Probe V6-182 3.0L (1990)
Trunk / Liftgate Hinge: Customer Interest
Liftgate - Popping/Snapping Noise
Article No. 91-18-2
09/05/91
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LIFTGATE-"POPPING OR SNAPPING" NOISE FROM HINGE AREA-VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 4/30/91
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NOISE-"POP OR SNAP"-FROM CARGO STORAGE AREA OR LIFTGATE HINGE-VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 4/30/91
FORD:
1990-91 PROBE
ISSUE:
A "popping or snapping" noise may come from the cargo storage area or the liftgate hinge. It may be misdiagnosed as a loose suspension type
component such as a strut mounting or a loose liftgate support strut. The noise is caused by lack of lubricant on the liftgate hinge pins.
ACTION:
Modify the hinge body to allow lubrication. Refer to the following procedure for service details.
1.
Remove the rear interior headliner trim panel to expose the hinge attaching nuts. Check for loose nuts or metal damage.
NOTE:
LEAVE THE UPPER HEADLINER TRIM PANEL OFF FOR THE ROAD TEST.
2.
Road test the vehicle on rough surface roads to confirm the noise type and condition.
a.
Have a person in the back using a stethscope near the hinges to identify and isolate the noise location.
b.
If the noise is in the hinge area, modify the hinge body as directed in the following step.
Figure 1
3.
Open the liftgate to expose the hinge.
a.
Use a center punch at the center of the hinge body.
b.
Drill a 1/8" (3.175mm) diameter hole into the hinge.
CAUTION: DO NOT DRILL INTO THE HINGE PIN. DRILL ONLY FAR ENOUGH TO PENETRATE THE HINGE BODY.
