Engine Frame Area Noise - Supplement To 02-08-61-001A - keywords cradle front snap steering suspension

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Here are some additional repair tips when addressing a click or snap noise from the engine frame assembly.

Technical bulletin 02-08-61-001A outlines a method for correcting a click or snap noise from the engine frame assembly.

Here are several helpful hints to improve the likelihood of success with this bulletin.

1. When your customer has a noise concern from the steering or suspension, be sure to verify the noise. Using this bulletin procedure, for instance, to correct an intermediate shaft related noise will result in an ineffective repair. The engine frame noise is typically a sharp metallic clicking or snapping noise.
2. To ensure the effectiveness of this repair follow the NOTE at the top of the step-by-step instructions in the Bulletin. The note advises to NOT spray or force the Brake parts cleaner between the steering gear mounting bracket and the frame rail. An excessive amount of parts cleaner between the two parts will dilute the Loc-tite and reduce the likelihood of a successful repair.
3. The Loc-tite repair should only be attempted once. Once the Loc-tite has been applied and allowed to cure or set up, do not attempt this repair again. If the repair has been performed following the bulletin procedure and the noise still exists, it will be necessary to replace the frame assembly.
4. Regarding the steering gear brackets on the engine frame rear rail. At one time the steering gear bracket had a perimeter weld intended to reduce the noise produced by this part. This perimeter weld was eliminated when it was found to offer a minimal amount of improvement. The later parts have single spot welds halfway up on each side of the vertical legs on the bracket. The latest service part will not have a perimeter weld, so please do not initiate a Request for Inspection from GM service parts due to the lack of a perimeter weld on the steering bracket.

Additional information Not in TSB. If diagnosing a noise (with chassis ears) leads away from the suspension and steering components and toward the cowl, check the HVAC case fasteners and tighten as needed.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.