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Body/Suspension - Creaking/Ticking Noises

02-045

October 29, 2002

Applies To:
See VEHICLES AFFECTED

Creaking or Ticking From the Dashboard or a Front Strut
(Supersedes 02-045, dated August 13, 2002)

Updated information is shown by black bars and asterisks.

SYMPTOM

A creaking or ticking comes from the dashboard or front fender area. The noise occurs when driving over bumps, and sometimes when braking or turning.

PROBABLE CAUSE

* Paint from the front damper mounting base is sticking to the body or burrs from a body spot weld are contacting the front damper mounting base.





VEHICLES AFFECTED

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Install shims to the damper mounting base and/or remove the front damper/spring assembly, grind off the body spot weld burrs, and refinish the surface.

PARTS INFORMATION

Self-Adhesive Shim:
P/N 75526-634-300, H/C 0701596
(Requires three shims per side) *





WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.

Failed Part: P/N 60750-59V-A00ZZ
H/C 7015351

Defect Code: 042

Contention Code: B07

Skill Level: Repair Technician

Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.

DIAGNOSIS

* With the hood open and the vehicle parked, rock the vehicle from side to side, and listen for a creaking or ticking noise coming from the front damper area. If you are unable to duplicate the noise, test-drive the vehicle over small bumps to help confirm the noise.

^ If a creaking or ticking noise comes from the dashboard or front damper area, go to the appropriate REPAIR PROCEDURE.

^ If the noise is not a creaking or ticking from the dashboard or front damper area, continue troubleshooting.

REPAIR PROCEDURE A

1999-00 Odyssey: All

2002 Odyssey: From VIN 2HKRL1...2H575107 thru
2HKRL1...2H557240

2003 Pilot: From VIN 2HKYF1...3H500001 thru
2HKYF1...3H505459

1. Remove the appropriate front damper/spring assembly. Refer to section 15 of the appropriate service manual. *





2. While wearing eye protection, use an angle grinder with sandpaper to remove any spot weld burrs that are raised above the surface of the damper mounting area. Grind down the burrs flush with the surrounding area. Grinding oft more material than necessary may create an uneven surface and could result in additional noise.

NOTE:
The exact location of spot weld burrs may vary. Be sure to check the damper mounting area completely.

3. Prepare and refinish the bare metal to prevent rust. Refer to the appropriate body repair manual.

* 4. Clean the surface of the damper mounting base with isopropyl alcohol.





5. Install three self adhesive shims to the damper mounting base as shown. Position the shims so the edge of the shim is slightly rolled over the edge of the damper mounting base.

6. Reinstall the front damper/spring assembly. Refer to section 15 of the appropriate service manual. *

7. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust as necessary.

8. Test-drive the vehicle over bumps to make sure the noise is gone.

* REPAIR PROCEDURE B

2002 Civic: ALL

2001 Odyssey: ALL

2002 Odyssey: From VIN 2HKRL1...2H500001 thru
2HKRL1...2H575106

2002 Odyssey: From VIN 2HKRL1...2H557241 thru end of production

2002 Odyssey: From VIN 5FNRL1...2B000001 thru end of production

2003 Odyssey: From VIN 2HKRL1...3H500001 thru
2HKRL1...3H500193

2003 Odyssey: From VIN 5FNRL1...3B000001 thru
5FNRL1...3B012315

2003 Pilot: From VIN 2HKYF15...3H505460 thru
2HKYF15...3H524730

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist, and remove the front wheels.

2. Civic only: Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering arm.





3. Odyssey and Pilot only: Remove the wheel sensor harness bracket from the damper. Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.

4. Odyssey and Pilot only: Remove the brake hose bracket from the damper. Do not disconnect the brake hose.

5. Odyssey and Pilot only: Disconnect the stabilizer link from the damper.

6. Position a floor jack under the front lower arm of the damper. Raise the floor jack to support the arm.

7. Odyssey and Pilot only: Remove the service caps from the upper portion of the damper cover.





8. Remove the three flange nuts from the damper, and lower the damper assembly with the floor jack.

9. Clean the surface of the upper damper mounting base with isopropyl alcohol.





10. Install three self adhesive shims to the damper mounting base as shown. Position the shims so the edge of the shim is slightly rolled over the edge of the damper mounting base.

11. Reinstall the damper assembly. Torque the three flange mounting nuts to: Odyssey and Pilot: 59 N.m (43 lb-ft) Civic: 44 N.m (33 lb-ft).

12. Odyssey and Pilot only: Reinstall the service caps to the upper portion of the damper cover.

13. Odyssey and Pilot only: Reconnect the stabilizer link to the damper, and torque the mounting nut to 75 N.m (55 lb-ft).

14. Odyssey and Pilot only: Reconnect the brake hose bracket to the damper, and torque the mounting bolt to 22 N.m (16 lb-ft).

15. Odyssey and Pilot only: Reconnect the wheel sensor harness bracket to the damper, and torque the mounting bolt to 9.5 N.m (7 lb-ft).

16. Civic only: Reconnect the tie-rod end to the steering arm, and torque the mounting nut to 43 N.m (32 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin after tightening the nut.

17. Reinstall the front wheels.

18. Test-drive the vehicle over bumps to make sure the noise is gone.*





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