'HOOT' NOISE DURING LIGHT DECELERATION 3000-4000 RPM. Saturn Saturn 1992

For 1990-2009 cars

# 'HOOT' NOISE DURING LIGHT DECELERATION 3000-4000 RPM

#### SUBJECT: "Hoot" Noise During Light Throttle Deceleration with Engine Speeds Between 3000 and 4000 RPM (Install Damper to Right-Hand Drive Axle)

#### MODELS AFFECTED: 1992 Saturn SL and SL1 Sedans equipped with SOHC (LKO) engines built before, and including VIN NZ221871

#### CONDITION:

A noise, similar to a "Hoot," is heard from inside some vehicles during very light throttle deceleration conditions with engine speeds between 3000 and 4000 rpm. Because of the strict drivetrain torque conditions required for this noise to occur, it is usually only noticeable on vehicles equipped with manual transaxles.

#### CAUSE:

The noise is caused by a vibration, that occurs under certain driving conditions, causing the drive axle to resonate.

CORRECTIVE ACTION: A dynamic damper has been developed to correct this condition. Refer to the following procedure for installation of the damper to the right-hand drive axle. Saturn SL and SL1 Sedans equipped with SOHC (LKO) engines and manual transaxles (MP2) beginning with, and including VIN NZ221872 have this damper already installed.

#### PROCEDURE:

#### IMPORTANT: Some vehicles built before, and including VIN NZ221871 have been retrofitted with the damper. Visually check for presence of a damper on the right-hand drive axle. If the damper is present, the condition and service procedure described in this bulletin does not apply.

1. Remove right- hand drive axle assembly. Refer to "Drive Axle Removal" in the "1991-1992 Drive Axle Service Manual."

2. Remove outer CV joint from drive axle. Refer to "Drive Axle Disassembly" in the "1991-1992 Drive Axle Service Manual."

3. Thoroughly clean and degrease the drive shaft.

#### IMPORTANT: Drive shaft must be clean and free of grease to ensure the friction fit damper is secure to the drive shaft after installation.

4. Measure 182 mm 7.15 in) from the outboard end of the drive"shaft for location of where damper will be installed. Mark this location with a piece of masking tape.

5. Wrap the drive shaft splines and grooves tightly with vinyl tape to prevent damage to the damper during installation. Wind the tape in the direction of the CV joint end of the shaft.

#### NOTICE: When installing the damper, make sure that the pipe used for installation presses on the inner damper ring. Pressing on the outer damper ring will damage the damper.

6. Obtain an appropriate type and size of installation pipe.

Material required: Steel or Schedule 40 or higher PVC

Size (ID): 25.4 mm (1 in.)

Length: 160 mm (6.3 in.)

Good Advice: Lubricate shaft with a liquid detergent (example, liquid dishwashing detergent) to aid in damper installation.

7. Place drive shaft in a vice with brass jaws and start damper onto the drive shaft by hand. Using the installation pipe, obtained in Step 6, and a hammer, tap damper into position aligning inboard edge of damper with masking tape installed in Step 4.

#### IMPORTANT: If more than light-to-moderate tapping is required to move the damper, shaft splines or grooves are improperly taped or not enough liquid detergent has been applied.

8. Remove masking tape and vinyl tape from drive shaft.

9. Assemble outer CV joint to drive axle. Refer to "Drive Axle Assembly" in the "1991-1992 Drive Axle Service Manual."

10. Install drive axle assembly using new drive shaft nut, included in kit. Refer to "Drive Axle Installation" in the "1991-1992 Drive Axle Service Manual."

PARTS REQUIREMENTS:

21011999 Damper Kit - Right-Hand Drive Axle

CLAIM INFORMATION:

To receive credit for this repair, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows: Labor Case Operation Type Description Code Time ---- ----------- --------- ---- VW Damper, RH Drive Axle - T9578 1.4 hrs Install

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.