Steering - Squeak/Grunt From Firewall Area When Turning

Date: December 21, 2007

Order No.: P-B-46.10/59a

Supersedes: P-B-46.10/59 dated July 25, 2007

Group: 46

Revision History

Revision Date Purpose

a 12/21/07 Applicable Models Updated

- 7/25/07 Initial issue

SUBJECT:
Model 216.371/376/377/379
Model 221.171/176/177/179/186


Squeaking/Grunting Noises from Area of Firewall Boot While Steering

If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of squeaking/grunting noises coming from the area of the firewall boot while steering, the cause may be that the upper or lower support ring of the rubber boot is too smooth. When the boot is too smooth, at high temperatures static friction may occur between the seal ring and the boot which may cause the slight squeaking noises. Perform the following procedure to resolve.

Note:
The noise is very quiet and is only audible when the radio and ventilation system are turned off.

1. Remove driver-side footwell trim.

2. Open engine hood.

3. Wipe out existing grease between support ring and firewall boot using a cloth.





4. Coat area between upper support ring and firewall boot with special grease (Figure 1).

5. Coat area between lower support ring and firewall boot with special grease (Figure 1).

Warning!
ONLY part no. A001 989 84 51, as specified in Parts Table, may be used for Steps 4 and 5.

6. With the engine running, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 5-10 times to spread the grease.

7. Check whether the noise has been eliminated.

8. Reassemble the vehicle.





Parts Information

Note:
The following allowable labor operations should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair. This information has been generated on December 21, 2007. Please refer to Netstar --> Star TekInfo --> Star Time for the most current labor time allowance.





In Case of Warranty, use the table.