For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension.
1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2 | Verify that the rear suspension is noisy. Is the rear suspension noisy? | Go to Step 3 | System OK
3 |

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition OFF.
3. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the complaint noise present?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4 |

1. Bounce the rear of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect components as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 21

--

5 |

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect all of the rear suspension components for any damage.

Are any components damaged?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6 | Repair or replace any damaged components. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | --
7 |

1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
2. Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8 |

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is the noise now emitted from the front of the vehicle?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9 | Replace the tires that are causing the noise. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | --
10 | Ensure that the brake lines and cables are secured properly. Did you service any components? | Go to Step 21 | Go to Step 11
11 | Ensure that all of the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels. Did you tighten any of the wheel nuts? | Go to Step 21 | Go to Step 12
12 |

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Use your hand to push and pull the shock absorbers.

Is either shock absorber loose?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

13 |

1. Inspect the shock absorber fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull the shock absorber.

Is the shock absorber loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 21

14 | Replace the loose or worn shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | --
15 | Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod. Is the rear axle tie rod loose? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 18
16 |

1. Inspect the torque rods on the tandem rear axle. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the torque rod.

Is the rear axle tie rod loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 21

17 | Replace the torque rod as necessary. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | --
18 | Push and pull on the equalizing beam on the tandem rear axles. Is either equalizing beam loose? | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 21
19 |

1. Inspect the equalizing beam fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Push and pull on the equalizing beam.

Is either equalizing beam loose?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 21

20 | Replace any worn or loose equalizing beam bushings. Refer to Equalizing Beam End Bushing Replacement or Equalizing Beam Center Bushing Replacement in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 21 | --
21 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Does the system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3