Rattle Noise in Rear of Vehicle (Replace Spare Tire Well)

This bulletin is being revised to add information under Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-08-66-005 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Some customers may comment on a rattle noise in the rear of the vehicle over rough roads.

Raise the vehicle. Inspect the sheet metal above the muffler for a sheet metal crack in the spare tire well. This crack will run left to right, just under the spare tire hold down bracket. Do not attempt to repair or reinforce the floor area around the spare tire hold-down bracket. It is recommended that the entire Panel, Spare Tire Well be replaced to maintain the integrity of the spare tire hold-down bracket

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the rear fascia, energy absorber, and impact bar.
3. Remove the trailer hitch if equipped.
4. Remove the exhaust.
5. Open the rear hatch and remove the spare tire cover and cargo net.
6. Remove the rear sill plate.
7. Remove the rear seat.
8. Remove the right and left door sill plate.
9. Remove the right and left rear quarter trim.
10. Remove the rear speakers.
11. Pull the rear carpet forward.
12. Move the rear harness.
13. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the spare tire well area.
14. Locate and drill out all the factory welds that attach the spare tire well. Note the number and location of the welds for the installation of the new part. Remove the damaged part.
15. Drill out the welds around the perimeter of the spare tire well.
16. Fit the new tire well in the vehicle.
17. Mark the location of the welds.
18. Remove the panel and drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in all the marked locations on the new panel.
19. Apply weld-thru coating to all mating surfaces.
20. Position the new panel in the vehicle. Plug weld accordingly.
21. Clean and prepare all welding surfaces. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials as necessary per the GM 4901M-D-2006 Approved Refinish Materials online at:

•	Go to www.gmgoodwrench.com.

•	Click on GM Parts & Accessories link.

•	Click on GM Technical Repair Information.

•	Click on Paint Shop.

•	Refinish the inside using materials compliant to GM4901M standards.

•	Clean the back side of the repair and apply an epoxy undercoat per GM 4901-D-2006.

22. Reinstall the rear harness.
23. Reinstall the rear carpet forward.
24. Reinstall the rear speakers.
25. Reinstall the right and left rear quarter trim.
26. Reinstall the right and left door sill plate.
27. Reinstall the rear seat.
28. Reinstall the rear sill plate.
29. Reinstall the spare tire cover and cargo net.
30. Reinstall the exhaust.
31. Reinstall the trailer hitch if equipped.
32. Reinstall the rear fascia.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: