Noise, Vibration And Harshness (NVH) Issues

CONDITION	EVALUATION/CORRECTION
RATTLE	1. Refer to recent TSBs. If procedures outlined do not fix issue, proceed through the following:
	2. Check the torque of the tie rod jam nuts, tie rod end nuts, and steering gear mounting bolts, and tighten to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
	3. If torque was adjusted on the steering gear mounting bolts, perform wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
	4. Visually inspect for damaged or misaligned mounts. Check the fastener torque. Replace or realign as necessary.
	5. Visually inspect wheel mounting bolts for damage or loosen. Check the torque. Replace or torque to specification as necessary.
	6. Review the stabilizer bar links for damage, looseness, or deformities. Replace and torque to specification as necessary.
	7. Rotate the intermediate (steering) shaft in relationship to gear, checking for free-play. Check the steering column nuts and tighten to specifications as necessary.
	8. Inspect the cradle/crossmember for cracks or other damage. Replace as necessary.
EXCESSIVE CLUNK	1. Refer to recent TSBs. If the procedures outlined do not fix issue, proceed through the following:
	2. Inspect stabilizer bar links for damage, looseness, or deformities. Replace and torque to specification as necessary.
	2. Check the torque of the tie rod jam nuts, tie rod end nuts, and steering gear mounting bolts, and tighten to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
	4. If torque was adjusted on the steering gear bolts, perform wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
	5. Visually inspect for damaged or misaligned mounts. Check the fastener torque. Replace or realign as necessary.
	6. If the issue remains despite previous steps, perform further evaluation in the steering joints.
POPPING	1. Refer to recent TSBs. If procedures outlined do not fix issue, proceed through the following:
	2. Visually inspect for damaged or misaligned mounts. Check fastener torque. Replace or realign as necessary.
	3. Make sure the coupling is fully seated on gear input shaft. Re-torque or re-seat as necessary.
	5. If the previous steps did not fix the issue. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
	4. If issues remain despite previous steps, perform further evaluation in the steering joints.
SQUEAKING/RUBBING	1. Refer to recent TSBs. If procedures outlined do not fix issue, proceed through the following:
	2. While turning the steering wheel, check interference between moving components. Move, realign, or replace shrouds or shaft as necessary.
	3. Remove the clockspring and reinstall steering wheel for testing. If the noise is gone, replace the clockspring.
	4. Remove the boot seal and recheck for noise. Lubricate the seal as necessary.
	5. While a helper turns the steering wheel, use an electronic listening tool to determine which front suspension joint produces the noise. Replace as necessary.
SCRUBBING/KNOCKING	1. Refer to recent TSBs. If procedures outlined do not fix issue, proceed through the following:
	2. Verify the size tire or wheel installed is compatible with the original equipment size.
	3. Drive the vehicle, moving accelerator pedal rapidly up and down attempting to locate noise. Try in both forward and reverse. Replace mounts as necessary.
	4. Make sure the wheel house is properly positioned. If not, reposition as necessary.
	Check for bent or misaligned components. Correct or replace as necessary.