Squeak/Squawk/Creak Noise From Front Strut Assm (Replace Isolator/Insulator)

Some customers may comment that a squeak, squawk or creak noise from the left front or right front of the vehicle can be heard in the passenger compartment as the car travels over bumps or swells in the road.

This condition may be due to the lower spring isolator/insulator (1) of the front suspension strut assembly "curling up" or "rolling up" and contacting the lower coil/spring of the front strut assembly. When the vehicle travels over bumps or swells in the road, the spring of the front suspension strut assembly compresses it's lower coil and contacts the "curled up' or "rolled up" lower spring isolator/insulator.

For vehicles built BEFORE mid-January, 1999 with a thick 9-12 mm (.35-.47 in) lower spring isolator/insulator, replace the thick isolator/insulator with a thin isolator/insulator and install a retainer to secure the isolator/insulator to the lower spring seat using the following procedures:

1. Remove the front strut assembly.

Refer to the Strut Assembly Replacement Removal Procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual.

2. Replace the thick lower spring seat isolator/insulator with a thin 12 mm (.47 in) tapering outward to 3 mm (.12 in) isolator/insulator, P/N 22181835.

Refer to the Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual.

3. Install the front strut assembly.

Refer to the Strut Assembly Replacement Installation Procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual but do not install the tire and wheel assembly at this time.

1. Mark the location for a 9.5 mm (.375 (3/8) in) hole (2) on the bottom side of the corner of the lower spring seat on the front strut assembly that is approximately three quarters of the distance from the lower end coil of the spring. Refer to the figure for the recommended dimensions.
2. Center punch the marked location.
3. Use a clamping tool on each side of the marked hole location to hold the isolator/insulator to the lower spring seat.
4. Drill a pilot hole then drill a 9.5 mm (.375 (3/8) in) hole through the lower spring seat and the lower isolator/insulator.
5. Remove the clamping tools.
6. Deburr/dress the hole edges and clean the area of any debris or grease.
7. Apply black touch-up paint to bare metal areas as required.
8. Install the retainer, P/N 22189414, through the drilled hole of the lower isolator/insulator and the lower spring seat. Ensure the point and at least two "ribs" of the retainer is pushed through the lower spring seat hole.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.

Refer to the Tires and Wheels sub-section of the applicable Service Manual.

10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Install the front strut upper retaining bolts.

Tighten
Refer to the Strut Assembly Replacement Installation Procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the applicable Service Manual for the appropriate tightening specifications.

For vehicles built AFTER mid-January, 1999 with a thin 12 mm (.47 in) tapering outward to 3 mm (.12 in) lower spring isolators/insulators, install a retainer to secure the isolator/insulator to the lower spring seat using the following procedure:

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle by the frame. Allow the control arms to hang free.

Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the applicable Service Manual.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

Refer to the Tires and Wheels sub-section of the applicable Service Manual.

3. Mark the location for a 9.5 mm (.375 (3/8) in) hole (2) on the bottom side of the corner of the lower spring seat on the front strut assembly that is approximately three quarters of the distance from the lower end coil of the spring. Refer to the figure for the recommended dimensions.
4. Center punch the marked location.
5. Use a clamping tool on each side of the marked hole location to hold the isolator/insulator to the lower spring seat.
6. Drill a pilot hole then drill a 9.5 mm (.375 (3/8) in) hole through the lower spring seat and the lower isolator/insulator.
7. Remove the clamping tools.
8. Deburr/dress the hole edges and clean the area of any debris or grease.
9. Apply black touch-up paint to bare metal areas as required.
10. Install the retainer, P/N 22189414, through the drilled hole of the lower isolator/insulator and the lower spring seat. Ensure the point and at least two "ribs" of the retainer is pushed through the lower spring seat hole.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.

Refer to the Tires and Wheels sub-section of the applicable Service Manual.

12. Lower the vehicle.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: