Suspension - Knock/Thump From Vehicle Rear Over Bumps

Date: April 28, 2008

Order No.: P-B-32.25/63

Supercedes:

Group: 32

SUBJECT:
All Model 204 Vehicles, VIN Range 108959 up to 118338

Thumping/Knocking Noise from the Area of the Rear Axle Over Bumps

If you receive customer reports in the above model vehicles of a thumping / knocking noise from the rear axle when traversing over bumps, please perform the following.

Note:
The Shore hardness of the head bearing (bushing/bearing between the shock absorber and body) may be outside the allowable limit on parts from the specified production period. This variation may lead to complaints of a thumping/knocking noise.





1. Remove the rear wheel(s) and check the production date of the rear shock absorber(s) (Figure 1, arrow).

2. If the production date is 7MA, 7MB or 7MC, replace the head bearing. Refer to WIS document AR32.25-P-0110CW.

3. If the shock absorber's production date is outside the specified range, further diagnostics will be required to isolate the origin of the noise.

Note:
Do not use an impact wrench to tighten the threaded connection between the head bearing and the piston rod.





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 April 28, 2008. Please refer to Netstar --> Star TekInfo --> Star Time for the most current labor time allowance.





In Case of Warranty, use the table.