Help... messed up noise

[wombat]

My drivers side rear end is making some weird noise. It sounds kind of like the shock making noise, but I replaced that, and it wasn't the problem... I don't really know how to explain the noise, other than like bouncing metal. I took a video of the noise. If anyone has any good experience with diagnosing/fixing a suspenion problem I'll provide brats/dogs pop and beer if anyone wants to come help me fix it today... I've been working on it for a while now, and I just can't seem to find out what's wrong. I've got an 06 Cobalt SS/SC.



Video added

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[Alacran]

i vote sway bar.

 

[JDHedman]

bad link?

 

[wombat]

Bump.

 

[Handsome Jesus]

There is a TSB that I found when googling it, with regards to the shock isolators or some shit.

Thats about all I got.

 

[wombat]

How is it fixed?

 

[Lord Tin Foilhat]

sure its not the exhaust banging ?

 

[bikrboy128]

TSB 04-03-08-006D

#04-03-08-006D: Steering and Front Suspension Noise Concerns - Clunk, Thump, Rattle, Knocking, Pop, Shudder, Vibration (Diagnosis and Perform Necessary Repairs) - (Feb 24, 2009)


Subject: Steering and Front Suspension Noise Concerns -- Clunk, Thump, Rattle, Knocking, Pop, Shudder, Vibration (Diagnosis and Perform Necessary Repair)


Models: 2005-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (Including SS)

2006-2009 Chevrolet HHR (Including SS)

2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)

2007-2009 Pontiac G5

2003-2007 Saturn ION




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bulletin is being revised to add Condition #3. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-08-006C (Section 03 - Suspension).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bulletin provides information on seven different steering/front suspension noise conditions.

Condition #1
Some customers may comment on a rattle or knocking noise that is heard in the front of the vehicle while driving at low speeds 8-24 km/h (5-15 mph). This condition may be more noticeable while making a slow turn or on a loose/rough surface.

This condition can be duplicated by the technician using the following procedure:

On a rough or loose surface (i.e., gravel parking lot), make a sweeping turn (either direction) at 8-24 km/h (5-15 mph to load the steering column, I-shaft and steering rack/gear mechanisms. The testing on a rough or loose surface will allow the wheels to oscillate slightly and will make the rattle/knocking noise more evident and repeatable.
Release the steering wheel while making the turn to take load off of steering components. This should initiate the rattle/shudder noise, which is generated by backlash in the steering assembly as it is in a no-load float condition.
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Remove the 60 amp EPS fuse (1) in the underhood fuse block.
Test the vehicle as in Step 1. Since the EPS motor is no longer powered, only the I-shaft and steering gear/rack will be loaded as you make the turn. If you hear the rattle/knocking noise during the turn, then the noise is being generated by the backlash within the steering column (assist motor gear mechanism).
Replace the 60 amp EPS fuse and repeat Steps 1 and 2 to verify that the rattle/knocking noise disappears when turning (loading steering mechanism) and can only be heard when releasing the steering wheel.
Correction #1
If the steering column is identified as the source of the rattle/knocking noise in the above test, replace the steering column.

Important: The noise in the steering column is generated from the metal to plastic gear backlash of the assist motor mechanism and will have a different sound than that from the steering gear. If the customer comments that they still hear a noise, it may be a different sound from either the I-shaft or the steering rack.

If the steering column is not identified as the source of the rattle/knocking in the above test, continue to diagnose the vehicle according to the diagnostics in SI.

Parts Information #1
For part numbers and usage of the column, see Steering Column Kit in Group 06.518 of the appropriate Parts Catalog. Saturn Retailers should refer to the appropriate model year Parts & Illustration Catalog for the vehicle.

Warranty Information #1
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

E7680
Column Assembly, Steering - Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time

Condition #2 (Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR and Pontiac G5 Only)
Some customers may comment on a clunk or thump noise coming from the front suspension while driving over rough road surfaces. This noise will typically occur when the front suspension is returning to the upward position after a hard downward stroke, such as after driving through a large rut or pothole.

Cause #2
This condition may be caused by the jounce bumper slamming into the upper spring seat because it is not retained in the correct up position. The jounce bumper loses position due to oil being deposited onto its retention fingers. The oil is from the strut leaking.

Correction #2
Inspect the front strut(s) for evidence of oil. The leak may be slight but will still cause the concern. If oil is present, replace the affected strut, jounce bumper and dust boot (shield). Before reassembling the strut assembly, glue the new jounce bumper and new dust boot (shield) to the upper spring seat using the steps listed below. To further confirm this concern, the shield/bumper will easily slide up and down the strut shaft.
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Clean the surface area of the upper spring seat using fine sandpaper.
Apply a light coat *of 3M™ Automotive Adhesion Promoter, P/N 06396, to the top of the dust boot (shield) on the inside edge and to the top of the bumper. Allow to dry 10 minutes.

