DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension.

Important: It may be necessary to compare this vehicle to a identical vehicle to determine if the customer's complaint a normal operating characteristic of the vehicle.

Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle.

Is there an abnormal noise present?

Go to Step 2

System OK

1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Push down on the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the complaint noise heard?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

1. Push down on the rear of the vehicle. Use a stethoscope in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect component(s) as necessary.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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

Are any components damaged?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

Repair or replace any damaged components.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.
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 8

1. Replace the tire(s) that are worn. Refer to Extended Mobility Tires Replacement in Tires and Wheels.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is there still noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.

Go to Step 8

System OK

Ensure that the park brake cable is secured properly.

Did you service any components?

Go to Step 1

Go to Step 9

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 of the wheel nuts?

Go to Step 1

Go to Step 10

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Use your hand to push and pull the shock absorbers.

Is either shock absorber worn, leaking or loose ?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

1. Inspect the shock absorber fasteners for the correct fastener tightening specification. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Visually inspect for worn or leaking shock absorbers. Use your hands in order to push and pull the shock absorber.

Is the shock absorber worn, leaking or loose?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 1

Replace the worn, leaking or loose shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear axle tie rod.

Is the rear suspension tie rod loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 16

1. Inspect the rear suspension tie rod fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear suspension tie rod.

Is the rear suspension tie rod loose?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 1

Replace the rear suspension tie rod as necessary. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear stabilizer shaft.

Is the rear stabilizer shaft or any related component loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 19

1. Inspect the rear stabilizer shaft insulators, clamps and link(s) for the correct fastener tightening specifications. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull on the rear stabilizer shaft.

Is rear stabilizer shaft loose?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 1

Replace any worn or loose rear stabilizer shaft component. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect the control arms for looseness or movement.

Is any looseness or movement observed?

Go to Step 20

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

Is the control arm loose?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 1

Replace the worn or loose control arm. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement or Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 22

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect the rear crossmember for any looseness, damage or movement.

Is there any damage, looseness or movement observed?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 1

Replace or tighten any worn or loose rear crossmember component. Refer to Crossmember Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 24

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Inspect the rear transverse spring for any looseness, damage or movement.

Is there any damage, looseness or movement observed?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 1

Replace or tighten any worn or loose rear transverse spring component. Refer to Rear Transverse Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 26

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1. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the rear 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 the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit excessive noise?

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 1

Replace the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Has the repair been performed?

Go to Step 1

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