Steering - Popping Noise From Column at Low Speed
BULLETIN NO.: 00-T-03ISSUE DATE: January, 2000
CATEGORY TYPE: Chassis-01
CATEGORY: Steering
CORPORATION NO.: 99-02-35-003
SUBJECT:
Popping Noise from Steering Column During Low Speed Maneuvers (Loosen and Retorque Steering Column Support Bracket Nuts in Sequence)
MODELS AFFECTED:
1998 - 2000 S-Series Saturn Vehicles
CONDITION
Customers may comment about a popping type noise coming from the steering column when turning the steering wheel during low speed (parking lot) maneuvers. Noise can usually be duplicated by pushing/pulling/rocking steering wheel while holding at about 3:00 and 9:00 positions.
This condition may also be noticed during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) at Saturn Retailers.
CAUSE
Steering column support bracket bolts were torqued in an incorrect sequence.
CORRECTION
Follow the procedure in this bulletin to loosen upper and lower steering column support bracket bolts and retorque in correct sequence.
PROCEDURE
NOTICE:
Cover driver seat to protect seat trim. Protect front of console from being damaged by steering column filler panel.
1. Remove screws and pull steering column filler panel assembly forward and set down.
2. Disconnect cable from filler panel.
2.1 Pull hood release handle forward.
2.2 Feed cable under hood release handle and slide pin out.
3. Remove steering column filler panel.
4. Disconnect ignition switch electrical connector at right steering column upper support bracket.
5. Loosen two steering column lower support bracket nuts and bolts, and loosen two steering column upper support bracket bolts.
6. Tilt steering wheel to full down position and lock in place.
7. Tighten steering column lower support bracket nuts and bolts in the following order:
7.1 Tighten outboard (driver side) nut and bolt at location 1.
7.2 Tighten inboard (passenger side) nut and bolt at location 2.
Torque:
Steering Column Lower Support Bracket Nut/Bolt: 25 N.m (19 ft-lbs)
8. Tighten the outboard (driver side) steering column upper support bracket bolt at location 3.
Torque:
Steering Column Upper Support Bracket Bolt: N.m (26 ft-lbs)
9. Tilt steering wheel to full up position and lock in place.
10. Tighten the inboard (passenger side) steering column upper support bracket bolt at location 4.
Torque:
Steering Column Upper Support Bracket Bolt: N.m (26 ft-lbs)
11. Connect ignition switch electrical connector at right steering column upper support bracket.
12. Connect cable to filler panel.
12.1 Pull hood release handle forward.
12.2 Feed cable under hood release handle and slide pin in.
13. Install steering column filler panel.
14. Install and torque screws.
Torque:
Steering Column Filler Panel Screw: 3 N.m (26 in-lbs)
15. Road test vehicle to verify noise is gone.
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
VW Loosen and Retorque Steering Z4076 0.3 hrs
Column Support Fasteners