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Glue the bumper to the inside of the dust boot (shield) as shown. Use *3M™ Duramix™ Super Fast Adhesive, P/N 04747. Allow to cure thoroughly 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
Apply a light coat of *3M™ Automotive Adhesion Promoter, P/N 06396, to the top of the dust boot (shield) and to the upper spring seat surface. Allow to dry 10 minutes.
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Glue the dust boot (shield) to the upper spring seat as shown using the above recommended adhesive. Allow to cure thoroughly.
*We believe this source and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from this firm or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

Parts Information #2
Part Number
Description
Qty
Material Allowance

21992520
Shield, Frt Suspension Strut
-
-

22712118
Bumper, Frt Suspension Strut
-
-

04747
3M™ Duramix™ Super Fast Adhesive
1
$22.00

06396
3M™ Automotive Adhesion Promoter
2
$4.00


For part numbers and usage of the strut, see Strut Kit in Group 07.345 of the appropriate Parts Catalog.

Warranty Information #2
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

E9478*
Replace Front Strut and Secure Bumper and Shield to Spring Seat
1.5 hrs

Add
To Perform Repair on Other Side
1.3 hrs

Add
For alignment times, refer to operation E2020 and add the applicable times to the regular hours.

* This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. The number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

Condition #3
Some customers may comment on a clunk/pop type noise coming from the front of the vehicle when driving over rough road surfaces.

Cause #3
This noise may be caused by the stabilizer shaft link ball stud becoming contaminated from moisture.

Correction #3
Inspect the front stabilizer shaft links for damage. To isolate the noise, the link can be also be disconnected from the stabilizer shaft. If the link appears damaged or if the noise goes away when disconnected, replace the link with the revised part.

Parts Information #3
Part Number
Description
Usage
Qty

20784686
Link Asm., Front Stabilizer Shaft (300 mm Shaft)
2006-2009 HHR (FE1, FE3)

2005-2009 Cobalt (FE1, FE3)

2005-2006 Pursuit (FE1, FE3)

2007-2009 G5 (FE1, FE3)

2003-2007 ION (FE1, FE2, FE3)
2

20784687
Link Asm., Front Stabilizer Shaft (250 mm Shaft w/Washer)
2008-2009 HHR (FE5)

2005-2009 Cobalt (FE5)

2007-2009 G5 (FE5)
2

20784688
Link Asm., Front Stabilizer Shaft (250 mm Shaft)
2006-2009 HHR (FE1, FE3)

2005-2009 Cobalt (FE5)

2005-2006 Pursuit (FE5)

2007-2009 G5 (FE5)
2


Warranty Information #3
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

E2147
Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (Both Sides)
Use Published Labor Operation Time

Condition #4
Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. This condition can also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Typically, the clunk noise will be heard once for every 90° of steering wheel rotation in either direction. This clunk noise may also be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel.

The following are characteristics of this noise:

• This noise is very random.

• This noise is independent of the steering wheel angle and independent of the bumpiness of the road.

• This noise is a low frequency dull one and can be felt in your feet.

• This noise can normally be heard from the driver seat.

• This noise can be felt upon touching the steering gear from outside of the vehicle.

Note: You might also notice a slight scrub-type noise when turning the wheel back and forth. This type of noise is considered normal and repairs will not eliminate it.

Cause #4
This condition may be caused by inadequate lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft.

Correction #4
Important: DO NOT replace the steering gear or steering column assembly.

Replace the intermediate shaft.

Important: If the vehicle has already had a steering intermediate shaft replaced for a similar noise concern that the dealer duplicated, determine from the customer if the noise went away for a period of time and came back, or if the service shaft made no change. If the noise was gone for a period of time and came back, have the dealer replace the shaft again to verify we do not have a defective service shaft.

If this does not eliminate the noise, continue to diagnose the vehicle according to the diagnostics in SI.

Parts Information #4
Part Number
Description

15800140
Shaft, Intermediate Steering (Cobalt/G5/Pursuit)

15799676
Shaft, Intermediate Steering (ION)

22730246
Shaft, Intermediate Steering (HHR)


Warranty Information #4
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

E7700
Shaft, Steering Intermediate - Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time

good luck

 

[wombat]

Yeah it's not the exhaust. And thanks for the info birk but its coming from the rear not the front. I haven't had any time to look at it. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to look at it.

 

[bikrboy128]

there is another TSB for noises in the rear suspension too.
you replace the rear suspension insulators to solve it....

 

[wombat]

Edit:

Looked through some shit online I'm pretty sure I know where it's coming from. Will work on it tomorrow to see if I'm right.