For 1990-2009 cars

# Squawk Noise From Front and/or Rear Suspension (Lubricate Stabilizer Bushings)

Subject: | Squawk Noise from Front and/or Rear Suspension (Lubricate Stabilizer Bushings)

Models: | 1997-2002 Chevrolet Malibu

| 1997-1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass

| 1999-2002 Oldsmobile Alero

| 1999-2002 Pontiac Grand Am

This bulletin is being revised to include additional graphics and torque specifications. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-03-08-003 (Suspension).

### Condition

Some customers may comment on a squawk noise from the front and/or rear suspension while driving.

### Cause

The noise may be due to a slip/stick condition between the front and/or rear stabilizer bushings.

### Correction

Follow the service procedure below and lubricate the front and/or rear stabilizer bushings with Special Lubricant High Temperature, P/N 12345879 (in Canada, use P/N 10953511).

#### Service Procedure for Front Suspension

1. Raise and support the vehicle allowing the front suspension to hang free. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (SI2000 Document ID # 632491) in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (SI2000 Document ID # 635842) in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual.
3. Support the rear of the crossmember with an adjustable jack stand.
4. Remove the rear bolts from the crossmember.
5. Remove the lower control arm rear bolts.
6. Lower the rear of the crossmember with the adjustable jack stand.
7. Remove the power steering line bracket from the suspension crossmember on the right side of the vehicle.
8. Remove the bolts (1) from the insulator brackets (2) attaching the stabilizer shaft (3) to the crossmember (4).
9. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators and lubricate the entire insulator with Special Lubricant, P/N 12345879 (in Canada, use P/N 10953511).
10. Install the lubricated insulators back onto the stabilizer shaft.
11. Install the insulator brackets (2) and the bolts (1) to the stabilizer shaft (3).

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 69 N·m(51 lb ft).

12. Install the power steering line bracket from the suspension crossmember on the right side of the vehicle.
13. Raise the rear of the crossmember with the adjustable jack stand.

Important: Cross member nuts (1) and (6) are captured nuts.

14. Install the rear lower control arm bolts (3) through the crossmember.

Tighten
Tighten the rear lower control arm bolts (3) to 245 Nm (180 lb ft).

15. Install the rear crossmember bolts (2).

Tighten
Tighten the rear cross member bolts (2) to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).

16. Lower the vehicle and road test.

#### Service Procedure for Rear Suspension.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (SI2000 Document ID # 632491) in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator brackets (5) and the nuts (6) from the stabilizer shaft (2).
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators and lubricate the entire insulator with Special Lubricant, P/N 12345879 (in Canada, use P/N 10953511).
4. Install the lubricated insulators back onto the stabilizer shaft.
5. Install the stabilizer shaft insulator brackets (5) to the stabilizer shaft (2) and the nuts (6).

Tighten
Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket nuts to 53 N·m(39 lb ft).

6. Lower the vehicle and road test.

### Parts Information

Part Number | Description
--- | ---
12345879 (US) 10953511 (Canada) | Special Lubricant High Temperature

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

### Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time
--- | --- | ---
E2180 | Lubricate Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulators | 1.1 hrs
E4187 | Lubricate Rear Stabilizer Shaft Insulators | 0.4 hr