Steering System - Crunch or Pop Noise
Bulletin No.: T-93-13AFile in Group: 3
Number: 11
Corp.Ref.No: 233208R
Date: Dec. 1992
SUBJECT:
STEERING SYSTEM CRUNCH/POP NOISE
MODELS AFFECTED:
1992-1993 FLEETWOOD BROUGHAMS
This bulletin supersedes Service bulletin T-93-13 which should be discarded. This bulletin is being revised to add the 1992 model year.
Some 1992-1993 Fleetwood Broughams may exhibit a steering related crunch and/or pop-type noise apparent during low speed turning maneuvers. These conditions can be differentiated from one another not only by the type of noise but also by when they are generated as indicated below.
Crunch Noise:
May occur only when vehicle is in a full right-or left-hand turning maneuver.
Pop Noise:
May occur any time vehicle steering wheel is moved off center in either direction.
These may be caused by:
Crunch Noise:
Movement of lower control arm steering stop on steering knuckle during full turn type maneuvers.
Pop Noise:
Slight movement between steering gear bolt threads and frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes.
To correct these conditions use the following procedures:
Crunch Noise:
Apply a thin film approximately 1 mm thick) of hi temperature water resistant grease, P/N 12345996 (1.75 oz. tube, to the contacting surfaces of th the steering stops and steering knuckles. For warranty purposes use Labor Operation T1841 at .3 hour.
Pop Noise:
Follow procedure below and enlarge the frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes that show any contact with bolt threads.
1. Disconnect and remove air cleaner snorkel.
2. Disconnect intermediate steering shaft coupling shield and slide rearward.
3. Remove nut securing ABS module bracket to steering gear.
4. Raise vehicle.
NOTICE:
Ensure that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead and the steering wheel is in "LOCK" position. Failure to do so may cause the steering wheel to rotate causing damage to the coil assembly.
5. Remove left front wheel and tire assembly.
6. Remove flexible coupling bolt and disengage coupling from steering gear.
7. Remove three steering gear to frame rail attaching bolts and position gear away from frame rail.
8. Inspect inboard frame rail steering gear attaching holes for any indication of bolt thread contact.
9. Carefully enlarge those holes that show bolt thread contact utilizing a rat-tail mill file.
10. Position steering gear to frame rail and hand start attaching bolts. Torque attaching bolts in sequence # 1, # 2, and # 3 to 95 N-m (70 lbs.ft.) as shown in Figure 1.
11. Connect flexible coupling to steering gear, install bolt, and torque to 31 N-m (23 lbs.ft.).
NOTICE:
Ensure that vehicle wheels are pointing straight ahead prior to connecting flexible coupling.
12. Install wheel and tire assembly and torque lug-nuts to 135 N-m (100 lbs.ft.).
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Slide coupling shield forward and secure in position.
15. Install ABS module bracket nut and torque to 60 N-m (44 lbs.ft.).
16. Install and connect air cleaner snorkel.
17. Start vehicle and cycle the steering lock to lock several times.
18. Loosen but do not remove attaching bolts # 1 and # 2, start vehicle, and cycle the steering lock to lock several times.
19. Torque attaching bolt # 2 and then # 1 to 95 N-m (70 lbs.ft.).
For warranty purposes use Labor Operation T1889 at .8 hour.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.