Wheels - Front/Rear Wheel Squeaking Noises
Bulletin No.: 01-03-10-005CDate: October 22, 2003
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Wheel Squeak (Install Wheel Cover Insulators)
Models:
2000-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier with 14 and 15 Inch Wheel Covers
2000-2002 Pontiac Sunfire with 14 Inch Wheel Cover
2003-2004 Pontiac Sunfire with 15 Inch Wheel Cover
2000 Toyota Cavalier with 14 and 15 Inch Wheel Covers
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update model years and provide additional material information for 2003 and 2004 vehicles. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-03-10-005B (Section 03 - Suspension).
This bulletin contains two different corrections; use the appropriate procedure depending on the model year of the vehicle.
Condition
Some customers may comment about a squeak type noise coming from the front or rear wheels. This condition is most apparent during cold weather and while driving at low speeds (0-24 km/h (0-15 mph)).
Cause
This condition may be caused by hard contact between the inner edge of the wheel cover and the outer edge of the steel rim.
Correction (2000-2002 Model Year)
Install insulators on the backside of all four wheel covers. Use the following service procedure and the part numbers listed below.
1. Remove the wheel covers.
2. Clean the backside of each wheel cover using a mild liquid detergent in a distilled or deionized water solution. Rinse each wheel cover with clean water.
3. Dry each wheel cover using compressed air or a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.
4. After the wheel covers are completely dry, each wheel cover should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth at the insulator locations. Refer to the illustrations above.
Important:
There is no tolerance allowed for gaps between the insulator and the wheel cover lip. It is also ideal to have the insulator flush (1) against the rib, but there is a tolerance of up to 6 mm (0.236 in) for a gap (2) between the insulator and the rib.
5. Peel the red non-stick backing off of the insulator.
6. Carefully place the insulator onto the wheel cover so that the area under the lip is resting against the corner of the inside edge of the wheel cover lip.
7. Rotate the insulator until it is flush against the inside edge of the wheel cover lip.
8. Press down firmly on the insulator to ensure that the adhesive is bonding to the wheel cover.
9. Place another insulator in the next location by repeating Steps 5 through 8. There should be 10 insulators placed on each wheel cover.
Correction (2003 and 2004 Model Years)
Install insulator tape on the backside of all four wheel covers. Use the following procedure listed below.
1. Remove the wheel covers.
2. Clean the backside of each wheel cover using a mild liquid detergent in a distilled or deionized water solution. Rinse each wheel cover with clean water.
3. Dry each wheel cover using compressed air or a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth.
4. After the wheel covers are completely dry, each wheel cover should be wiped with isopropyl alcohol on a clean, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth at the insulator locations. Refer to the illustrations above.
5. Cut (40-Cavalier or 36-Sunfire) 7 mm (.275 in) lengths of *3M(R) Squeak Reduction Tape 5430, P/N 06356.
6. Peel the non-stick backing off tape.
7. Carefully place the tape (insulator) onto the wheel cover's backside, outer most edge, as shown.
8. Press down firmly on the insulator to ensure that the adhesive is bonding to the wheel cover.
9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 with the remaining insulators. There should be (10-Cavalier or 9-Sunfire) insulators placed on each wheel cover.
Important:
Also, place an insulator onto the wheel cover's backside at the location of the clip-on wheel balance weight.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such material.
General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from this firm or for any such items which may be available from other sources.
Parts Information
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
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