Drive Axle - Hoot Noise During Light Deceleration
BULLETIN NO.: 95-T-06ISSUE DATE: January, 1995
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Chassis-01
CORPORATION NO.: 584401
SUBJECT:
"Hoot" Noise During Light Throttle Deceleration with Engine Speeds Between 3000 and 4000 RPM (Install Damper to Right-Hand Drive Axle)
MODELS AFFECTED:
1995 Saturn SC1 Coupes, SL and SL1 Sedans, SW1 and SW2 Wagons with manual transaxle (MP2/MP3), ABS brakes (JM4) and steel wheels (PF0/PG1); built before and including VIN SZ136841
CONDITION:
A noise similar to a "Hoot" is heard from inside some vehicles during very light throttle deceleration with engine speeds between 3000 and 4000 rpm. Because of the strict drivetrain torque conditions required for this noise to occur, it usually is noticeable only on vehicles equipped with manual transaxles.
CAUSE:
The noise is caused by a vibration that occurs under certain driving conditions, causing the drive axle to resonate.
CORRECTION:
Install a drive axle damper kit, following the procedures in this bulletin.
IMPORTANT:
Saturn vehicles described under "Models Affected," built after VIN SZ136841 have the drive axle damper installed at the plant.
PROCEDURES
1. Remove right-hand drive axle assembly. (Refer to "Drive Axle Removal" in the Drive Axle" section of the "1995 Chassis Service Manual.")
2. Remove outer CV joint from drive axle. (Refer to "Drive Axle Disassembly" in the Drive Axle" section of the "1995 Chassis Service Manual.")
3. Thoroughly clean and degrease the drive axle shaft.
IMPORTANT:
Drive axle shaft must be clean and free of grease to ensure the friction fit drive axle damper is secure to the drive axle shaft after installation.
4. Measure 182 mm (7.15 in.) from the outboard end of the drive axle shaft for location of where drive axle damper will be installed. Mark this location with a piece of masking tape.
5. Wrap the drive axle shaft splines and grooves tightly with vinyl tape to prevent damage to the drive axle damper during installation. Wind the vinyl tape in the direction of the CV joint end of the shaft.
NOTICE:
When installing the drive axle damper, make sure that the pipe used for installation presses on the inner drive axle damper ring. Pressing on the outer drive axle damper ring will damage the drive axle damper.
6. Obtain an appropriate type and size of installation pipe.
Size (ID) Length
mm mm
Material Required (in.) (in.)
Steel or PVC 25.4 160
(Schedule 40 or higher) (1) (6.3)
7. Lubricate drive axle shaft with a liquid detergent (example: liquid dishwashing detergent) to aid in drive axle damper installation.
8. Place drive axle shaft in a vice with brass jaws and start drive axle damper onto the drive axle shaft by hand.
9. Using the installation pipe (obtained in step 6) and a hammer, tap drive axle damper into position aligning inboard edge of drive axle damper with masking tape installed in step 4.
IMPORTANT:
If more than light-to-moderate tapping is required to move the drive axle damper, drive axle shaft splines or grooves are improperly taped or not enough liquid detergent has been applied.
10. When drive axle damper is correctly positioned and installed on drive axle, remove masking tape and vinyl tape from drive axle shaft.
11. Install outer CV joint to drive axle. (Refer to "Drive Axle Assembly" in the "Drive Axle" section of the "1995 Chassis Service Manual.")
12. Install right-hand drive axle assembly. (Refer to "Drive Axle Installation" in the "Drive Axle" section of the "1995 Chassis Service Manual.")
PARTS REQUIREMENTS:
21012112 Damper Kit-Drive Axle
CLAIM INFORMATION:
To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows:
Labor
Case Operation
Type Description Code Time
Install Drive Axle Damper T9578 1.4 hrs
Kit-RH Drive Axle