Front Suspension - Squeaking Noise
Group Ref.: 3 - Steering/SuspensionBulletin No.: 463302
Date: August, 1994
SUBJECT:
FRONT SUSPENSION SQUEAK
(INSTALL SERVICE KIT INSULATORS FOR COIL SPRINGS)
MODELS:
1992-94 CHEVROLET AND GMC TRUCK S PICKUPS
(TWO-WHEEL DRIVE ONLY)
CONDITION:
Some owners may comment that a squeaking noise can be heard emanating from the front suspension area of their vehicle. This condition may be duplicated by jouncing the vehicle body in the front while it is parked. If the condition is not verified in this manner, road test the vehicle.
CAUSE:
The usual cause of this squeak is the contact between the coil spring and the upper frame pocket or control arm. The insulators installed in production between the coil spring and the control arms might deteriorate allowing metal to metal contact to occur.
CORRECTION:
To fix this condition, a Service Kit (P/N 15989719) has been released containing two newly designed insulators with the upper insulator having a nylon insert. Placement of the nylon insert into the rubber insulator is from the top. The insulator, along with the insert, goes on the top of the coil spring while the other insulator without the insert goes on the bottom of the coil spring. Two service kits will be necessary if both front coil springs are causing a noise.
Vehicles built after the VIN breakpoints have a newly designed frame pocket for the front coil spring.
SERVICE PROCEDURES:
Remove or Disconnect
(Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7):
Tool Required: J23028-O1 Coil Spring Remover and Installer
Raise the vehicle on a hoist so that the control arms hang free.
1. Remove the shock absorber bolts (38) from the shock absorber pivot (39) (Figure 2).
a. Push the shock absorber up through the lower control arm (40) and into the spring (37) (Figure 2).
b. Cradle the inner control arm bushings using J 23028-01 (Coil Spring Remover and Installer) secured to the end of a suitable jack (Figure 5).
2. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft (53) from the lower control arm (Figure 3).
a. Raise the jack to remove the tension on the lower control arm pivot bolts (72 and 77) (Figure 1).
b. Secure the lower control arm (40) with a chain around the spring (37) and through the control arm (Figure 1).
3. Remove the lower control arm pivots bolts (72 and 77) and nuts (71 and 78) from the lower control arm (40) (Figure 1).
IMPORTANT:
Do not force the lower control arm (40) and ball joint (69) in order to remove the coil spring (Figure 1).
4. Remove the coil spring (37) and the insulator (73) from the coil spring (Figure 1).
- Position the coil spring (37) properly for easy removal.
5. Reposition the vertical tangs (85) in the upper spring pocket bracket (86) by bending them inward with pillars in a horizontal position (Figure 8). Remove any sharp edges or burrs off of the upper coil spring pocket by using a die grinder or metal file.
CAUTION:
The upper spring pocket has sharp edges and burrs on it. Care must be taken to avoid personal injuries.
Install or Connect
(Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8):
Tool Required: J23028-01 Coil Spring Remover and Installer.
1. Install Service Kit (P/N 15989719) one insulator with insert on the top of coil spring and remaining insulator on the bottom of the coil spring (If the opposite side of the vehicle requires the same repair procedures, then another Service Kit (P/N 15989719) will be required.)
2. Install the coil spring (37) with insulators (73) on the lower control arm (40) (Figure 1).
a. Using J23028-O1 to support the control arm (Figure 5).
b. Position the coil spring (A) (Figure 6).
- Coil spring installed with the tape at the lowest position and a gripper notch at the top.
- Inspect drain holes, one of which must be covered by the end of the spring and one must be open.
3. Install the lower control arm (40) to the frame.
4. Install the pivot bolts (72 and 77) and nuts (71 and 78) (Figure 1).
IMPORTANT:
In order to maintain adequate steering linkage clearance, refer to mandatory bolt direction of installation in Figure 6.
- Mandatory Bolt and Nut Positions - Front Bolt First
Tighten:
a. Tighten front nut (76) to 90 N-m (67 lbs.ft.) (Figure 1).
b. Tighten rear nut (71) to 90 N-m (67 lbs.ft.) (Figure 1).
5. Install stabilizer shaft (53) to lower control arm (40).
a. Install the retainer (61), and grommet (60) (Figure 3) to the link bolt (62) (Figure 3).
- make sure parts positioning is correct (Figure 3).
b. Install the link bolt (62) through the lower control arm hole (59) with the parts stacked properly (Figure 3).
- Grommet (58)
- Retainer (57)
- Spacers (56)
- Retainers (55)
- Grommet (54)
- Stabilizer (53)
c. Attach the grommet (52), retainer (51) and nut (50) on the link bolt (62) (Figure 3) and tighten nut until the nut meets the end of the bolt threads (62) (Figure 3).
6. Install shock absorber (36) (Figure 2).
a. Install retainer (35) and grommet (34) on the stem (33) (Figure 2).
- Fully extend the stem (33).
b. Install shock absorber (36) up through the lower control arm (40) and the spring (37).
- Insert the stem (33) end through the hole in the upper control arm frame bracket (42) (Figure 2)
c. Install the grommet (32), retainer (31), and the nut (30) on to the stem (33) (Figure 2).
Tighten:
Tighten bolt (38) to 27 N-m (20 lbs.ft.).
SERVICE PARTS INFORMATION:
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: