Body - Know Creak Areas and Repairs
84jaguar01April, 1984
ITEM: J84/15
SUBJECT: BODY CREAKS
MODEL: ALL SERIES III
To assist dealers in dealing with body creaks on Series III vehicles, a number of known areas from which creaks may emanate are listed in this Bulletin. Methods of rectification follow identification of each area on the vehicle.
FIGURE 1:
1. FUME BAFFLE
The most common cause of body creaks must be eliminated first when rectifying rear end creaks. During body assembly, a section of foam is inserted between the fume baffle and the interior of the rear (Fig. 1). On occasion, the foam can be displaced and cause a metal-to-metal fender contact at the top of the baffle.
RECTIFICATION METHOD
a) Remove the fuel filler cap assembly from the side of vehicle affected.
b) Insert a suitable drift into the gap between the fuel tank neck and the body; drift the bar forward against the top of the baffle to create a clearance from the body.
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID ANY DAMAGE TO THE BODY.
c) Fill the gap with body sealer, using a suitable applicator. This will eliminate any possibility of fumes entering the car.
d) When clearance has been established, replace the fuel filler assembly.
FIGURE 2:
2. "D" POST CREAK
This has been found to be caused by incorrect weld of the overlap joint above the rear parcel shelf and forward of the rear window aperture. (See Fig. 2)
NOTE: This problem has been corrected on vehicles from Vehicle Identification Number 363023.
RECTIFICATION METHOD
a) Remove rear seat cushion and squab (Repair Operation 76.70.38).
b) Remove rear quarter trim.
c) Remove rear parcel shelf (Repair Operation 76.67.06).
d) Apply 1.5 in. C02 weld to the overlap seam, "A", (Fig. 2), ensuring that no weld splatter damages any interior trim or glass. ALL SURROUNDING TRIM AND GLASS MUST BE SHIELDED.
e) Refit parcel shelf, quarter trim, squab and cushion.
3. SCREEN MOULDINGS FOULING
In certain conditions, the mouldings may foul the root of the apertures, windshield or rear window, resulting in a creak.
IDENTIFICATION AND RECTIFICATION
a) Remove the mouldings and road test the vehicle.
b) If the creak is eliminated, clean some of the old sealant from the aperture, touch in any paint damage, apply new sealant and CAREFULLY grind the flange of the mouldings to prevent fouling and refit.
4. WINDSHIELD OR BACK WINDOW CREAK
This is due to the movement of an insecure windshield or back window.
IDENTIFICATION AND RECTIFICATION
a) If, after removing the mouldings, a creak still exists, then the windshield should be taped to the body and the vehicle tested again.
b) If a creak from the windshield is diagnosed, the in-situ rectification may be carried out if the creak is diagnosed in a local area. Dealers should rectify all windshield problems on Series III only with urethane sealer.
c) If the windshield has to be removed, then refer to Technical Service Bulletin J83/09 for the repair method.
5. WINDSHIELD FLANGE CREAK
If a creak is still apparent from a windshield aperture even after the windshield removal, then the creak probably stems from the spot welds which secure the various panels to the aperture flange.
RECTIFICATION
a) Examine the flange and apply extra spot welds to any doubtful areas, or at panel joint edges where there may be a lack of welds.
b) Repaint any bare metal, reseal and replace the windshield and mouldings.
FIGURE 3:
6. TOP OF "A" POST CREAK
This is at the point where the forward cantrail, side cantrail, and "A" post closing panel are joined and spot welded. (See Fig. 3C)
RECTIFICATION
a) Remove "A" post trim casing and cantrail trim
(Repair Operation 76.13.10).
b) Close the panels together using a suitable drift
(Fig. 3C)
c) If further rectification is required, then the headlining must be removed (Repair Operation 76.64.01).
d) Drill a hole 5/8 in through the panels at the point "D" (Fig. 3).
e) Apply C02 weld to the perimeter of the hole to ensure adhesion of the panels while avoiding weld splatter damage to the car interior. THE SURROUNDING AREA MUST BE SHIELDED.
It may be necessary to locally repaint the roof if damaged during the weld process.
f) Refit headlining, "A" post trim and cantrail.
If a rectification set forth in this Technical Service Bulletin is to be claimed through the warranty system, please use the following appropriate Causal Part Number and Defect Code to simplify submission and processing.
Problem Area Causal Part No. Defect Code
Fume Baffle J84151 40
"D" Post J84152 40
Screen Moulding J84153 40
Windshield/Back Window J84154 40
Windshield Flange J84155 40
Top of "A" Post J84156 40