Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Convertible Top - Creaking Noise

NO.: TSB-96-42A-016

DATE: July, 1996

MODEL: 1996 Eclipse Spyder

SUBJECT:
CONVERTIBLE TOP CREAKING NOISE

PURPOSE

On some affected vehicles, a creaking noise may be heard from the convertible top when in the fully closed position. The noise typically comes from two locations:

- The front latches. The latch guide pins rub against the latch housing.

- The # 1 bow side bolts. The washers rub against the bolts and the # 1 bow.

This bulletin contains procedures for applying grease to the latch pins and to the # 1 bow side bolt washers.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

1996 Eclipse Spyder convertible

PROCEDURE

For the repair procedures in this bulletin, use a lubricating grease such as Loctite SuperLube 82328 or equivalent.

A. To eliminate the noise at the front latch:

1. Open the convertible top to its fully open position.






2. With a small brush, apply grease to the latch housing track and to the three pins on each latch. Be sure to apply the grease to both sides of the pins.

3. Repeat grease application to the other latch.

B. To eliminate the noise at the # 1 bow side bolt washers:

1. Open the convertible top to the half pen position to allow access to the # 1 bow side bolts.






2. Remove the bolt and washer from the slotted hole.






3. Apply grease to both sides of the black washer.

4. Reinstall the bolt and washer into the slotted hole. Tighten the bolt securely.

CAUTION: Be careful not to strip the bolt threads.

5. Remove the bolt and washer from the round hole.

6. Apply grease to both sides of washer.

7. Reinstall the bolt and washer into the round hole. Tighten the bolt securely.

CAUTION: Be careful not to strip the bolt threads.

8. Repeat grease application to the other # 1 bow side bolt washers.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Convertible Top Grease Application

Nature Code: 99D Cause Code: 230

Labor Operation No. 42386300 Time Allowance: 0.2 hr.

Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.

Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.