Steering - Clunk/Rattle/Buzz Noise From Front: Overview
BULLETIN NO.: 98-T-08ISSUE DATE: February, 1998
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Chassis-02
CORPORATION NO.: 883206
SUBJECT:
Clunk, Rattle or Buzz Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle
(Adjust Steering Gear Preload, or Replace Intermediate Steering Shaft, or Replace Steering Column)
MODELS AFFECTED:
For condition 1: 1991-1998 Saturns
For condition 2: 1995-1996 Saturns
For condition 3: 1995-1997, Saturns and 1998 Saturns up to and including VIN WZ166759
CONDITION:
Customers may comment about one or more of the following conditions:
1. Clunk noise from steering gear. This noise may be present when driving over large variations in pavement such as 25-75 mm (1-3 in.) bumps at 8-16 km/h (5-10 mph). An example is when backing out of a driveway, over a curb that has a 25-75 mm (1-3 in.) drop.
2. Rattle noise from intermediate steering shaft. This noise may be present when driving over moderate variations in pavement such as 25 mm (1 in.) bumps at 10-40 km/h (10-25 mph). An example is when driving over broken pavement or large gravel. The customer may comment that the steering wheel was moving from side-to-side when the noise was present.
3. Buzz noise from steering column. This noise may be present when driving over small variations in pavement 13-25 mm (1/2-1 in.) bumps at 24-40 km/h (15-25 mph). An example is when driving over a paved road covered with loose gravel or when driving on a gravel road. This noise may be present at a specific angle of the steering wheel.
CAUSE
These conditions may be caused by one of the following conditions:
^ Condition 1 (clunk noise from steering gear), may be caused by insufficient steering gear preload.
^ Condition 2 (rattle noise from intermediate steering shaft), may be caused by excessive play in the intermediate steering shaft universal joints.
^ Condition 3 (buzz noise from steering column), may be caused by excessive lash in lower steering column bearing.
CORRECTION
Since the noises are road surface and speed dependent it is important to road test the vehicle to verify the concern. Refer to the procedures in this bulletin to locate and repair conditions in this bulletin.
PARTS REQUIREMENTS:
21011597 Shaft Asm-Inter Steering
21060972 Column Asm-Strg
21485277 Threadlocker-Loctite(R) 242
CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for:
^ E9600 (Adjust Manual Steering Gear Assembly),
^ E9700 (Adjust Power Steering Gear Assembly),
^ E7700 (Replace Intermediate Steering Shaft), or
^ E7680 (Replace Steering Column Assembly)
If another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.