Fleetwood FWD V8-252 4.1L (1986)
Control Arm: Technical Service Bulletins
Suspension - Thumping or Clunking From Rear
Bulletin No. T
85-79A
File in Group
3D
Number
5
corp. Ref. No.
613401
Date
Nov. '86
SUBJECT:
REAR SUSPENSION NOISE
MODELS AFFECTED:
1985-1986 DE VILLES AND FLEETWOODS
This bulletin supersedes bulletin T-85-79, Group 3D, Number 5, which should be destroyed.
Some 1985 and 1986 Front Wheel Drive De Villes and Fleetwoods may experience a "thumping", "clunking" or "loose lumber" noise from the trunk or
rear suspension areas when driving over small bumps (i.e., washboard road surfaces, broken pavement, etc.). This noise may be more pronounced in
colder ambient temperatures (less than 32~F).
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. If all suspension components are properly installed and the ELC
system is working properly, the following steps should be taken:
LOWER BALL JOINT COVER
A.
Non-Sleeved Lower Control Arm Ball Joint (1985 Models Only)
1.
Inspect both rear lower control arm ball joint date codes. Each ball joint is stamped with a four-digit date code, located on the lower ball
joint cover near the grease fitting. The date code describes the month, day and year the ball joint was manufactured, and may be
interpreted as shown in Figure 1.
2.
Ball joints with date codes 6204 (June 20, 1984) and later were produced with a nylon sleeve for noise reduction. Ball joints with date codes
earlier than 6204 should be replaced with service ball joint kit, P/N 9769581. Except for date code information, there is no visible difference
between sleeved and non-sleeved ball joints.
B.
Upper Strut Mount Noise
Replace both rear strut and mount assemblies using 1987 Strut and Mount assemblies (verify that mounts have not already been replaced, 1985
and 1986 mounts are unpainted, 1987 mounts are black). Use P/N 22047978 for vehicles with standard suspensions and P/N 22047979 for
vehicles with touring suspension (option code FE2).
The following procedure should be used for strut replacement:
Removal
1.
Raise car on hoist. Support rear control arms.
