Rear Suspension - Squeak/Rubbing Noise: Overview
No.: TSB-99-34-001DATE: February, 1999
MODEL: See Below
SUBJECT:
ABNORMAL NOISES FROM REAR SUSPENSION
This bulletin supersedes TSB-98-34-001 dated May, 1998, which should be discarded. New and/or revised information marked by **.
PURPOSE
This bulletin has procedures for repairing abnormal noises from the rear suspension on certain 1995-99 Eclipse and 1996-99 Eclipse Spyder.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Symptom
The customer may complain of a squeaking, a hard rubbing noise, and/or a light tapping or knocking sound from the rear suspension when driving over bumps.
Cause
On indicated affected vehicles, the noise may be caused by either or all of the following:
^ Rear trailing arm bushings
1995 through 1998 (produced up to 9/15/97) model year vehicles are equipped with a one-piece trailing arm bushing which may squeak. Subsequent 1998 model vehicles built between 9/15/97 and 1/21/98 are equipped with the new-style two-piece trailing arm bushing, but because of insufficient lubricant within the two-piece bushing, these vehicles may also exhibit the squeaking or rubbing noise.
^ Rear shock insulator (upper bracket assembly)
On 1997 and 1998 model year vehicles produced before 1/27/98, a light knocking or tapping noise may be coming from the rear shock insulator (upper bracket assembly). An improved rear shock insulator is now available to correct this condition. The new parts have a raised or embossed area on the bracket flange at 90° angles to the mounting studs.
NOTE:
Bushings and collars should also be replaced along with the insulator bracket.
** Rear shock insulator bushings and collar
On 1997 and 1998 model year vehicles and 1999 vehicles produced before 7/31/98, the abnormal noise may be coming from the shock tower area. Replacement of the rear shock insulator bushings and collars may be necessary (in addition to the rear shock insulator on vehicles produced before 1/27/98).
Remedy
Rear trailing arm bushings (1995-98 Eclipse & 1996-98 Eclipse Spyder built before 1/21/98 only)
To correct the abnormal rear suspension noises described above, replace the trailing arm bushings with the new two-piece bushings described in the Parts Information section of this bulletin.
The new-style bushing has an increased percentage of lubricant in the rubber compound to prevent squeaking and rubbing. These new bushings are installed on all 1998 model year vehicles beginning 1/21/98.
NOTE:
For 1997 & 1998 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder built before 1/27/98, in addition to replacing the rear trailing arm bushings, you should also replace the rear shock insulators, bushings and collars. On all 1998 and 1999 vehicles built between 1/27/98 and 7/31/98, replace only the bushings and collars.
Rear shock insulator (1997 & 1998 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder built before 1/27/98)
In addition to replacing the rear trailing arm bushings, 1997 and 1998 vehicles built before 1/27/98 should also have the rear shock insulators, bushings, and collars replaced with the new improved parts as instructed in this bulletin. On all 1998 and 1999 vehicles built between 1/27/98 and 7/31/98, replace only the bushings and collars.
** Rear shock insulator bushings & collar (1997-98 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder & 1999 Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder built before 7/31/98)
1997-98 vehicles and 1999 vehicles built before 7/31/98 should also have the rear shock insulator collar and bushings replaced with the new improved parts as instructed in this bulletin. On all 1997 & 1998 vehicles produced before 1/17/98, replace these bushings and the collar while replacing the rear shock insulator. For 1998 and 1999 vehicles built between 1/28/98 and 7/31/98, replace only the bushings and collar. These vehicles already have the new rear shock insulator.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
For rear trailing arm bushing replacement
1995-97 Eclipse
1996-97 Eclipse Spyder
1998 Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder built before 1/21/98
For rear shock insulator (upper bracket assembly) replacement
1997 Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder
1998 Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder built before 1/27/98
** For rear shock insulator bushings & collar replacement
1997-98 Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder
1999 Eclipse & Eclipse Spyder built before 7/31/98
PARTS INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION