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 system Descriptions and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Important: Compare the vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's concern is a characteristic of the vehicle.

Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle.

Is the rear suspension noisy?

Go to Step 3

System OK

1. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, shift the transmission into Park. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, block the wheels and shift the transmission into Neutral.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Verify the park brake is off.
4. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the rear suspension noisy?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

1. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use the J 39570 or equivalent 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

--

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
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

--

Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is the FRONT SUSPENSION noisy?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Replace any tire that causes the noise. Refer to Tire Mounting and Dismounting in Tires and Wheels.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

--

Verify the park brake cable is secure. Install the park brake cable retainers if necessary.

Did you service any components?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 11

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Inspect the wheel nuts. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels.

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 in General Information.
2. Use your hands in order 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 in Rear Suspension.
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 in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

--

Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod.

Is the rear axle tie rod loose?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 18

1. Inspect the rear axle tie rod fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod.

Is the rear axle tie rod loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 23

Replace the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

--

Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle control arms.

Are any rear axle control arms loose?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 21

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

Are any rear axle control arms loose?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 23

Replace any worn or loose rear axle control arm. Refer to Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement or Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

--

1. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
2. Verify the park brake is off.
3. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the rear wheels.
4. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.

Important: Do not allow the tools to contact any moving components.

5. Use J 39570 or equivalent in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 8

Remove the rear axle shaft in order to replace the wheel bearings. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

--

Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2