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Popping Noise from Front Suspension While Driving Over Bumps (Refer to Bulletin 04-03-08-008A)

Subject:Popping Noise From Front Suspension While Driving Over Bumps (Refer to Bulletin # 04-03-08-008A)

Models:2005 Chevrolet Equinox



This bulletin is being replaced by Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-08-008A. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-08-012 (Section 03 -- Suspension).


Condition

Some customers may notice a "popping" noise while driving over bumps. The popping noise typically occurs over a sharp bump or a large road swell that could unload the front suspension.

Cause

To verify this bulletin pertains to the customer's concern, try to reproduce the concern using the following procedure:

Replication Procedure:

  1. Lift the vehicle on a hoist until the front wheels are off the ground.
  2. Slowly lower the vehicle back to the ground.
  3. Listen for a "popping" noise as the weight of the vehicle settles back on the suspension.
  4. If no noise is heard, push down on the front bumper to bounce the suspension and listen for a "popping" noise.
  5. Vehicles with this concern will "pop" during one of the two events.
  6. If no noise is heard, continue to diagnose the customer's concern using the diagnostic information found in SI.

Engineering has determined that the noise comes from "rubbing contact" between the lower spring seat and the front suspension spring. To confirm the noise source, do the following steps:

Confirmation Procedure

  1. Hoist the vehicle until the wheels are hanging in full rebound.

  2. Object Number: 1542207  Size: SH
  3. Insert a piece of paper or piece of plastic between the spring and the spring seat as indicated in the above diagram.
  4. Repeat the "replication" procedure to confirm the isolator prevented the noise.

Correction

Refer to bulletin 04-03-08-008A for repair procedure.