Rear Strut - Knocking or Tapping Noise
NUMBER: 02-07-99GROUP: Suspension
DATE: June 11, 1999
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-07-98, DATED JUN. 19, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1998 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-99003). THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION AND NO ASTERISKS HAVE BEEN USED TO HIGHLIGHT REVISIONS.
SUBJECT:
Light knocking Noise From The Rear Shock Area
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the rear shock bracket assembly (insulator), upper & lower insulator bushing, and the bushing collar with newly designed parts.
MODELS:
1997 - 1999 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring/Talon
NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO ALL 97 AND 98 MODELS AND 99 AVENGER/SEBRING MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO JULY 31, 1998, (MDH 0731XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Light knocking or tapping noise may be heard coming from the rear shock area while traveling over bumps.
DIAGNOSIS:
It is important to note when the customer notices this noise (speed, while turning, type of road, etc.). Attempt to duplicate the noise condition. If necessary, take the customer on a test drive to help identify the noise.
If the exact location of this noise cannot be determined, first check all suspension components for wear, damage, and tightening torque. If these items check OK, and/or the noise is determined to be coming from the rear shock tower area, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
2 MR31 1114 Bracket, Upper (insulator)
2 MR235627 Bushing, Upper Insulator
2 MR235628 Bushing, Lower Insulator
2 MB871748 Collar, Insulator
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Following service manual procedures, remove the rear shock assembly from the vehicle.
2. Remove the upper bracket assembly (insulator) by compressing the coil spring with special tools MB991 1237 and MB991239 or C-4838. Hold the piston rod and remove the self-locking nut (Figure 1).
3. Inspect the upper bracket for raised areas as shown in figure 2.
NOTE:
VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 1/27/98 AND 7/31/98 (MDH O127XX AND 0731XX) MAY HAVE THE NEW BRACKET INSTALLED. IF TSB 02-07-98 HAS BEEN PERFORMED, THE NEW BRACKET SHOULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED. INSPECT THE BRACKET AS SHOWN IN FIGURE 2. IF THE REMOVED BRACKET HAS RAISED PADS AS SHOWN, IT WILL NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED.
4. It the bracket DOES NOT have the raised pads, replace it with p/n MR311114.
5. Remove and discard the upper and lower insulator bushings, and collar (Figure 1). Replace the discarded bushings with new upper p/n MR235627 and lower p/n MR235628 bushings, and collar p/n MB871748.
6. Reassemble the rear strut assembly by compressing the coil spring and installing it onto the shock absorber. Make sure the lower edge of the coil spring fits into the spring seat properly (Figure 3) and the upper bracket mounting studs are in line with the lower shock mounting boss hole (Figure 4).
7. Install the locking nut.
NOTE:
DO NOT FULLY TIGHTEN THE LOCKING NUT AT THIS TIME.
8. Remove the special (compression) tools and tighten the locking nut to 22 Nm (16 Ft. Lbs.).
NOTE:
DO NOT USE AN IMPACT WRENCH TO TIGHTEN THE LOCKING NUT.
9. Reinstall the shock assembly into the vehicle following all applicable service manual procedures.
10. Repeat the above procedures for the other side.
11. Verify the repair by test driving the vehicle under the same conditions that the noise was originally heard.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 02-05-51-90 Both Sides 1.1 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part