Steering - Undercar Pop/Click/Creak Noises
ENGINEERING INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 08-08-61-002D
Date: March 10, 2009
Subject:
EI08035 - Steering Gear to Frame (Cradle) Pop, Creak or Click Type Noise (Perform Outlined Repair)
Models:
2007-2009 Buick Allure (Canada), LaCrosse
2007-2009 Chevrolet Impala
2007-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to end the need for dealer feedback, provide a field fix and include additional models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-08-61-002C (Section 08 - Body).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a pop/creak or click type noise coming from underneath the vehicle.
Correction
Perform the following procedure to correct the steering gear to frame (cradle) noise concern.
Caution:
With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
^ The steering column
^ The intermediate shaft(s)
^ The steering gear
After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.
Insert the J 42640 Anti-Rotation Pin into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column.
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.
3. Position the intermediate shaft seal in order to provide access to the lower pinch bolt.
Warning
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion steering gear stub shaft can result in damage to the steering
gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage may cause loss of steering control which could result in an accident and possible personal
injury.
4. Remove the lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear stub shaft (2).
5. Disconnect the intermediate shaft (1) from the power steering gear stub shaft.
6. Support the rear of the frame (cradle) (3) using jackstands.
7. Remove the frame (cradle) bolts from the rear of the frame (cradle).
Caution:
Do not lower the rear of the frame (cradle) too far as damage to the engine components nearest to the cowl may result.
8. Lower the rear of the frame (cradle).
9. Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts (1, 4).
10. Separate the steering gear from the frame (cradle).
11. Clean the LH steering gear mounting surfaces (the areas that interface with the mounting bracket on the frame (cradle)) and the steering gear mounting bracket on the frame (cradle) (the areas that interface with the steering gear). These surfaces must be free from grease.
Important:
Use only recommended gasket maker, other products may not adhere as well.
12. Apply gasket maker, GM P/N 01052943 (Loctite(R) 518*)(in Canada, use 10953491) to the left side steering gear mounting surfaces (1) on the gear.
13. Apply primer Loctite(R) 7649* to the inside surfaces (2) of the left side frame (cradle) bracket.
14. Apply threadlocker, GM P/N 12345382 (Loctite(R) 242*) (in Canada, use 10953489) to the steering gear mounting bolts.
Important:
Once the power steering gear is assembled to the frame (cradle), the bolts need to tightened within five minutes.
15. Reassemble the power steering gear to the frame (cradle).
16. Install the power steering gear mounting bolts and nuts.
Tighten
For Allure or LaCrosse, tighten the bolts to 60Nm (42 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
Tighten
For Impala, tighten the bolts to 90Nm (66 lb ft).
Tighten
For Grand Prix, tighten the bolts to 60Nm (42 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
17. Raise the frame (cradle) into position.
18. Install the rear frame (cradle) bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 160Nm (118 lb ft).
19. Remove the jackstands.
Important:
During the installation of the intermediate steering shaft, ensure that the steering shaft is seated before you install the pinch bolt. The two mating shafts may disengage if the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before the steering shaft installation.
20. Install the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear stud shaft.
21. Install the lower pinch bolt to the power steering gear stud shaft.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 48Nm (35 lb ft).
22. Install the intermediate shaft seal into position.
23. Install the left front tire and wheel assembly.
24. Lower the vehicle.
25. Remove the J 42640 from the steering column.
26. The vehicle should not be moved off of the hoist for at least six hours. The rate of cure will depend on the ambient temperature.
Parts Information
Warranty Information
Disclaimer