Suspension - Front Suspension Clunk/Rattle Noise
File In Section: 03 - SuspensionBulletin No.: 01-03-08-002B
Date: April, 2003
INFORMATION
Front Suspension Clunk Rattle Noise Diagnosis
Models:
1998-2003 Chevrolet Malibu (Built After 10/97)
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero
1999-2003 Pontiac Grand Am
This bulletin is being revised to correct the tightening specification for the lower control arm front bolts. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Numbers 01-03-08-002A and 00-03-08-003 (Section 03 - Suspension).
Important:
The following information has also been updated within SI. If you are using a paper version of the Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.
A number of front suspension lower control arms have been returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC). Input regarding these parts indicates replacement corrected front suspension related clunk/rattle type noise concerns. Analysis of these returned components indicates that they were manufactured to design intent and should have performed satisfactorily in the vehicle. It is recommended that when a front lower control arm is suspected to be the cause of a front suspension noise concern, the technician perform the following fastener tightening procedure prior to control arm replacement.
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface at curb height (supported by the tires).
2. Loosen the four lower control arm to front suspension crossmember attaching bolts.
Tighten
^ Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember front attaching bolts to 60 N.m (45 lb ft) plus 180° rotation.
^ Tighten the two lower control arm to suspension crossmember rear attaching bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 180° rotation.
3. Road test vehicle to determine if the noise condition has been corrected.
Important:
If the control arm bushings require replacement, they are available separately and may be serviced without replacing the control arm.
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