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SMU - Revised Ball Joint Inspection Procedure and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Diagnosis Information

Subject:Revised Ball Joint Inspection Procedure and Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) Diagnosis Information

Models:2002-2006 Buick Rendezvous
2005-2006 Buick Terraza
2001-2004 Chevrolet Venture (AWD)
2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander (AWD)
2001-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette (AWD)
2001-2004 Pontiac Montana (AWD)
2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek (AWD)
2005-2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 (AWD)
2005-2006 Saturn Relay (AWD)



Overview

Important: This bulletin provides rear suspension information for 2001-2006 vans equipped with the independent rear suspension (IRS).

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform GM dealers and its customers about a revised ball joint inspection procedure that has been published in the Suspension General Diagnosis sub-section of SI for 2001-2006 vans equipped with independent rear suspension (IRS). If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.

Rear ball joints should be inspected for end play, wear, or damage if one or more of the following repairs or conditions occur:

    â€¢ Prior to any repair procedure that requires the separation of the ball stud from the knuckle. For example, a knuckle, bearing, or axle shaft replacement.
    â€¢ When a customer comments on rear suspension noises such as creaks, groans, pops, or rattles.
    â€¢ When a customer comments on irregular rear tire wear, or when a technician observes irregular rear tire wear.
    â€¢ Before checking or resetting the rear suspension alignment.
    â€¢ When investigating customer concerns about vehicle wandering or on-center handling.

Refer to Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension -- IRS) in SI or this bulletin.

Ball Joint Inspection (Rear Suspension -- IRS)

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in SI.
  3. Perform a visual inspection of the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If damage exists, replace the ball joint. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement in SI.
  4. Check wheel bearing for looseness. Refer toWheel Bearings Diagnosis in SI.
  5. Remove the spring force from the lower control arm by supporting the lower control arm with a floor stand. Position the floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the control arm approximately 75 mm (3 in).

  6. Object Number: 1825790  Size: SH

    Important: If the rotor does not have a hold down bolt, then install 3 lug nuts to ensure the stability of the rotor.

  7. Clamp the dial indicator J-8001 (or equivalent tool) to the bottom of the brake rotor. Place the dial indicator needle against the flange of the ball joint at the ball joint centerline (most inboard point), as shown in the illustration.

  8. Object Number: 1825797  Size: SH
  9. Set the dial indicator to zero.
  10. Notice: Do not pry between the lower control arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or damage may result. Do not pry on the knuckle boss near the ball joint boot or damage to the ball joint may result.


    Object Number: 1825793  Size: SH
  11. Position a pry bar between the outer tie rod end-arm of the knuckle and the lower control arm, lift the steering knuckle upward, then let it settle while observing the dial indicator. If the reading is 0.5 mm (0.020 in) or more, replace the ball joint. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement in SI.

Warranty Information

An add time for the ball joint inspection has been assigned to any repair procedure that requires the separation of the ball stud from the knuckle. For example, a knuckle, bearing, or axle shaft replacement. The following labor operation codes include an add time of 0.3 hr to perform the ball joint inspection in this bulletin.

E4300-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Right -Replace

E4301-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Left- Replace

E4307-Bearing And Hub Assembly, Rear Wheel- Both- Replace

E4760-Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel-Right -Replace

E4761-Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel- Left- Replace

E4767 -Knuckle Assembly, Rear Wheel- Both -Replace

E5700 -Axle Assembly, Rear- Replace

E5020-Springs, Rear Coil- Right- R&R Or Replace

E5021-Springs, Rear Coil -Left -R&R Or Replace

E5027-Springs, Rear Coil -Both -R&R Or Replace

E5050-Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Right- Replace

E5051-Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Left -Replace

E5057 -Seat, Mount And/Or Insulator, Rear Spring (Upper And/Or Lower)- Both- Replace

E5680-Crossmember Assembly, Rear Suspension -R&R Or Replace

The labor operation code for performing only the ball joint inspection is E9436. The labor time amount is 0.6 hr.

These labor operation codes and/or time amounts are not included in the current Labor Time Guide. The next update of the Labor Time Guide will include these labor operation codes and/or time amounts.