FRONT GRILLE ASSEMBLY CRACKING AT ATTACHING TABS

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1985-87 M VANS

Some 1985 - 1987 M vans are experiencing cracks in the grille assembly at the upper left and/or right attaching tabs (Figure 1). This condition is due in part to a misalignment between the grille tabs and the radiator support attaching holes. Insufficient hood to grille clearance resulting from loose hood bumper-stop bolts also contributes to grille tab cracking.

REPAIR

A new grille assembly has been released to repair this condition. The new grille assembly outer tab thickness has been increased and the upper left (driver's side) tab attachment hole has been changed to a 5 x 10 mm slot.

Hood bumper-stop bolt retention can be improved with the following procedure:

Adjust bumper bolts to achieve the proper hood to fender alignment.

Note the number of threads exposed at each bumper bolt.

Remove and clean the threads on the bumper bolt and the threads in the radiator support.

Apply Loctite Black Max or equivalent to the bolt threads.

Reinstall and adjust each bumper bolt to its predetermined position as noted above.

PARTS INFORMATION

New grille assemblies are available under current part numbers.

Unmodified grille assemblies have been purged from stock.

New grill assemblies were incorporated into production beginning with the following VIN breakpoints:

GMC HB 506385 Chevrolet HB125469

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.