SQUEAK AND/OR SQUAWK NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. Saturn Saturn 1993

For 1990-2009 cars

# SQUEAK AND/OR SQUAWK NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE

#### SUBJECT: Squeak and/or Squawk Noise Coming From Rear of Vehicle (Replace Exhaust Muffler Hanger Blade)

#### MODELS AFFECTED: 1991-1994 Saturns and 1995 Saturns built before and including VIN SZ283700

CONDITION: Some customers may comment on a squeak and/or squawk noise coming from the rear of the vehicle during shift from Drive to Reverse or Reverse to Drive.

CAUSE: This condition may be caused by a corroded exhaust muffler hanger (L-shaped) blade.

CORRECTION: A new service part (P/N 21012608) has been released for the exhaust muffler hanger assembly. The new part is the exhaust muffler hanger blade that attaches to the muffler hanger strap and slides through the exhaust muffler hanger bracket. This new exhaust muffler hanger blade has a black Teflon coating that provides corrosion protection, reducing noise transmission into the passenger compartment.

#### PROCEDURE:

--------- Removal ------- CAUTION: SURE THE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.

2. Remove muffler hanger strap retaining nut and lower muffler.

3. Remove exhaust muffler hanger blade retaining bolt.

4. Move muffler hanger strap toward the rear of vehicle and disengage it from the exhaust muffler hanger blade.

5. Slide exhaust muffler hanger blade out of the exhaust muffler hanger bracket.

#### Installation

#### NOTICE: Do not apply any lubricants, oils, or greases to the exhaust muffler hanger bracket. Lubricants, oils, or greases may cause the rubber compound to deteriorate.

1. Slide new exhaust muffler hanger blade into exhaust muffler hanger bracket.

2. Move muffler hanger strap forward and engage it to the exhaust muffler hanger blade.

3. Install exhaust muffler hanger blade retaining bolt.

Torque: 16 N-m (12 ft-lbs)

4. Install the muffler hanger strap and tighten the retaining nut. Bumps have been formed in the muffler's sheet metal to locate it squarely in the strap.

Torque: 31 N-m (23 ft-lbs)

5. Check the entire exhaust system for alignment and leaks. The muffler hanger strap must be free to move in the muffler hanger bracket or vibrations will be transmitted from the exhaust system into the body. The muffler can be moved both vertically and horizontally in the muffler hanger bracket. The muffler should move a minimum of 1.59 mm. (1/16 in.) vertically and 3.18 mm. (1/8 in.) horizontally (side-to-side) in the muffler hanger bracket.

#### IMPORTANT: If sufficient muffler movement cannot be obtained, or if the muffler hanger bracket is damaged, the exhaust system will have to be carefully lowered for adjustment or replacement of the muffler hanger bracket. Washers may have been installed between the exhaust muffler hanger bracket and the frame rail to align the hanger parallel with the muffier.

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: The muffler hanger kit (P/N 21006674), will no longer be serviced. In order to service the exhaust muffler hanger assembly parts, individual parts must be ordered separately. The following lists all the separate parts:

21006978 Bolt/Screw - Exh Muff Hngr Brkt 21006315 Nut - Exh Muff Strap 21011299 Bolt/Screw - Exh Muff Hngr 21006860 Strap - Exh Muffler 21012608 Blade - Exh Muffler Hanger (L-Shaped) 21011274 Bracket Asm - Exh Muffler Hngr

CLAIM INFORMATION: To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows:

Labor Case Operation Type Description Code ---- ----------- --------- VW Replace Blade - Exhaust L2560 Muffler (L-Shaped)

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.