Suspension - Thud Noise From Rear Strut Assembly

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Bulletin: 89-3-11A

Date: July, '89

Ref. No.: 89-112A-3

Corp. Ref. No.: 933401R


SUBJECT:
REAR SUSPENSION NOISE (REPLACE STRUT ASSEMBLIES)

MODELS AFFECTED:
1988 REGALS AND 1989 REGALS WITH FE1 SUSPENSION BUILT PRIOR TO VIN K1425910

This bulletin has been revised to clarify the requirement that both struts must be replaced and also to clarify the use of Rear Suspension Auxiliary Spring Compressor tool.

Some 1988 Regals and 1989 Regals with FE1 supsension, up to VIN K1425910, may exhibit a squeak or clunk noise during normal driving conditions or a thud type noise when turning onto an up ramp of a parking ramp/driveway or driving over a deep chuck-hole in the road.

The thud noise may be the result of the rear strut(s) extending to their maximum travel. Although not detrimental to the strut(s), the associated noise condition may be a cause of annoyance to some vehicle owners.

Vehicles exhibiting this condition may be repaired by installation of new rear struts and spring retention plates. These new strut assemblies provide additional rear suspension travel and are the only type now available for service. As a result, if strut replacement is required, both struts will have to be replaced. In addition to the above indicated part replacement, vehicle curb trim height ("K" dimension) should be checked to insure vehicle is at the correct curb trim height. Part replacement and trim height check should be performed following applicable shop manual procedures.

Parts that are required for this installation are noted below:

Suspension Level Description Part Number Quantity Required

Base Strut Unit 22064154 2
Up Level Strut Unit 22064155 2
All Spring Plate 10130115 2

Parts are currently available through GMSPO.

IMPORTANT:
In order to replace rear strut assemblies, it is necessary to remove the rear auxiliary springs. Tool number J37956 Rear Suspension Auxiliary Spring Compressor must be used to compress the auxiliary spring. Do NOT use tool number J37098. Kent Moore has shipped J37956 to all dealers, and J37098 can be returned for full credit.


Warranty Information

Labor Operation Number: T1430
Labor Time: 1.3 Hours
Add: 1.0 Align Rear Suspension
Trouble Code: 92