Rear Trailing Arm - Squeaking/Rubbing Sound
NUMBER: 02-003-01GROUP: Suspension
DATE: Jun. 1, 2001
SUBJECT:
Squeaking Or Hard Rubbing Sound From Rear Trailing Arm Area
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves evaluating the condition and making repairs to the rear trailing arm bushings based on build range.
MODELS:
2001 (ST) Sebring/Stratus Coupe
NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES AS FOLLOWS: SQUEAKING SOUND-MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 16, 2001 (MDH0216XX), HARD RUBBING SOUND-MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO MARCH 21, 2001 (MDH0321XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit a squeaking or hard rubbing type sound from the rear of the vehicle when traveling over bumpy roads. Two different conditions can contribute to these sound's. The squeak may be caused by low lubricant level in the stopper bushings and the hard rubbing sound may be caused by the stopper bushing rubbing on the body bracket. The squeak may be more noticeable when the temperatures are below 4°C (40°F). (Fig. 1).
DIAGNOSIS:
It is important to note the conditions present when the sounds are heard so after repairs are made it can be verified for effectiveness. If the exact location cannot be determined, first check the installation of other suspension components for abnormal wear, damage and torque. If all other components are OK, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Lift the vehicle with a hoist and allow the suspension to become unloaded.
2. Remove the rear wheel from the side the sound is coming from.
3. Remove the body plug to gain access to the trailing arm attaching bolt/nut. Remove the bolt/nut.
4. Remove the trailing arm attachment bolt/nut at the knuckle and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle.
5. Check the body mounting bracket area (where the trailing arm mounts) for evidence of wear from hard contact with the trailing arm stoppers (Fig. 2).
6. If wear marks are noted, the rubber stoppers must be trimmed per the following steps. If contact is NOT noted, proceed to step 10.
7. Place the trailing arm assembly on a bench as shown in (Fig. 3).
8. While the stoppers are still on the trailing arm, mark their original position (for reassembly) and mark the areas for trimming (Fig. 4).
NOTE:
(Fig. 3) AND (Fig. 4) SHOW THE LAYOUT AND TRIMMING DIRECTIONS FOR THE RIGHT HAND TRAILING ARM POSITION. FOR THE LEFT HAND ARM, PERFORM THE TRIMMING OPERATION SYMMETRICALLY OPPOSITE TO WHAT IS SHOWN.
9. Remove both the outer and inner stopper from the body outboard side of the trailing arm. Use a small hand grinder, or sanding belt to bevel the edge of each stopper as shown in (Fig. 4).
NOTE:
ONLY THE STOPPER SET THAT IS CONTACTING THE BODY BRACKET WILL REQUIRE MODIFICATION.
10. After modification (if needed based on contact with body bracket) lubricate all 8 surfaces (2 sides of each inner/outer stopper) with Dielectric Grease (Silicone) p/n J8126688 and reassemble the stoppers into the trailing arm. Reference the notes taken in step 8 for reassembly.
11. Reassemble the trailing arm to the vehicle and temporarily tighten all bolts/nuts.
12. Lower the vehicle to the ground so the suspension is loaded and tighten the fasteners. Raise the vehicle up on a hoist and torque the fasteners to the following torque: Body Side Attachment 137 - 157 Nm (99 - 114 Ft. Lbs.) - Knuckle Side Attachment 118 - 137 NM (85 - 99 Ft. Lbs.)
13. Replace the body plug to cover the access hole.
14. Verify the repair by test driving the vehicle.
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: