Drivetrain - Vibrations Felt in Seatback or Armrest
File in Section: 04 - Driveline AxleBulletin No.: 04-04-17-002
Issue Date: August, 2004
Subject:
Vibration Felt in Seatback or Armrest at Vehicle Speeds Between 48 to 89 kmh
(30 to 55 mph) (Replace Propeller Shaft Center Support Bearing)
Models Affected:
2002-2004 Saturn VUE Vehicles
with All Wheel Drive (RPO GQ1) built prior to VIN Breakpoint 4S853184
Attention: Fixed Operations Manager and Technician
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a vibration that can be felt only in the seatback or armrest.
^ In 2002-2003 model year vehicles, this condition may be most noticeable at vehicle speeds between 72 to 89 km/h (45 to 55 mph).
^ In 2004 model year vehicles with the 2.2L four-cylinder engine (RPO L61), this condition may be most noticeable at vehicle speeds between 72 to 89 km/h (45 to 55 mph).
^ In 2004 model year vehicles with the 3.5L V-6 engine (RPO L66), this condition may be noticeable at vehicle speeds between 48 to 56 km/h (30 to 35 mph).
Cause:
This condition may be caused by driveline pulsations from the all wheel drive system that is transmitted through the propeller shaft center support bearing and into the seat assembly.
Correction:
Verify the customer concern and, if necessary, replace the propeller shaft center support bearing. Refer to the service procedure in this bulletin.
Service Procedure:
1. Verify the customer comment by evaluating the vehicle at the affected speed.
2. Temporarily remove the propeller shaft (propshaft), by following the approved service procedure in the appropriate Service Manual.
^ For 2002-2003 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Propeller Shaft - Removal" procedure in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Chassis Service Manual, Vol. I (SI Document ID # 1232418).
^ For 2004 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Propeller Shaft Replacement" procedure in the Driveline/Axle section of the 2004 Saturn VUE Service Manual, Vol.1 (SI Document ID # 1232418).
3. Re-evaluate the vehicle with the propshaft removed.
^ If some vibration is still present, inspect the chassis to determine the sources of the vibration and repair as needed.
- For 2002-2003 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Vibration Complaint Tire-Wheel-Hub Related" procedures in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Chassis Service Manual (SI Document ID # 714779 and 1232075).
- For 2004 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel" and "Vibration Analysis - Hub and/or Axle Input" procedures in the General Information section of the 2004 Saturn VUE Service Manual, Vol.1 (SI Document ID # 714779 and 1270848).
^ If the vibration is completely eliminated when the propshaft has been removed from the vehicle, replace the center support bearing by following the approved service procedure in the appropriate Service Manual.
- For 2002-2003 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Center Bearing Removal and Installation" procedures in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Chassis Service Manual, Vol. I (SI Document ID # 1219181 and 1219195).
- For 2004 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Center Bearing Removal and Installation" procedures in the Driveline/Axle section of the 2004 Saturn VUE Service Manual, Vol.1(SI Document ID # 1219181 and 1219195).
4. Reinstall the propshaft by following the approved service procedure in the appropriate Service Manual.
^ For 2002-2003 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Propeller Shaft - Installation" procedure in the 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Chassis Service Manual, Vol. 1 (SI Document ID # 1232418).
^ For 2004 Saturn VUE vehicles, refer to "Propeller Shaft Replacement" procedure in the Driveline/Axle section of the 2004 Saturn VUE Service Manual, Vol.1 (SI Document ID # 1232418).
5. Verify that the vibration has been eliminated.
Parts Information:
Claim Information:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for F1295 (Bracket, Driveline Support - Replace).