Suspension - Snapping Noise On Low Speed Turns
Suspension02-002/04
2004 RX8 - SNAPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEED - 18" WHEELS
APPLICABLE MODEL(S) / VINS
2004 RX-8 - VIN Range - JM1FE17**40100000 - 40128212
DESCRIPTION
A snapping noise may be heard from the front suspension when the vehicle is turning at low speeds, such as in a parking lot or into a driveway. The noise is more likely to occur when the desired turning circle of the vehicle is larger (wider turn).
The number of times this noise may occur is in direct proportion to the revolution of tires. If the vehicle is turning quickly, the snapping noise may be heard constantly. When the vehicle is making a right turn, the noise is heard from the left of vehicle, and when the vehicle is making a left turn, the noise is heard from the right of vehicle.
When the vehicle is making a turn with the front tires receiving side force, the joint surface of the aluminum wheel slightly deforms, allowing the wheel and brake disc to slip against each other. This slippage causes the anti-corrosion treatment to peel off the brake disc. The frictional co-efficient between the wheel and brake disc joint surface changes. As a result, a stick-slip noise occurs.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern.
2. Remove the front tire / wheel assemblies.
3. Remove anti-corrosion treatment (black coating) from mounting surface of brake disc and wheel with # 100 sand paper, and clean mounting surface of brake disc and wheel with brake cleaner.
4. Re-tighten lug nuts to 147 N.m (108 ft-lb).
NOTE:
The Workshop Manual specifies a lug nut torque of 88-118 N.m (65-87 ft-lb), but for a field countermeasure against this noise, be sure to torque the lug nuts to 147 N.m (108 ft-lb). Revised wheel torque specs should be used anytime wheels are removed from the vehicle (wheel rotations etc..).
5. Verify repair.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:
This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.