Suspension - Rattle or Popping From Front
NO.: TSB-93-33A-001DATE: April, 1993
MODEL: 1992-93 Expo and Expo LRV
SUBJECT:
FRONT SUSPENSION RATTLE OR POPPING NOISE
PURPOSE
On some 1992-93 Expos and Expo LRVS, customers may complain of a rattle or popping noise heard from the front suspension. This bulletin explains the cause and correction of the noise.
CAUSE
The noise may be caused by corrosion in one or more of the stabilizer link ball joints. The ball joints can corrode if their dust boots allow moisture to enter. Moisture in the ball joint produces rust, leading to deterioration, looseness, and raffling or popping noises from the front suspension.
On the 1992 Expo with front wheel drive, there is one ball joint on each stabilizer link. On all other 1992-93 Expos and Expo LRVS, there are two ball joints on each stabilizer link. Stabilizer links are located on both ends of the stabilizer bar.
CORRECTION
NOTE:
Use the 1992-93 Expo/Expo LRV Service Manual, Volume 1, Pages 33A-11 through 33A-14, for inspection, checking, removal, and installation procedures on the stabilizer links. Remember to observe all service manual precautions related to these procedures.
1. Raise the vehicle and visually inspect the dust boots on all stabilizer link ball joints. Replace the stabilizer link if cracks or other damage are found on any of the ball joint dust boots.
2. If the dust boots are not damaged, remove both stabilizer links and check the starting torque of each ball joint. To check the starting torque (the force required to turn the ball joint stud), place the stabilizer link in a vise and use an appropriate torque wrench and deep socket.
The standard value for starting torque is 1.7-3.2 N-m (15-28 in.lbs.). If any ball joints are not within the standard values for starting torque, replace the stabilizer link.
3. If the dust boots are not damaged and the ball joints are within starting torque specifications, the stabilizer link is functional and should be carefully re-installed on the vehicle. Replace only those links that fail the dust boot inspection and starting torque check.
PARTS INFORMATION
The stabilizer links (both one ball joint type and two ball joint type) are available through your regional PDC.
For 1992 Expo FWD:
Description
Stabilizer link
(one ball joint type)
Part Number
MB864317 (LH or RH)
For 1992 Expo AWD, 1993 Expo (All), and 1992-93 Expo LRV:
Description
Stabilizer link (two ball joint type)
Part Number
MB672370 (LH)
MB808076 (RH)
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Position Code: 333720
Labor Operation Code: 33341410
Time Allowance Per Side: 0.4 hrs.
(Includes checking ball joint
dust boots, starting torque,
and stabilizer link removal/replacement.)