Front Suspension - Knocking Noise
April 5, 1999BULLENTIN NO.
98-027
YEAR
1996-98
MODEL
3.5RL
VIN APPLICATION
ALL
Knocking Noise From the Front Suspension
(Supersedes 98-027, dated October 5, 1998)
SYMPTOM
When driving over bumps, you hear a knocking noise from the front suspension.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The upper arm bearings are worn.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the upper arm bearings and mounting hardware.
NOTE: The upper arm bearings are built into the front anchor bolts.
PARTS INFORMATION
Front Anchor Bolt Set:
P/N 5101 0-SZ3-000
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty: The normal warranty applies.
Failed P/N: 51450-SZ3-013
Defect code: 042
Contention code: B07
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty: Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Technical Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
1. Test-drive the vehicle over a bumpy road to verify the noise and to determine its location.
2. Raise the vehicle on a lift.
3. On the vehicle side where the noise is heard, hit the tire with a large mallet while placing your hand over one of the upper arm bearings. Repeat this action with your hand placed over the other bearing.
- If you feel looseness or hear knocking from either bearing, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
- If no knocking noise is heard and no looseness is felt, look for other possible causes.
4. If you heard the noise from both sides of the vehicle, repeat step 3 on the other side of the vehicle.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the ABS wheel sensor wire harness from the upper arm.
3. Remove and discard the two upper arm 12 mm self-locking nuts.
4. Lower the upper arm, and pull it toward you to access the two front anchor bolts containing the upper arm bearings.
5. Remove and discard the front anchor bolt 10 mm self-locking nuts and the flange bolts, then remove and discard the front anchor bolts.
[NEW]
6. Install new front anchor bolts, making sure the large seal on the bolt faces outward. Secure the anchor bolts with new flange bolts and 10 mm self-locking nuts. Torque the nuts to 30 N-m (22 lb-ft).
7. Reinstall the upper arm, and secure it with new 12 mm self-locking nuts. Torque the nuts to 64 N-m (47 lb-ft).
8. Reinstall the ABS wheel sensor wire harness.
9. Reinstall the wheel. Torque the wheel nuts to 108 N-m (80 lb-ft).
10. Test-drive the vehicle to make sure the noise is gone.
NOTE: This procedure does not require wheel alignment after completion.