Suspension - Metallic Noise From Rear, On Rough Surface
Classification: BF93-050Section: Body & Frame
Reference: TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB93-187
Models: 1993 Altima
Date: December 21, 1993
NOISE IN REAR SUSPENSION
APPLIED MODEL:
1993-94 Altima (U13)
APPLIED VIN:
All 1993 vehicles; 1994 vehicles up to VIN 106420
SERVICE INFORMATION
Some Altima owners may complain of a squeaking or metallic rattle noise from the rear of the vehicle when driving across gutters or over a rough road surface.
Verify with customers what conditions are present when the incident is occurring -- this will make it easier to locate and diagnose the noise. While road testing, check to see if the noise is predominately on the left or right side of the vehicle. Also, verify if the noise is coming from the trunk area or from under the rear seat. Attempt to duplicate the noise by applying the brakes and gently rocking the vehicle back and forth, or bouncing the rear suspension up and down.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
Using a suitable listening device, verify that the noise is not coming from the strut assemblies. Inspect the rear stabilizer bar links for correct mounting and proper tightening. Using the listening device, check to see if the noise is coming from the rear suspension member mounting location(s). Refer to illustration. Check the suspension mounting member for proper torque (72-87 ft.lbs.). Be careful not to over tighten the mounting nuts. If this does not resolve the incident, use the following procedure to access and tighten additional mounting bolts which are located under the floor panel.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Identify which rear suspension member mounting location(s) are producing the incident noises.
2. Remove the rear seat lower cushion or trunk pad as necessary to expose the floor area to be drilled for access to the mounting bolts. (If drilling under the seat, also remove the lower seat belt anchor bolt.)
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3. Use the appropriate template (included with this bulletin) to locate and mark the center point for drilling. Use a suitable awl or center punch for marking. Be sure to place template firmly against indicated body panels for proper alignment.
4. Using a hole saw, drill a 1-3/8" hole in the correct floor panel location. (Each dealer received this size hole saw as a part of the Van Recall Kit. Snap On Tools also sells a 1-3/8" hole saw P/N # LHS44B with arbor P/N # LHS3C or LHS6B.)
Note:
The pilot shank for the hole saw should not extend more than 1/8" past the hole saw. If the shank is longer it will contact the bolt head, damaging the mounting bolt.
5. Remove the drilled 1-3/8" plate and any remaining drill chips.
6. Remove the 14 mm head bolt from its mounting location. Apply medium strength Loctite (243) to the bolt threads, reinstall, and torque to 35-41 ft.lbs.
7. Repeat procedures 2-6 as necessary to resolve suspension noise.
8. Trim back about 1/8" of any insulation around the drilled edge of the access holes and apply Nissan Rust Preventative (P/N 999MP-A6000) along the edge. Install a rubber plug (P/N 01658-01611) into the hole.
9. Reinstall rear seat and trunk pad as necessary.
10. Road test under original conditions and verify that the incident has been resolved.
WARRANTY INFORMATION