Strut Towers - Creaking/Popping Sound

87ford26

Article No. 87-24-10

SUSPENSION - FRONT STRUT TOWER - "CREAKING" AND "POPPING" NOISE

NOISE - "CREAKING" AND "POPPING" - FRONT STRUT TOWER

FORD: 1987-88 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987-88 SABLE

ISSUE: A "creaking" or "popping" noise from the right and left strut towers may be heard when the vehicle is bounced up and down or during vehicle drive away or braking. This noise may be caused by the alignment plate on top of the strut tower flexing (oil canning) between two (2) of the four (4) spot welds.

ACTION: To correct this, install a 3/16" diameter pop rivet using the following service procedure.

1. Obtain the appropriate drill bit and drill bit stop.

2. Position the drill stop on the drill bit so the drill bit will not drill deeper than 3/8".

CAUTION: DO NOT drill deeper than 3/8" or the strut bearing may be damaged.

FIGURE 4:

3. Drill one (1) 3/16" hole between the two (2) spot welds on the outboard side of the front strut tower, Figure 4.

4. Install pop rivet (382602-S100).

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the other front strut tower.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

382602-S100 Pop Rivet - 3/16" SG

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION: SP872410A
TIME: 0.3 Hr. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 3B154 - Code: 56