Calais L4-151 2.5L VIN U TBI (1989)
Stabilizer Bar Bracket: Customer Interest
Front Suspension/Underhood - Noise Concerns
NUMBER:
91-T-220
CORP. REF. NO.: 137106, 133304, 133210
DATE:
November 1991
SECTION:
3
SUBJECT
FRONT SUSPENSION/UNDERHOOD NOISE
CONCERNS - INSTALL NEW PARTS
MODELS/YEARS
1985-88 FIRENZA AND 1985-91 CUTLASS CALAIS
CONDITIONS:
CONDITION 1: Some 1990-91 Cutlass Calais models equipped with 2.5 or 3.3 (VIN U, N) engines may exhibit a chirping noise in the engine
compartment. This condition may be caused by the transaxle mount bumper rubbing against the mount.
CONDITION 2: Some 1985-88 Firenza and 1985-91 Cutlass Calais models might exhibit a condition of a *Squawk" or "Clunk" noise from the front
suspension or engine compartment area when driving over small bumps or entering parking lots (i.e. washboard road surfaces, railroad tracks). This
condition may be caused by the rubber bushing material bleeding through the teflon/polyester sock and coming into contact with the stabilizer bar.
CONDITION 3: On some 1990-91 Cutlass Calais models low ambient temperatures and moderate suspension travels may result in a creaking noise from
the inner tie rod bushings. This noise is very similar and should not be confused with "stabilizer shaft bushing squawk." The "creak" occurs primarily at
temperatures below 30~ F and usually stops as the inner tie rods warm from engine heat. Lubing the inner tie rod assemblies with silicone grease may
reduce the creak for a short time, but the noise will return. This condition may be caused by the tie rod bushing slipping inside of the tie rod end. This
slippage is due to a change in bushing material that was found to be more sensitive to suspension travels during cold temperatures.
CORRECTIONS:
CORRECTION FOR CONDITION 1: Replace the transaxle mount bumper with a new bumper. Refer to "Parts Information for Condition/Correction 1"
below for vehicle application and the updated part number.
Important: Before the transaxle mount bumper is replaced, be sure the bumper is the source of the noise. Coat the bumper with a silicone base grease and
test drive the vehicle. If the noise is no longer evident, replace the bumper.
Figure 1
1. Remove the transaxle mount from the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate service manual and section for the procedure.
2. Place the mount in a vise. Refer to Figure 1.