Suspension - Rattle/Click from Rear When Turning

BULLETIN NO.: 98-T-07

ISSUE DATE: February, 1998

GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Chassis-01

CORPORATION NO.: 883401

SUBJECT:
Rattle or Click Noise from Rear of Vehicle When Turning at Slow Speeds and/or Driving over Uneven Surfaces (Replace Rear Stabilizer Shaft Link)

MODELS AFFECTED:
1996-1998 Saturn 5L2 Sedans, 5W2 Wagons or SC2 Coupes

CONDITION:
A rattle or click noise may be heard from the rear of the vehicle when turning at slow speeds, and/or when driving over uneven surfaces. The noise may sound like a rattle or click from the interior of the vehicle.

CAUSE:
The rear stabilizer shaft link may have excessive lash in the ball type joints, causing the rattle or click noise as torsional stress is applied to the stabilizer bar.

CORRECTION:

Verify that the rattle or click noise is coming from the rear stabilizer shaft link by using the Chassis Ear Tool (SA9217NE) or equivalent. If rattle or click noise is coming from the rear stabilizer shaft link, replace the rear stabilizer shaft link using the following procedure.

PROCEDURES

CAUTION:
MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.

2. Remove wheel cover or hub cap (if equipped).

NOTICE:
Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel nut. This can shorten the life of the wheel and damage the wheel bearings.

3. Remove wheel nuts.

4. Remove road wheel.





5. Remove two nuts securing rear stabilizer shaft link to the rear suspension stabilizer bar and the rear stabilizer shaft bracket, and remove rear stabilizer shaft link from vehicle.

6. Install new rear stabilizer shaft link to the rear suspension stabilizer bar and the rear stabilizer shaft bracket.

7. Install two new nuts to rear stabilizer shaft link. (Two new nuts are included in the rear stabilizer shaft link kit [P/N 21011129]).

Torque: 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs)

IMPORTANT:
Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

8. Position road wheel to vehicle.

9. Install road wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to be sure torque is correct.

Torque: 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs)

PARTS REQUIREMENTS:

21011129 Link Kit-RR Stab Shf

CLAIM INFORMATION:





To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as shown.