For 1990-2009 cars

Step | Action | Value | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the front of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVE TERRAIN as related to the front suspension.
1 | Important: You may need to compare this vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's complaint is a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle. Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle. Is an abnormal noise present? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK
2 |

1. Shift the transmission into Park.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Do you hear the noise?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3 |

1. Bounce the front of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect components as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 1

--

4 |

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect all of the front suspension components for any damage.

Are any components damaged?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5 | Repair any damaged components. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
6 |

1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication. Correct the tire inflation pressure as necessary.
2. Inspect the tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear in Tires and Wheels.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

7 |

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Does the noise now come from the rear of the vehicle.

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8 | Replace the tires that are causing the noise. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
9 | Ensure that the ball joints and steering linkage are lubricated (if applicable). Lubricate/replace as necessary. Did you service any components? | -- | Go to Step 1 | Go to Step 10
10 | Ensure that all of the wheel nuts are tightened to the correct specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels. Did you tighten any wheel nuts? | -- | Go to Step 1 | Go to Step 11
11 | Use your hands in order to push and pull the strut. Is the strut loose? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 14
12 |

1. Inspect the strut fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.
2. Use your hand in order to push and pull the strut.

Is the strut loose?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 1

13 | Replace the loose or worn strut components. Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement in Front Suspension. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
14 | Use your hands in order to push and pull on the stabilizer shaft. Is the stabilizer shaft loose? | -- | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 19
15 |

1. Inspect all of the stabilizer shaft fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the stabilizer shaft.

Is the stabilizer shaft loose?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 1

16 | Observe the location of the stabilizer shaft looseness. Is the looseness observed at the stabilizer shaft link? | -- | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 20
17 | Replace the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension. Has the repair been performed? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
18 | Replace the stabilizer shaft insulator(s) and/or bracket(s). Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
19 | Inspect the control arms for looseness or movement. Did you observe any looseness or movement? | -- | Go to Step 20 | Go to Step 22
20 |

1. Inspect the control arm fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Front Suspension. Tighten as necessary.
2. Inspect the control arm for looseness.

Is the control arm loose?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 1

21 | Replace any worn or loose control arm bushings. Refer to Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement - Front in Front Suspension. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --
22 |

1. Use an on-vehicle wheel balance in order to spin the front wheels.
2. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.

Important: Do not allow the stethoscope to contact any moving components.

3. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 7

23 | Replace the wheel bearings. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement in Front Suspension. Is the repair complete? | -- | Go to Step 1 | --