DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the front of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or ROAD SURFACE.

Did you review the system Descriptions and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis

Note: Compare this vehicle to an identical vehicle in order to determine if the customer's concern is a normal characteristic of the vehicle.

Attempt to duplicate the noise. Road test the vehicle.

Is the front suspension noisy?

Go to Step 3

System OK

1. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, shift the transmission into Park. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, block the wheels and shift the transmission into Neutral.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.

Is the front suspension noisy?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

1. Bounce the front of the vehicle. Use a J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent in order to locate the source of the noise.
2. Repair or replace the suspect components as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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

Are any components damaged?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

Repair or replace any damaged components as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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Inspect the front tires for unusual wear. Refer to Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear.

Does either tire exhibit unusual tread wear?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

1. Rotate the tires. Refer to Tire Rotation.
2. Road test the vehicle.

Is the REAR SUSPENSION noisy?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Replace the tire or the tires that are causing the noise. Refer to Tire Dismounting and Mounting.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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Verify the ball joints are lubricated. Replace the ball joints if necessary. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement.

Did you service any components?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 11

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

Inspect the wheel nuts. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.

Did you tighten any wheel nuts?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 12

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Use your hands in order to push and pull the front struts.

Is a strut loose?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

1. Inspect the front strut fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
2. Use your hand to push and pull the front struts.

Is a strut loose?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 26

Replace the loose or worn strut components. Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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

Is the front stabilizer shaft loose?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 21

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

Is the front stabilizer shaft loose?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 26

Observe the location of the stabilizer shaft looseness.

Is a front stabilizer shaft link loose?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

Replace the stabilizer shaft link as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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Observe the location of the stabilizer shaft looseness.

Is a stabilizer shaft insulator or a bracket loose?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 21

Replace the stabilizer shaft insulator or bracket as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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Inspect the front control arms for looseness or movement.

Is a control arm loose?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 24

1. Inspect the control arm fasteners. Tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
2. Inspect the control arm for looseness.

Is a control arm loose?

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 26

Replace the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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1. Shift the transmission into Neutral.
2. Use an on-vehicle wheel balancer in order to spin the front wheels.
3. Increase the wheel speed until the noise is at the most audible level.

Note: Do not allow the tools to contact any moving components.

4. Use a J 39570 or equivalent in order to locate the source of the noise.

Does either wheel bearing exhibit noise?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 8

Replace the wheel bearing as necessary. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 26

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Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 3