| Subject: | Front Suspension Clunk/Rattle Noise Diagnosis |
| Models: | 1998-2003 Chevrolet Malibu (Built After 10/97) |
| 1998-1999
Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| 1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero |
| 1999-2003 Pontiac Grand Am |
This bulletin is being revised to correct the tightening specification for the
lower control arm front bolts. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 01-03-08-002A
and 00-03-08-003 (Section 03 - Suspension).
Important: The following information has also been updated
within SI. If you are using a paper version of the Service Manual, please make a reference
to this bulletin on the affected page.
A number of front suspension lower control arms have been returned to the Warranty
Parts Center (WPC). Input regarding these parts indicates replacement corrected front
suspension related clunk/rattle type noise concerns. Analysis of these returned components
indicates that they were manufactured to design intent and should have performed
satisfactorily in the vehicle.
It is recommended that when a front lower control arm is suspected to be the
cause of a front suspension noise concern, the technician perform the following fastener
tightening procedure prior to control arm replacement.
- Position the vehicle on a level surface at curb height (supported by
the tires).
- Loosen the four lower control arm to front suspension crossmember attaching
bolts.
Tighten
| • | Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember front attaching
bolts to 60 N·m (45 lb ft) plus 180° rotation. |
| • | Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember rear attaching
bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 180° rotation. |
- Road test vehicle to determine if the noise condition has been corrected.
Important: If the control arm bushings require replacement,
they are available separately and may be serviced without replacing the control arm.
