L Series V6-3.0L VIN R (2004)
Steering Gear: Customer Interest
Steering/Suspension - Highway Speed Steering Wheel Shake
Bulletin No.: 99-00-91-002E
Date: September 28, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Steering Wheel Shake or Vibration at Highway Speeds (Balance Tire/Wheel Assemblies, Replace Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushings, Replace
Steering Gear Preload Spring, and Replace Tires If Necessary)
Models:
2000-2005 Saturn L-Series Vehicles
Attention:
Fixed Operations Manager, Parts Manager, Technician
Supercede:
This bulletin is being updated to include the 2005 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-00-91-002D (Section 00 - General
Information).
Condition
Some customers may comment regarding a steering wheel shake or vibration felt when driving vehicle at highway speeds.
This condition is most noticeable on smooth road surfaces at vehicle speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h).
Cause
This condition may be caused by vehicle sensitivity to out-of-balance tire/wheel assemblies.
Correction
Balance all four tire/wheel assemblies and evaluate. (Regardless of VIN.)
Replace steering gear preload adjuster spring. (On vehicles built before and including VIN 2Y525531.)
Replace front lower control arm rear bushings. (On vehicles built before and including VIN YY697118.)
Service Procedure:
BALANCE, ROTATE, AND/OR REPLACE TIRES
1.
Check and set cold tire pressure to 207 kPa (30 psi).
2.
Inspect for damaged tires, unusually worn tires, bent wheels, or debris build up on tires, wheels, or wheel covers and correct as necessary.
3.
Test drive vehicle at highway speed to verify steering wheel shake or vibration condition.
4.
Mark each tire with its current location on vehicle.
Caution:
MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL
INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO OPPOSITE END OF VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS ARE REMOVED FROM.
5.
Raise vehicle.
6.
Remove tire/wheel assemblies from vehicle and remove all wheel weights from tire/wheel assemblies.
7.
Balance tire/wheel assemblies to 2.8 g (0.1 ounces) or less of imbalance on inner and outer flange.
^
Use an off-vehicle two plane dynamic balancer that: