Body - A-Pillar Creaking Noises
S-SB-0049-09November 5, 2009
A-Pillar Creaking Noise
Service Category
Vehicle Exterior
Section
Body Structure
Market
USA
Applicability
TSB SUPERSESSION NOTICE
The information contained in this TSB supersedes TSB No. NV001-08.
^ The Production Change Effective VIN has been updated.
^ Repair Procedures 1 and 2 have been updated.
TSB No. NV001-08 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding.
Introduction
Some 2008 model year Scion xB may exhibit a creaking type noise from the instrument panel or A-Pillar area. Use the repair procedures below to correct this condition.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VIN shown.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.
Required Tools & Equipment
Disassembly Procedure
1. Using a plastic pry tool remove the windshield wiper arm cover.
2. Remove the front wiper arm and LH blade assembly.
A. Operate the wiper then stop the windshield wiper motor in the automatic stop position.
B. Remove the nut and front wiper arm.
3. Remove the front wiper arm and RH blade assembly.
Use the same procedure that was used for the LH side.
4. Remove the hood to cowl top seal by disengaging the 5 clips.
5. Remove the RH cowl top ventilator louver by removing the clip and disengaging the 6 claws.
6. Remove the LH cowl top ventilator louver by removing the clip and disengaging the 2 claws.
7. Remove the No. 1 radiator grille garnish by removing the 5 clips.
8. Remove the radiator grille by removing the 3 clips and 2 bolts.
9. Remove the front bumper cover.
A. Apply protective tape as shown in Figure 8.
B. Remove the 12 screws and 4 clips.
C. Disengage the 8 claws and remove the front bumper cover.
If the vehicle is equipped with fog lamps, disconnect the electrical connectors at this time.
10. Remove the headlight unit by removing the 3 screws and disconnecting the 4 connectors (LH side shown).
11. Remove the front wheel.
12. Remove the front side mudguard by removing the 2 screws and grommet.
13. Remove the rocker panel molding.
A. Remove the clip.
B. Using a clip remover remove the 9 retainers.
C. Disengage the 9 clips and separate the No.1 molding tape from the body then remove the rocker panel molding.
The No.1 molding tape is double-sided adhesive tape.
14. Remove the No.1 molding tape from the rocker panel molding.
15. Remove the front fender liner.
A. Using a screwdriver turn the pin 90 and remove the pin holding clip.
B. Remove the 8 clips and 2 screws.
C. Remove the 3 grommets and remove the front fender liner.
The grommets need to be replaced with new ones, because they will break when removed.
16. Remove the front fender side panel protector by removing the clip and grommet.
17. Remove the front bumper side retainer.
A. Remove the screw.
B. Remove the retainer from the fender by rotating downward 90 and disengaging the pin from the fender.
18. Remove the front fender by removing the 9 screws.
Repair Procedure 1
1. Locate the 2 spot welds at the rear of the front apron to cowl side member forward of the upper door hinge.
2. Approximately 10 - 15 mm (0.39- 0.59 in.) forward of the 2 indicated spot welds use a punch to dimple the sheet metal inward 0.5 mm (0.20 in.).
3. Secure any loose components and test drive the vehicle to verify the repair. If the noise is still present proceed to Repair Procedure 2.
Repair Procedure 2
NOTE
ONLY perform Repair Procedure 2 if Repair Procedure 1 is not successful.
1. Close the hood and insert a large flat-blade screwdriver between the hood hinge mount and the A-Pillar.
2. Place the end of the screwdriver against the side member outer sheet metal in the location indicated in Figure 24.
3. Use the hinge mount as a pivot and pull the screwdriver toward the front of the vehicle approximately 5 - 10 mm (0.20-0.39 in.) at the same height as the plane of the hood putting pressure against the side member outer sheet metal.
4. Secure any loose components and test drive the vehicle to verify the repair.