Suspension - Clunking Sound From Rear
88buick15Bulletin: 88-3-24
Date: Nov. '88
Ref. No.: 88-216-3
Corp. Ref. No.: 833401
SUBJECT: CLUNKING SOUND FROM REAR SUSPENSION
MODELS AFFECTED: 1988 REGAL
Customer comments on 1988 Buick Regals of a clunking sound in the rear suspension area may be caused by a loose rear trailing arm bracket. The noise can be eliminated by rewelding existing bracket in place, and adding reinforcing brackets which are included in Kit, Part Number 10103072.
Procedure:
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Raise the car on the hoist and locate loose bracket.
3. Remove front attaching bolts on lower trailing arm and swing arm down. It may be necessary to loosen rear attaching bolts.
FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2:
4. Locate the existing bracket from the rear edge of the adjacent 24 mm long slot to the front edge of hole 61.9 mm apart. Also, match the witness marks of the previous welding, if available. (See Figure 1).
5. Disconnect the rear parking brake cable from underbody to provide adequate access to the area.
6. Weld bracket in place as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Use MIG welding process.
7. Locate new reinforcing bracket, and scribe a hole location on the bracket while holding in place. Repeat same step for other side bracket.
8. Drill a 12.5 mm hole in scribed area of the new bracket.
FIGURE 3:
FIGURE 4:
9. Use a short bolt and nut to hold support brackets to existing bracket and weld it to underbody (Figures 3 and 4).
10. Remove short bolt and nut and swing trailing arm in place and attach arm to bracket and support with bolt and nuts provided in the kit, Part Number 10103072.
11. Tighten bolt from inboard and holding nut in place, grind washer portion of the nut if necessary.
12. Repeat same procedure for other side of the car.
13. Realign rear end of the car.
14. Follow manufacturers recommendation for painting repaired areas to restore corrosion protection. Use GM anti-rust compound, 1052916 or equivalent.
15. Connect the rear brake assembly.
16. Connect battery.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Labor Operation Number: T1331
Labor Time: 3.8 Hours
Trouble Code: 92