount Replacement (FWD)»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/automatic-trans/#automatic-transmission-6t40mh8-mhb-repair-instructions-on-vehicle) .
  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  13. Connect the stabilizer shaft to the drivetrain and front suspension frame. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  14. Install the front compartment front center insulator, if equipped. Refer to «Front Compartment Front Center Insulator Replacement»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  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»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  16. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/encore/i-2012-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  17. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Trax)
Scheme 4: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Trax)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Wheelhouse Liner Push-In Retainer (Qty: 6)
2Front Wheelhouse Front Liner Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
3Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 8)
4Front Wheelhouse Liner
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Trax)

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore)
Scheme 5: Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Wheelhouse Liner Push-In Retainer (Qty: 6)
2Front Wheelhouse Front Liner Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
3Front Wheelhouse Liner Screw (Qty: 8)
4Front Wheelhouse Liner
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement (Encore)

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Rear Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
Scheme 6: Rear Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the rocker panel rear molding push-in retainers (Qty: 2).
1Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Screw (Qty: 7) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 2.5 (22 lb in)
2Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Nut (Qty: 4) Tighten: 1.8 (16 lb in)
3Rear Wheelhouse Panel Liner Procedure Transfer parts as needed.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Rear Wheelhouse Liner Replacement

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector Replacement
Scheme 7: Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the rocker panel rear molding. Refer to Rocker Panel Rear Molding Replacement .
1Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector Screw (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 2.5 (22 lb in)
2Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Rear Wheelhouse Panel Air Deflector Replacement