Groan/Hiss/Grind Noise While Turning Steering Wheel at Low Speeds OR Popping Noise From Front Suspension While Driving Over Bumps (Replace Necessary Components)

This bulletin is being revised to update the Parts Information to correct the front suspension noise concerns. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-08-008A (Section 03 -- Suspension).

The purpose of this bulletin is to address various front suspension noises. Some customers may comment on a groan, hiss or grind type noise while turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when the vehicle is stopped. Or, some customers may comment on a popping noise from the front suspension while driving over bumps. The type of noise will determine the corrective action to be taken.

Procedure for Duplicating Customer Concern of "Noise While Turning at Low Speeds":

1. Install Chassis Ears (J 39570) to the following locations on the vehicle (refer to diagram):

•	1 -- Front Spring

•	2 -- Wheel-Well

•	3 -- Stabilizer Bar Link

2. Drive the vehicle, simulating parking lot maneuvers/turns, to determine the source of the noise. If the noise is heard most predominantly through:

•	the Front Spring , refer to the Strut Replacement in the "correction" section of this bulletin.

•	the Wheel-Well , the noise is caused by a body creak and no repair is available at this time. A field product report should be submitted to document the concern.

•	the Stabilizer Shaft Link , refer to the Stabilizer Shaft Link in the "correction" section of this bulletin. Note, to confirm replacing the stabilizer link will correct the customer's concern, disconnect the links to verify the noise is eliminated.

Procedure for Duplicating Customer Concern of "Popping Noise From Suspension While Driving Over Bumps".

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. Vehicles with this concern will "pop" during one of the two events and the technician should refer to the Strut Replacement in the "correction" section of this bulletin.
5. To confirm the noise source, hoist the vehicle until the wheels are hanging in full rebound.



6. Insert a piece of paper or piece of plastic between the spring and the spring seat as indicated in the above diagram and repeat steps 1 - 4.

Important: Repair only the affected side.

Strut Replacement:

Replace the strut assembly. Refer to SI document ID #1402676 for repair procedure.

Important: The complete strut assembly part number has been revised from bulletin 04-03-08-008.

Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement:

Replace the front stabilizer link. Refer to SI document ID #1402657 for service procedure.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

* Refer to labor operation E2020 for appropriate alignment times and add to the above times.