Suspension - Rear Shock Noise In Trunk Area

File In Section: 3 - Steering/Suspension

Bulletin No.: 73-34-03

Date: April, 1997

Subject:
"Loose Lumber" Rear Shock Noise in Trunk Area
(Inspect/Replace Rear Upper Strut Mount)

Models:
1995-97 Chevrolet Cavalier
1995-97 Pontiac Sunfire

Condition

Some owners may comment on a rear shock noise which sounds like loose logs or lumber in the trunk area. This noise or rattle is present in cold ambient temperatures and may be more noticeable with uneven or snow packed road surfaces at slow speeds, usually 5 - 20 mph (8 - 32 km/h).

Cause

Rear shock damping response may be transmitted through the body structure and heard as a loose lumber noise.

Correction

A new softer durometer upper shock mount will go into production approximately March of 1997.

Important:
It is still necessary to diagnose the condition as follows.

1. Inspect and re-torque rear upper shock mounts, lower shock mounts, and bracket to axle.

2. Remove the upper strut mount to body bolts and nut. Refer to Section 3D of the Service Manual.

3. Inspect for the presence of underbody coating between the strut mount and the body. Remove any material so that the upper mount mates to the painted surface.

4. If the above is OK, install revised upper shock mount, P/N 22178213, and recheck.

Parts Information

P/N Description

22178213 Upper Shock Mount

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Labor Time

E5057 Use published labor
operation time