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Suspension - Squawking Noise When Jounced

Bulletin No. T 85-13A
File in Group 3C
Number 4
Corp. Ref. No. 8061001
Date Mar. '86
SUBJECT: FRONT SUSPENSION "SQUAWKING" NOISE

MODELS AFFECTED: 1984 - 1986 CIMARRON

This bulletin supersedes Serviceman Bulletin T-85-13, Group 3C, which should be destroyed.

Some 1984 and 1985 Cimarrons, and 1986 Cimarrons built with 2.8L engines prior to B.C. 509794 and with 2.0L engines prior to B.C. 510778 may exhibit a "squawking" noise when subjected to significant jounce/rebound suspension motions. This condition may be caused by the front stabilizer bar bushings. Vehicles experiencing this front suspension noise condition may be repaired by installing two new insulators; P/N 22532212 for vehicles equipped with the 2.0L L-4 engine and P/N 22532213 for vehicles equipped with 2.8L V-6 engines.

Replace insulators, one side at a time, using the following procedure:


1. Raise vehicle on frame contact hoist.

2. Remove front wheel.

3. Disconnect stabilizer link at control arm.

4. Remove stabilizer bar mounting clamp nuts at front suspension support assembly.

FIGURE 1:




5. Remove bolts from center and rear of suspension support assembly (see Figure 1).
6. Lower suspension support assembly away from body by pivoting at front bolts. This will provide access to stabilizer clamp and insulator.

7. Remove stabilizer clamp and insulator.

8. Install new insulator on the stabilizer bar. Reposition clamp on insulator.

9. Reposition front suspension support assembly. Install all bolts hand-tight.
10. Tighten bolts to proper torque specification in the following sequence:

A. Center Bolts - tighten to 95 N-m (70 ft.lbs.).

B. Rear Bolts - tighten to 90 N-m (66 ft.lbs.).

C. Stabilizer Bar Mounting Clamp bolts - tighten to 22 N-m (16 ft.lbs.).

11. Reinstall stabilizer link and tighten to 22 N-m (16 ft.lbs.).

12. Replace front wheel.

13. Repeat this procedure for opposite side.

For warranty purposes, use Labor Operation E2180 at .7 hour.