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Interior - Drivetrain Vibration

NO.: TSB-94-32-001

DATE: April, 1994

MODEL: 1990-94 Eclipse

SUBJECT:
DRIVETRAIN VIBRATION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

On some 1990-94 Eclipses, a drivetrain vibration may be felt between 45-55 mph while driving over a smooth road. This vibration may be caused by the engine and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies. Since this type of vibration can also be caused by items such as tires, wheels, suspension components, radiator mounting brackets, or other component mounting brackets, it is important to pinpoint the vibration's source before replacing the engine and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies.

This bulletin explains how to determine the source of the drivetrain vibration by conducting a check of vehicle components likely to cause vibration. If the vibration is still present after performing the checking procedure, install new engine and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies using the part numbers listed.

VEHICLES AFFECTED

1990-94 Eclipse, 2.0L, Turbo, 2WD and AWD, A/T and M/T
1990-94 Eclipse, 2.0L, Non-Turbo, M/T only

DESCRIPTION

To determine the source of drivetrain vibration, perform the checking procedure.

WARNING:
Observe standard shop safety practices while performing the procedure.

NOTE:
Obtain the following materials before performing the procedure:

- Volume 1 of the 1990, 1991, or 1992-94 Eclipse Service Manual

- Technical Service Bulletin Number TSB-93-14-002

1. Check and adjust the tire air pressures. Cold tire specifications are:

Turbo equipped vehicles: 32 psi (front), 29 psi (rear)
Non-Turbo equipped vehicles: 29 psi (front), 26 psi (rear)

2. Test-drive the vehicle at 45-55 mph (smooth road) to confirm the drivetrain vibration:

WARNING:
When performing this road test, exercise good judgment and obey all road safety laws applicable to your particular State, County, and/or local government. If you are not familiar with local motor vehicle safety laws, refer to the motor vehicle statutes of your State regarding operation of motor vehicles on public roads.

On vehicles with M/T, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal and press in the clutch pedal while at test speed.

On vehicles with A/T, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal and move the shift selector from "Drive" to "Neutral" while at test speed.

If the vibration at 45-55 mph continues after the clutch pedal is pressed in or when the A/T is shifted to neutral, go to Step 3; the vibration is probably not caused by the engine and transaxle mounting brackets.

If the vibration at 45-55 mph goes away after the clutch pedal is pressed in or when the A/T is shifted to neutral, go to Step 7; the vibration may be caused by the engine and transaxle mounting brackets.

3. Raise the vehicle on a shop hoist and check each wheel for damage and/or distortion. If necessary, replace the wheel(s). In most instances, wheel damage is a "customer pay" item. Be sure to obtain customer authorization before replacing the wheel(s).

4. Check the balance of all four wheels, preferably using an on-the-car wheel balancer. If necessary, re-balance the wheels.

5. Inspect underneath the vehicle for loose or worn suspension parts, leaking struts, or broken exhaust system hangers. Repair or replace these items as needed.

6. Check the upper and lower radiator mounting brackets for correct positioning. Refer to Technical Service Bulletin number TSB-93-14-002 for details.

7. Inspect the engine roll-stoppers (front and rear), the engine mounting bracket assembly (driver's side of vehicle), and the transaxle mounting bracket assembly (passenger's side of vehicle) for correct installation. If necessary, correct the installation of these components. Refer to Group 32 of the appropriate service manual for installation instructions.

8. Test-drive the vehicle at 45-55 mph (smooth road) to determine if the drivetrain vibration has been eliminated. If the vibration is still present, go to Step 9.

9. Replace the engine and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies using the part numbers listed. Refer to Group 32 of the appropriate service manual for replacement instructions.

PARTS INFORMATION

The new engine mounting bracket and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies will be available from your facing PDC beginning the week of May 9, 1994. No orders can be accepted until that time.





One engine and one transaxle mounting bracket assembly are needed per vehicle. Use the part numbers (see illustration).

WARRANTY INFORMATION*

Labor Operation: 32122210 (Engine Mounting Bracket Assembly)
Position Code: 321222

Labor Operation: 32122310 (Transaxle Mounting Bracket Assembly)
Position Code: 321223

Nature Code: 82M Causal Code: 990

Coverage: 36 months or 50k miles (1990 Models)

Coverage: 60 months or 60k miles (1991-94 Models)

Use standard warranty procedures.

Applies only to replacement of engine and transaxle mounting bracket assemblies. For warranty information on other components, refer to the Labor Operation Time Schedules (LOTS) manual.