GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: Any noise from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension.

1

Did you review the system descriptions and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to  Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

2

Important: Compare the vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's concern is a characteristic of the vehicle.

Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle.

Did you duplicate the condition?

Go to Step 3

System OK

3

Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Measure the tire pressure. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  2. Inspect the tires for wear. Repair as necessary. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the rear wheel bearings. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis .

If the vehicle has a rear differential, inspect the rear axle for noise. Repair as necessary. Refer to Noise Diagnosis - Rear Drive Axle in Rear Drive Axle.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Did you duplicate the noise?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
  3. Inspect the rear suspension components for damage. Repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the rear shock absorbers. Repair as necessary. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent.
  2. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use the J 39570 or equivalent in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary, road test the vehicle.
  3. Repair as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 10

System OK

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3