Rattle/Click/Ticking Type Noise Coming From Wheel Cover (Install Wheel Cover Insulators)

This bulletin is being revised to update the parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-013A (Section 03 -- Suspension).

Some customers may comment on a rattle/click/ticking type noise coming from the front or rear wheels. This condition is most apparent while driving at low speeds (0-24 km/h (0-15 mph)) and is relative to wheel rotation.

This condition may be caused by hard contact between the inner edge of the wheel cover and the outer edge of the steel rim. This contact occurs when the delrin ring comes out of its channel and separates from the wheel cover. In most cases, the delrin ring will be completely gone.

If the delrin ring is missing, install insulators on the back side of all four wheel covers. Use the following service procedure listed below.

1. Remove the wheel covers.
2. Clean the back side of each wheel cover using a mild liquid detergent in a distilled or deionized water solution. Rinse each wheel cover with clean water.
3. Dry each wheel cover using compressed air or a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.

Saturn Relay Shown, Others Similar






4. After the wheel covers are completely dry, each wheel cover should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth and apply Adhesion Promoter, P/N 12378462, or equivalent, at the insulator locations. Insulator location is at the center of each spoke in the groove. Place two insulators at the location where a divider prevents one from going in the center. Refer to the illustrations above.
5. Peel the red non-stick backing off of the insulator.



6. Carefully place the insulator onto the wheel cover so that the area under the lip is resting against the corner of the inside edge of the wheel cover lip. This should place the insulator flush with the outside edge of the wheel cover.
7. Press down firmly on the insulator to ensure that the adhesive is bonding to the wheel cover.
8. Place another insulator in the next location by repeating Steps 5 through 7. There should be an insulator at each spoke location with two being placed at the above specified location.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: