Buick Regal: Specifications, Diagnostic Information and Procedures

SPECIFICATIONS

FASTENER SPECIFICATIONS

Single Use Non-Threaded Fasteners/Components

NOTE: All fasteners/components listed in this table MUST BE DISCARDED and replaced with NEW after removal.

Application

CV Boot Clamp
Front Wheel Drive Intermediate Shaft Retaining Ring
Front Wheel Drive Shaft Retaining Ring
O-Ring
Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Retaining Ring
Retaining Ring
Wheel Drive Shaft Washer

Single Use Threaded Fastener/Component Tightening Specifications

NOTE: All fasteners/components listed in this table MUST BE DISCARDED and replaced with NEW after removal.

Reusable Threaded Fastener Tightening Specifications

NOTE: All fasteners listed in this table can be reused after removal.

ADHESIVES, FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND SEALERS

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

SYMPTOMS - WHEEL DRIVE SHAFTS

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

1. Review the Symptoms - Vibration Diagnosis 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
• 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, it may be necessary to remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle and manipulate the outer joint manually. Any binding or impeded movement of the joint may indicate damage which could contribute to the concern.

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, it may be necessary to remove the wheel drive shaft from the vehicle and manipulate the inner joint manually. Do not allow the joint to separate from the wheel drive shaft bar. Any binding or impeded movement of the joint may indicate damage which could contribute to the concern.

SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION

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

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