Electra Park Avenue V6-231 3.8L VIN C SFI (1989)
Ball Joint: All Technical Service Bulletins
Suspension, Rear - Thump, Clunk, or Pop Noise
Bulletin
90-3-2
Date
Sept., '89
Ref. No.
89-234-3
Corp. Ref. No.
913401R
SUBJECT:
REAR SUSPENSION NOISE
MODELS AFFECTED:
1989 AND 1990 ELECTRAS AND LESABRES
Some 1989 and 1990 Electras and LeSabres may experience a "thump", "clunk", or "pop" noise from the rear suspension or trunk areas when driving
over small bumps and around corners (i.e., washboard road surfaces, railroad tracks, etc.). This noise may be more pronounced at low mileage and in hot
ambient temperatures (greater than 80~ F) with high humidity. The noise may be reproduced on smooth surfaces by driving the car in "figure eights".
If this condition is encountered, first inspect the rear suspension components and fasteners for proper installation and that they are tightened to torque
specifications. Check the Electronic Level Control (ELC) system for proper operation. Ensure that the trunk lid hinges are not contacting the strut towers.
Reposition hinge(s) away from strut tower to provide clearance between hinge and tower if contact is evident (paint rubbed through). If all suspension
components are properly installed, ELC system is operating correctly, and the trunk hinges are not contacting the strut towers use the following
procedure:
1.
Grease both rear ball joints and tie rod ends.
2.
Jounce car such that the rear ball joints and tie rod ends will move.
3.
Regrease both rear ball joints and tie rod ends.
4.
Evaluate car for noise.
If noise is still present (even though it may be reduced), use the following procedure:
1.
On the side of the car that the noise is coming from, separate the rear control arm from the knuckle at the ball joint using the removal and
installation procedures in Section 3D of the Service Information Manual.
