Front Suspension - Rattle/Clunk/Pop/Creak/Squeak
Bulletin No.: 001/95Issued: 6/30/95
Revised:
Category
R
Applicable Model/s
1991-93 Navajo
Subject
NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION
APPLICABLE MODELS/VINS
All Navajo vehicles built prior to 1/1/93
DESCRIPTION
A "rattle", clunk or pop noise heard from the front suspension may be caused by a worn front radius arm inner insulator and spacer.
A "creak or "squeak", noise from the front suspension may be caused by an obsolete radius arm inner insulator (green) and spacer (black).
The noises may be heard while maneuvering at low speeds (parking or turning). The noises are most noticeable in dry conditions when temperatures are above 65 degrees (F) (18 degrees (C).
Customers complaining of the noise should have the vehicle inspected. If the front radius arm inner insulator or spacer is the cause, replace these parts (on both sides of the vehicle) with countermeasure parts (refer to Parts Information).
Follow the instructions in this bulletin to diagnose and repair the problem.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
1. Push up and down on the front bumper.
^ Check for noise from the inner front radius arm insulator, spacer or radius arm.
2. Cycle the steering wheel from lock - to - lock.
^ Check for noise from the inner front radius arm insulator, spacer or radius arm.
3. If the noise is heard from the front radius arm insulator, spacer or radius arm, proceed to step 1 of the repair procedure.
4. If the noise is not from the radius arm, place a hand on the front suspension spring and feel for vibrations in the spring while another person repeats steps 1 and 2.
If vibration is felt, check for incorrect placement of the top spring coil in the spring tower or mis-positioned lower spring insulator. Refer to section R of the workshop manual for front suspension diagnostic and repair procedures other that radius arm noise.
REPAIR PROCEDURE - See illustration
If the noise is heard from the front inner radius arm insulator, replace the insulators and spacers from both sides of the vehicle using the following procedures
1. Remove the wheels, calipers, stabilizer bar and lower nuts from the shock absorbers.
2. Support the axle assembly.
3. Remove the radius arm retaining nuts.
4. Remove axle pivot bolts and nuts.
5. Release springs from retainers.
6. Remove the radius arms from the radius arm brackets.
7. Remove the inner radius arm insulators and spacers.
NOTE:
Prior to assembly, inspect the radius arms for damage. Replace if necessary.
Discard the piece of plastic that may have been installed between the radius arm bracket and the old inner insulator.
8. Clean the radius arm bracket of any residual grease or lubricant.
9. Replace the inner radius arm insulators and spacers on both sides.
Caution:
Do Not lubricate the insulator or spacer. Lubricants may affect the "anti-squeak" properties of the material resulting in a squeaking noise within a short period of time.
10. Install the radius arms into the bushings at the radius arm brackets.
11. Install springs into spring retainers.
12. Install radius arm retaining nuts
13. Install axle pivot bolts and nuts.
14. Install shock absorbers, stabilizer bar, calipers and wheels.
15. Reset front end toe. Refer to the specifications in section R of the workshop manual.
16. Verify repair.
Parts Information
WARRANTY INFORMATION
(Applies To Verified Customer Complaints On Vehicles Covered Under Normal Warranty. Refer To The SRT Microfiche For Warranty Term Information.)
Warranty Type: A
Symptom Code: 82
Damage Code: 9E
Part Number Main Cause: ZZL0 34 225C
Quantity: 1