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Body/Frame - Cracking Noise On Low Speed Turns

Date: June 4, 2009

Order No.: P-B-46.20/60b

Supersedes: P-B-46.20/60a dated January 26, 2009

Group: 46

Revision History

Revision Date Purpose

b 6/4/09 Damage Code Revised

a 1/26/09 Applicable Models Updated (230.470 added)

- 12/21/07 Initial issue

SUBJECT:
Model 230.470/471/472/474/475/476/476/479, All Model Years

Cracking Noise when Steering Left or Right





If you receive customer reports of cracking noise when steering left or right at low speeds just before limit stops, noticeable also at steering wheel this may be caused by lost preload and settling or poor contact surface between diagonal struts (Figure 1, 1) or the reinforcement plate (Figure 1, 2) and the front axle carrier. The cracking movement is noticeable on the steering gear on a stationary vehicle with wheels on the ground when steering to left or right. To resolve it is necessary to clean bolted contact surfaces between diagonal struts, reinforcement plate and the front axle carrier.

Note:
The steering rack is not the cause of the cracking noise. Do not replace steering rack!

Note:
The below procedure must be performed on a drive-on lift. Vehicle must rest on wheels.

1. Remove lower engine compartment paneling. Refer to WIS document AR61.20-P-1105R.

2. Unclip cover on diagonal struts at front.

3. Remove diagonal struts (Figure 1, 1).

4. Check and clean thoroughly contact surfaces if necessary on the struts and on the front axle carrier to ensure firm connection when attached.

5. Remove reinforcement plate (Figure 2, 1) from front axle carrier.

6. Check and clean contact surfaces if necessary on the plate and on the front axle carrier to ensure firm connection when attached.

7. Install reinforcement plate (Figure 1, 2) on front axle carrier. Torque retaining bolts to 12 Nm. Refer to BA62.30-P-1006-01A entry in WIS doc BA62.30-P-1000-01A.

8. Install diagonal struts (Figure 1, 1) and torque retaining bolts to 70 Nm. Refer to BA62.30-P-1004-01A entry in WIS doc BA62.30-P-1000-01A.

9. Reinstall strut covers

10. Install lower engine compartment paneling. Refer to AR61.20-P-1105R.

Note:
The following allowable labor operations should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair. This information has been generated on June 4, 2009. Please refer to Netstar --> Star TekInfo --> Star Time for the most current labor time allowance.





In Case of Warranty, use the table above.