GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by vehicle speed or driving terrain

1

Important: You may need to compare this vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's complaint is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle.

Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle.

Is an abnormal noise present?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

  1. Shift the transmission into Park.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF.
  3. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Did you hear the complaint noise?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.
  2. Repair or replace the suspect components as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

4

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Inspect all of the rear suspension components for any damage.

Are any components damaged?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Repair or replace any damaged components.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

6

  1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
  2. Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
  2. Road test the vehicle.

Does the noise now come from the front of the vehicle?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the tires that are causing the noise.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

9

Ensure that the park brake cable and the spare tire are secured properly.

Did you service any components?

--

Go to Step 1

Go to Step 10

10

Ensure that all of the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels.

Did you tighten any of the wheel nuts?

--

Go to Step 1

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Use your hand in order to push and pull the shock absorbers.

Is either shock absorber loose?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 14

12

  1. Inspect the shock absorber fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
  2. Use your hands in order to push and pull the shock absorber.
  3. Is the shock absorber loose?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 1

13

Replace the loose or worn shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

14

Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod.

Is the rear axle tie rod loose?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 18

15

  1. Inspect the rear axle tie rod fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
  2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod.

Is the rear axle tie rod loose?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 1

17

Replace the rear axle tie rod as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

18

Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle trailing arm.

Is either rear axle trailing arm loose?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 21

19

  1. Inspect the rear axle trailing arm fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
  2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle trailing arm.

Is either rear axle trailing arm loose?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 1

20

Replace any worn or loose rear axle trailing arm bushings.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

21

  1. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the rear wheels.
  2. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.
  3. Important: Do not allow the stethoscope to contact any moving components.

  4. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 7

22

Replace the wheel bearings. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

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