Suspension - Front Creaking/Poping/Squeaking Noises
NO.: TSB-98-33A-002DATE: December, 1998
MODEL: See Below
SUBJECT:
FRONT COIL SPRING "CREAKING, POPPING, OR SQUEAKING"
PURPOSE
This bulletin contains repair procedures to correct creaking, popping, or squeaking noises from the front suspension on certain affected vehicles.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On some affected vehicles, customers may complain of a front suspension creaking, popping, or squeaking noise when driving over bumps or while turning. The noise may originate from the upper front coil spring area. To identify the condition is occurring, inspect the contact area of the top two coils of each spring. Look for marks of rubbing, grazing, or paint peeling on these spring coils. To correct the condition, install coil spring insulators as described in the Repair Procedure.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
1995-99 Eclipse
1996-99 Eclipse Spyder
1994-98 Galant
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Be sure to identify the conditions present when the customer recognizes the abnormal sound (speed, while turning, over large bumps, etc.). Verify the abnormal sound before repairing so you can confirm that the noise was eliminated after repairs are completed.
If you determine that the abnormal sound is originating from the upper front coil spring area as described above, proceed with the following procedure to correct the condition:
1. Remove the LH and RH front strut assemblies using the proper Service Manual procedures.
2. Clean the top portion of the coil springs with an adequate degreaser and wipe dry.
3. Install the insulators onto the 2nd coil down from the top of the spring. Refer to the illustration.
NOTE:
The coil springs do not have to be disassembled from the strut assemblies to install the insulators into position.
4. Reinstall the LH and RH strut assemblies back into the vehicle using the proper Service Manual procedures.
5. Test drive the vehicle in the same manner as you did when you identified the abnormal noise to confirm the insulators corrected the condition.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
MR272656 Coil Spring Insulator 1 per side
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Front Coil Spring Insulator Installation (one side)
Nature Code: 80Z Cause Code: 990
Labor Operation No. 33621100 Time Allowance: 0.4 hrs. (for one side only)
0.8 hrs. (for both sides)
Warranty Coverage: 36 months/36,000 miles.
Special Warranty Information: Normal warranty procedures apply.