Rear Suspension - Thumping Noise

NO: 02-09-97 Rev. A

GROUP: Suspension

DATE: Oct. 24, 1997

SUBJECT:

Thumping Noise At Rear Of Vehicle During Cold Operations

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-09-97 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDES A CLARIFICATION OF AFFECTED MODELS AND PARTS REQUIRED.

MODELS:

1996 - 1998 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
1996 - 1998 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (International Market)

**NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SUSPENSION SALES CODE SDB OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD).**

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

Thumping noise from the rear jounce bumpers when driving over small bumps after the vehicle has been in very cold temperatures (below 100 F.) for three hours or longer.

DIAGNOSIS:

After the vehicle has been exposed to temperatures of 100 F. (-12° C.) or below, load the vehicle so the rear jounce bumpers are 1/2 in. (13 mm) away from the rear axle. Drive the vehicle over small bumps and listen for a thumping noise. The condition should improve if the temperature increases or the after the vehicle has been driven a few miles. If the thumping noise is heard, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:

AR (2) 04684756AB Bumper, Jounce Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
AR (2) 04684758AB Bumper, Jounce All Wheel Drive (AWD)

**NOTE:
DO NOT INSTALL JOUNCE BUMPERS MADE OF URETHANE (NOT BLACK) ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH RUBBER (BLACK) JOUNCE BUMPERS.**

REPAIR PROCEDURE:





This bulletin involves replacing the rear axle jounce bumpers.

1. Using slip-joint pliers, grasp the base of the jounce bumper and turn counter-clockwise.

2. Separate the jounce bumper from the vehicle and discard.

3. Install the appropriate revised jounce bumper specified in Parts Required.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for the other side jounce bumper.

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No: 02-30-04-90 0.2 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part