Caprice Wagon V8-350 5.7L (1994)
Steering Gear: Customer Interest
Steering - Crunch/Pop Noise
File In Section: 3 - Steering/Suspension
Bulletin No.: 23-32-08A
Date: August, 1996
Subject:
Steering System Crunch/Pop Noise (Apply Grease/Enlarge Attaching Holes)
Models:
1992-96 Buick Roadmaster
1992-93 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
1994-96 Cadillac Fleetwood
1992-96 Chevrolet Caprice
1994-96 Chevrolet Impala SS
1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
This bulletin is being revised to add the 1996 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 23-32-08 (Section 3 - Steering/Suspension).
Condition
Some vehicles may exhibit a steering related crunch and/or pop type noise apparent during low speed turning maneuvers. These conditions can be
differentiated from one another not only by the type of noise, but also by when they are generated as indicated below.
A.
Crunch Noise - May occur only when vehicle is in a full right or left hand turning maneuver.
B.
Pop Noise - May occur anytime vehicle steering wheel is moved off center in either direction.
Cause
A.
Crunch Noise - Movement of lower control arm steering stop on steering knuckle during full turn type maneuvers.
B.
Pop Noise - Slight movement between steering gear bolt threads and frame rail inboard steering gear attaching holes.
Correction
Crunch Noise - Apply a thin film (approximately 1 mm thick) of high temperature water resistant grease, P/N 12345996 (1.75 oz. tube), to the contacting
surfaces of both the steering stops and steering knuckles.
Pop Noise - Follow procedure below and enlarge the frame-rail inboard steering gear attaching holes that show any contact with bolt threads.
1.
Disconnect and remove air cleaner snorkle.
2.
Disconnect intermediate steering shaft coupling shield and slide rearward.
3.
Remove nut securing ABS module bracket to steering gear.
4.
Raise vehicle.
Notice:
Ensure that the vehicle's wheels are pointing straight ahead and the steering wheel is in "LOCK" position. Failure to do so may cause the steering
wheel to rotate, causing damage to the coil assembly.
5.
Remove left front wheel and tire assembly.
6.
Remove flexible coupling bolt and disengage coupling from steering gear.
7.
Remove three (3) steering gear to frame rail attaching bolts and position gear away from frame rail.
8.
Inspect inboard frame rail steering gear attaching holes for any indication of bolt thread contact.
9.
Carefully enlarge those holes that show bolt thread contact utilizing a rat-tail mill file.
