CREAK NOISE FROM STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING. Saturn Saturn 1992

For 1990-2009 cars

# CREAK NOISE FROM STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING

#### SUBJECT: Creak Noise From Steering Wheel While Turning (Lubricate SIR Roll Connector Assembly)

#### MODELS AFFECTED: 1992 Saturns equipped with SIR and 1993 Saturns

CONDITION: When the steering wheel is turned a "creak" noise can be heard from behind the steering wheel.

CAUSE: The locator tabs on the SIR roll connector contact the steering wheel hub causing a creak noise when the steering wheel is turned.

CORRECTION: Lubricate SIR roll connector locator tabs at the steering wheel hub according to procedure.

#### NOTE: Some amount of rubbing noise may be heard when the steering wheel is turned. This is a normal condition.

#### PROCEDURES:

---------- 1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead.

2. Turn ignition switch to "OFF" position.

3. Remove "Air Bag" fuse.

4. Remove connector position assurance (CPA) device from yellow two-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and disconnect connector.

#### IMPORTANT: With the "Air Bag" fuse removed and ignition key "ON" the "Air Bag" telltale will turn On. This is normal operation and does not indicate an SIR fault.

5. Remove inflator module (air bag) from steering wheel by removing four screws. Lift inflator module (air bag) out of steering wheel.

#### CAUTION:

IF THE AIR BAG INFLATES WHILE YOU ARE HANDLING IT, IT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE YOU. WHEN CARRYING A LIVE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG), MAKE SURE THE BAG AND TRIM COVER ARE POINTED AWAY FROM YOU. NEVER CARRY INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) BY THE WIRES OR CONNECTOR ON THE UNDERSIDE OF MODULE. WHEN PLACING A LIVE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) ON A BENCH OR OTHER SURFACE, ALWAYS PLACE AIR BAG MODULE SURFACE (TRIM COVER) FACING UP NEVER REST A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) FACE DOWN AND COLUMN VERTICAL. THIS IS NECESSARY SO THAT A FREE SPACE IS PROVIDED TO ALLOW THE INFLATOR MODULE (AIR BAG) TO EXPAND IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT. OTHERWISE, PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.

6. Remove connector positive assurance (CPA) device, disconnect connector and remove inflator module (air bag).

7. Apply a small amount of Mobil 1 High Performance synthetic universal grease (or equivalent) where SIR roll connector tabs contact steering wheel hub. Refer to illustration for grease locations. Ensure grease is applied at both contact points.

8. Turn steering wheel back and forth to verify creak noise is corrected.

9. Connect inflator module to wiring harness and install connector position assurance (CPA) device.

#### IMPORTANT: Always replace inflator module (air bag) screws with new screws. Never reuse old screws.

10. Install inflator module into steering wheel and torque screws being careful not to cross thread screws.

TORQUE: 10 N.m (89 in-lbs)

11. Connect the yellow two -way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and install connector position assurance (CPA) device to connector.

12. Install "Air Bag" fuse.

13. Turn ignition switch to "RUN" position and make sure the "Air Bag" telltale flashes seven times and then remains Off.

If the "Air Bag" telltale does not operate as described, perform the "SIR Diagnostic System Check" in the "System Diagnosis" section of the "SIR Service Manual."

PARTS REQUIREMENTS: Mobil 1 High Performance synthetic universal grease (or equivalent) 21044245 Bolt/Screw - Inflatable Restraint Module (4 required)

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 Lubricate SIR Coil T9657 0.6 hrs Assembly

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.