Steering - Snapping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINBulletin Nbr: 641-2468
Date: May 2004
Market: US, CA
Noise with steering wheel turning
Cars affected
Saab 9-3 (9440) within Vehicle Identification Number range:
Upper joint
4D M03 - M04: 31000001 - 41027672
CV M04: 46000001 - 46010241
Lower joint
4D M03 - M04: 31000001 - 41049361
CV M04: 46000001 - 46015427
Background
The play between the steering shaft and joint can, in some cases, give rise to a movement in the joint when the steering wheel is turned. In connection with this, a loud snapping noise can be heard which appears to originate from the area around the steering wheel/CIM.
In the case of customer complaint, the following procedure must be carried out.
Symptom description
A loud snapping noise arises with steering wheel turning which appears to originate from the area around the CIM.
Parts required
74 96 268 (CA: 10953489) Thread locking adhesive The fluid is sufficient for approx. 100 cars/bottle.
Procedure
Always start by working on the upper joint in the passenger compartment.
Upper joint
1. Remove the sound insulating baffle on the driver's side, see WIS Group 8 - Interior equipment - Adjustment/Replacement - Sound insulating baffle, driver's side.
2. Remove the bolt in the joint on the intermediate shaft.
Figure 1
3. Brush clean the bolt using a wire brush and blow clean with compressed air.
4. Clean out the threads in the joint with a thread tap M8 x 1.25. Blow clean with compressed air.
5. Apply 74 96 268 Thread locking adhesive to the bolt.
6. Fit the bolt.
Tightening torque 30 Nm (22 lbf ft)
7. Fit the sound insulating baffle on the driver's side, see WIS Group 8 - Interior equipment - Adjustment/Replacement - Sound insulating baffle, driver's side.
8. Check that the noise has ceased. If the noise remains then the lower joint in the engine bay must also be rectified in accordance with the following description.
Lower joint
1. Set the wheels straight ahead.
2. Raise the car.
3. Remove the wheel on the driver's side.
4. Remove the bolt in the lower joint. It is accessible through the wheel housing.
Note
Use magnetic socket size 13 to avoid dropping the bolt.
Figure 2
5. Brush clean the bolt using a wire brush and blow clean with compressed air.
6. Clean out the threads in the joint with a thread tap M8 x 1.25. Blow clean with compressed air.
Note
Secure the thread tap (1/4" mounting) with tape on 87 90 156 Sleeve, front band. Extend with a standard extension for easier access.
7. Apply 74 96 268 Thread locking adhesive to the bolt.
8. Fit the bolt.
Tightening torque 30 Nm (22 lbf ft)
9. Fit the wheel in accordance with WIS Group 7 Suspension, wheels - Wheels and tires - Adjustment/Replacement - Wheels.
10. Lower the car.
Warranty/Time Information
In the case of customer complaint and if the car is within the warranty period, use the following information to fill out the claim:
Failed Object: 64135
Fault/Reason code: 40
Location code: 05, 06, 08 and 09 (US=9)
Warranty Type (US): 01
Repair/Action code: 05
Labor Operation (US):
6413503 Adjustment of intermediate shaft upper bolt in passenger compartment
6413504 Adjustment of intermediate shaft bolt in engine bay
6413505 Adjustment of both intermediate shaft bolts
Labor Operation (CA): E7700
Time:
Adjustment of intermediate shaft upper bolt in passenger compartment: 0.2 hr
Adjustment of intermediate shaft bolt in engine bay: 0.3 hr
Adjustment of both intermediate shaft bolts: 0.5 hr
Add $1.00 as compensation for locking fluid