DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by vehicle speed or driving terrain as related to the rear suspension.

Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that the rear suspension is noisy.

Is the rear suspension noisy?

Go to Step 3

System OK

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

Is the complaint noise present?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

1. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use a J 39570 Chassis Ear in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect components as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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

Are any components damaged?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

Repair or replace any damaged components.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
2. Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is the noise now emitted from the front of the vehicle?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Replace the tires that are causing the noise.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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

Did you service any components?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 11

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

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

Did you tighten any of the wheel nuts?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 12

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

Is either shock absorber loose?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

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

Is the shock absorber loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 23

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear suspension adjustment links.

Is the rear suspension adjustment link loose?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 18

1. Inspect the rear suspension adjustment link fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear suspension adjustment link.

Is the rear suspension adjustment link loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 23

Replace the rear suspension adjustment link as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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

Is either rear suspension trailing arm loose?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 21

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

Is either rear suspension trailing arm loose?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 23

Replace any worn or loose rear suspension trailing arm bushings.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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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.

Note: Do not allow the J 39570 to contact any moving components.

3. Use a J 39570 in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 8

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

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3