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. Shift the transmission into Park.
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 J 39570 Chassis Ear in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect component as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 20

--

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 20 | --
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 tire that are causing the noise. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 20 | --
10 | Ensure that the park brake cable and the spare tire are secured properly. Did you service any components? | Go to Step 20 | 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 20 | 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 struts.

Is either strut loose?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

13 |

1. Inspect the strut 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 strut.

Is the strut loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 20

14 | Replace the loose or worn strut. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 20 | --
15 | Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle trailing arm. Is either rear axle trailing arm loose? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 18
16 |

1. Inspect the rear axle trailing arm 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 on the rear axle trailing arm.

Is either rear axle trailing arm loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 20

17 | Replace any worn or loose rear axle trailing arm bushings. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 20 | --
18 |

1. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the rear wheels.
2. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.

Important: Do not allow the J 39570 to contact any moving components.

3. Use a J 39570 in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 8

19 | Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Rear Suspension. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 20 | --
20 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Does the system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3