Body - Spare Tire Carrier Rattle Noise

Classification:
BT98-008

Reference:
NTB98-038

Date:
June 1, 1998

1996-98 PATHFINDER RATTLE NOISE FROM SPARE TIRE CARRIER

APPLIED VEHICLE:
1996-98 PATHFINDER (R50)

APPLIED VIN:
Vehicles built before JN8AR05Y*WW255478
Vehicles built before December 10, 1997

SERVICE INFORMATION

If an applied Pathfinder exhibits a rattle noise coming from the spare tire carrier, the cause may be excessive play in the spare tire carrier hinge bushing due to the mis-alignment of the spare tire carrier mounting brackets.

Use the service procedure listed below to correct this incident.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Adjust the spare tire carrier to reduce the play in the hinge bushing and eliminate the rattle noise as follows:

1. Confirm the rattle noise is coming from the spare tire carrier by duplicating the conditions described by the customer.

A. If the rattle noise is NOT coming from the spare tire carrier, look for other causes for the noise.

B. If the rattle noise is coming from the spare tire carrier, proceed with step 2.

2. Remove the spare tire from the spare tire carrier.

Figure 1:

3. Remove the plastic covers from the spare tire carrier mounting brackets (see Figure 1).

4. Loosen but do not remove the eight mounting bolts that secure the spare tire carrier to the vehicle body (see Figure 1).

Figure 2:

5. Open the spare tire carrier approximately 30 to 40 degrees from the vehicle body (see Figure 2).

Figure 3:

6. With the spare tire carrier opened 30 - 40 degrees, lift up on the end of the spare tire carrier to just past the point that all excess play is removed from the hinge bushing (see Figure 3).

7. Have an assistant re-tighten the spare tire carrier mounting bolts using the following tightening procedure while you continue to hold up on the carrier.

A. First, re-tighten the upper spare tire carrier mounting bracket bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb).

B. Second, re-tighten the lower spare tire carrier mounting bracket bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft-lb).

8. Re-install the spare tire and ensure the spare tire carrier closes correctly.

9. Verify the incident is repaired by:

A. Closing and shaking the spare tire carrier three times.

B. Listening for the rattle noise while driving the vehicle between speeds of 45 and 60 mph.

10. If the rattle noise is still present, repeat this procedure.

CLAIMS INFORMATION

When applicable, standard claims coding applies.