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 General Description and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Verify that the rear suspension is noisy.

Is the rear suspension noisy?

Go to Step 3

System OK

1. Shift the transmission into Park.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the complaint noise present?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

1. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope 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

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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

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1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
2. 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 noise now emitted from the front of the vehicle?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Replace the tires that are causing the noise.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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Ensure that the park brake cable and the spare tire are secured properly.

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.

Ensure that all of the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification. 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 hand 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

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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 as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle trailing arm.

Is either rear axle trailing arm loose?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 21

1. Inspect the rear axle trailing 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 trailing arm.

Is either rear axle trailing arm loose?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 23

Replace any worn or loose rear axle trailing arm bushings.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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1. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the rear wheels.
2. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.

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

3. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 8

Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 23

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Does the system operate normally?

System OK

Go to Step 3