Suspension - Rear Suspension Thumping/Knocking Noise
Classification:RA02-003a
Reference:
NTB02-062A
Date:
November 15, 2002
2002 ALTIMA; REAR SUSPENSION NOISE
This bulletin amends NTB02-062. The part number for replacement shock absorbers has changed. Please discard all paper copies of the earlier bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLE:
2002 Altima (L31)
SERVICE INFORMATION
If a 2002 Altima has a thumping, knocking, drumming, or "pattering" noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving over rough roads, and if:
^ The noise happens only while driving on rough or washboard roads or
^ The noise happens only when the road causes the suspension (shocks) to "cycle" up and down several times in a row,
Use the Service Procedure in this bulletin to repair the vehicle it this incident should occur.
If the noise happens when driving over a single bump, this bulletin does not apply.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Drive the vehicle over a single bump.
^ If you hear the noise, DO NOT use this bulletin to repair the vehicle. Look for another source of the incident noise.
^ If you don't hear the noise when driving over a single bump, go to step 2.
2. Drive the vehicle over a rough or washboard road at a low to moderate speed (20-30 MPH).
^ If you hear the noise (thumping, knocking, drumming, or "pattering") go to step 3
^ If you don't hear the noise, DO NOT use this bulletin to repair the vehicle. Talk to the customer to determine the conditions of the incident.
3. Replace both rear shock absorbers with those listed in the Parts Information of this bulletin.
^ See the Service Manual (page RSU-8) for the rear shock absorber removal and installation procedure.
^ Make sure to use the three (3) new "self locking" nuts supplied with the shock absorber kit (see Figure 1).
NOTE
After the new shock absorbers are installed, make sure the coil springs have not moved or "shifted" from their properly installed position.
PARTS INFORMATION
CLAIMS INFORMATION
Submit a Primary Failed Part (PP) line claim using the claim coding table shown.