Information on Inspection for Rear Underbody Noise

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide dealers with information about what areas should be inspected on vehicles that have rear underbody noise while being driven.

Analysis of returned rear shock absorbers removed from vehicles with suspected rear underbody noises found no trouble with the rear shock absorbers.

In order to more accurately diagnose rear underbody noise concerns, dealers are advised to inspect the gap between the parking brake cable mounting bracket and the body. There should be a small gap between the parking brake cable mounting bracket and the body. When the vehicle is driven over irregular surfaces, the parking brake cable mounting bracket may intermittently contact the body, causing a rattle noise.

If the rattle noise is found to have come from the parking brake cable mounting bracket, follow the procedure below.

Important: Follow this adjustment procedure for both left and right parking brake cable mounting brackets.

1. Bend the parking brake cable mounting bracket downward 3-4 mm (0.12-0.16 in). This will increase the gap to the body.
2. Apply grease to the contact area between the parking brake cable mounting bracket and the body.
3. If the noise is still present after adjusting the parking brake cable mounting bracket, check other components of the rear underbody.