FRONT DOOR LOCK ROD RATTLE INSTALL INSULATOR & BELL CRANK

SUBJECT: FRONT DOOR LOCK ROD RATTLE (INSTALL INSULATOR AND MODIFIED BELL CRANK ASSEMBLIES)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1983 - 1991 S/T VEHICLES

Some owners of 1983-1991 S/T vehicles may experience a lock rod rattle emanating from either the driver's or passenger's door. This condition can occur if either the door remote lock lever rod and/or bellcrank assembly are loose.

To correct, it is necessary to replace the front door lock rod insulator with a thicker and longer insulator P/N 15685119 and replace the remote lock lever bellcrank with a modified bellcrank P/N 15688517-LH or 15688518-RH which incorporates a teflon washer between the arms of the assembly.

SERVICE PROCEDURE: Refer to Figure 1 ------------------------------------ 1. Remove two screws located in the armrest over the door handle. 2. Remove door pillar moulding. 3. Remove the door panel (held in place with seven plastic retainers) using Trim Panel Removal Tool J-24595, or equivalent. 4. Remove armrest bracket. 5. Carefully pull the door panel liner part way down to allow access to the door lock rods. 6. Remove inner door handle housing. 7. Disconnect the power door lock wiring harness. 8. Remove the remote lock lever bellcrank assembly by drilling out the attaching rivet. Disengage the lock rod from the bellcrank. Disconnect the bellcrank from the power lock actuator. 9. Remove the original insulator located behind the remote lock lever rod and discard. 10. Install insulator (P/N 15685119) behind the remote lock lever rod (same location as original insulator).

NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THE SPECIFIED INSULATOR. A SUBSTITUTE COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE PRESSURE ON THE REMOTE LOCK LEVER ROD CAUSING A BINDING CONDITION AND INOPERATIVE DOOR LOCK.

11. Engage the lock rod into the remote lock lever bellcrank and reinstall a new bellcrank (P/N 15688517-LH or 15688518-RH) using rivet P/N 9436175. 12. Check for rattle between the bellcrank bayonet and bayonet pocket on door reinforcement panel. If a rattle condition exists, crimp the bayonet pocket in the door panel. 13. Reconnect the bellcrank to the power lock actuator. 14. Reconnect the power door lock wiring harness. 15. Reinstall inner door handle housing. 16. Reinstall door panel liner. 17. Using the new door panel fasteners (P/N 10161510) reinstall the door panel. 18. Reinstall armrest. 19. Reinstall door pillar moulding.

SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:

Part Number Description ----------- ----------------------- 15685119 Insulator, Door Lock Rod 15688517 Bellcrank, LH 15688518 Bellcrank, RH 9436175 Rivet 10161510 Fasteners, Door Panel

Use the most applicable Labour Operation and Time from the Canadian Labour Time Guide.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.