FUEL TANK UNDERBODY CLUNK (INSTALL TANK STRAPS/SPACERS)

SUBJECT: FUEL TANK/UNDERBODY CREAK/GROAN NOISE (SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLING FUEL TANK STRAPS AND SPACERS)

MODELS AFFECTED: 1989-91 REGALS

This bulletin cancels and supersedes Buick Bulletin 91-10-20. Additional information and part numbers are provided to address another fuel tank related noise condition.

CONDITION:

---------- Some 1989-91 Regals may exhibit a creak/groan or in severe instances a clunk/thud type noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. This noise is most apparent when a vehicle twisting motion is generated, such as that which would be experienced when turning up a steep incline/driveway.

CAUSE:

-------- These noise conditions may be caused by the fuel tank flange contacting the underbody crossbar located forward of the fuel tank or movement between the tank and retaining straps.

CORRECTION:

----------- On 1989-91 Regals assembled prior to VIN M1848929, install new fuel tank straps, P/N 10199250 (2 required), and strap spacers, P/N 10192675 (2 required).

On 1991 vehicles assembled after VIN M1848929, it will only require installation of tank straps, P/N 10199250 (2 required) and the transfer of existing strap spacers.

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

1. Raise vehicle on hoist. 2. Remove exhaust intermediate pipe heat shield. 3. Support fuel tank assembly. 4. Remove RH fuel tank strap attaching bolts/screws, remove spacer from strap if present, discard strap. 5. Install strap spacer, P/N 10192675, on new strap, P/N 10199250, as shown on Illustration.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

NOTICE: DO NOT BEND FUEL TANK STRAPS, AS THIS MAY DAMAGE STRAPS.

6. Position strap and loosely install attaching bolts/screws. 7. Repeat steps 4 thru 6 for LH strap. 8. Insuring a minimum of 4 mm of clearance is maintained between fuel tank flange and underbody bar, torque attaching bolts/screws to 40-54 N.m (29-39 lbs. ft.). 9. Install exhaust heat shield and torque bolts/screws to 2 N.m (1.5 lbs. ft.). 10. Remove support from under fuel tank and lower vehicle.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Labor Operation Number: T1677 Labor Time: .4 Hours

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.