Suspension - Squeak From Rear of Vehicle While Driving
No.: TSB-05-34-001DATE: July, 2005
MODELS: See Below
SUBJECT:
REAR CONTROL ARM SQUEAK
PURPOSE
This bulletin addresses customer complaints of a squeaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving. Water instrusion through the control arm bushing seal may allow corrosion, resulting in a squeak during control arm movement. The new replacement parts listed in this bulletin have improved bushing seals to prevent water intrusion.
After test driving the vehicle to confirm the customer's complaint and to confirm that the source of the noise is at a rear control arm:
U.S. Vehicles: Replace the lower control arm outer bushing and/or the upper control arm assembly.
Canada Vehicles: Replace the lower and/or upper control arm assembly.
NOTE:
Control arm components on U.S. vehicles are different than those on Canada vehicles.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
2002-05 Lancer (except ES models)
2004 Lancer Sportback
(U.S. vehicles: built before 4/18/05); (Canada vehicles: built before 9/2/04)
2003-05 Outlander
(U.S. vehicles: built before 4/18/05); (Canada vehicles: built before 9/2/04)
PROCEDURE
1. Test drive the vehicle. Use Chassis Ears_ to determine if the noise is coming from the upper or lower control arm (or both).
a. If the noise is NOT coming from a rear control arm, diagnose and repair/replace the appropriate component(s), as necessary. Do not continue with this bulletin procedure.
b. If the noise is coming from a rear control arm, continue with this bulletin procedure.
2. On the side of the vehicle where the noise occurs, determine whether the noise occurs at the upper or the lower control arm. Use the new parts listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin. Refer to Group 34 in the appropriate service manual.
^ U.S. Vehicles:
- If the noise occurs at the lower control arm, replace the lower control arm outer (pillow ball) bushing.
- If the noise occurs at the upper control arm, replace the upper control arm assembly.
a. Lower Arm Bushing (Outer Pillow Ball Bushing) Replacement Procedure:
Use special tools MB990969-01, MB990971-01, and MB990996-01 to drive out and press-fit the bushing. After press-fitting, the space between the edges of the bushing outer sleeve and the lower arm should be 3 mm (0.12 inch).
^ MB990957-01: Lower Arm Bushing Remover and Installer (includes MB990969-01 and MB990971-01)
^ MB990996-01: Lower Arm Bushing Arbor
NOTE:
These special tools will be available from SPX/OTC in early August. (They will not be Essential Tools.)
^ Canada Vehicles:
- If the noise occurs at the lower control arm, replace the lower control arm assembly.
- If the noise occurs at the upper control arm, replace the upper control arm assembly.
3. Test drive the vehicle to confirm the squeaking noise is eliminated.
PARTS INFORMATION
Use the Genuine Mitsubishi Parts shown.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
These repairs should only be performed on a customer complaint basis. It is NOT to be viewed as a service campaign.