CAMPAIGN: REAR CONTROL ARM BRACKET BOLTS MAY FAIL
Models: 1984 BUICK SKYLARKS AND OLDSMOBILE OMEGA MODELS
DEFECT INVOLVED:
General Motors of Canada has determined that the rear control arm bracket attaching bolts used on certain 1984 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Omega Models may fracture. Fracture of all four bolts on one side of the vehicle can result in the control arm dropping enough to cut the rear brake hose.
A cut brake hose would result in a loss of brake fluid and a partial loss of braking ability. Because these vehicles are equipped with a dual brake system, part of the system will remain functional allowing the vehicle to be stopped, but over a greater distance. Should a partial loss of braking ability occur at a time when minimum stopping distance is required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Dealers are to replace all eight (8) control arm bracket bolts on all involved vehicles, per instructions in this campaign bulletin.
VEHICLE INVOLVED:
All 1984 Buick Skylark and Oldsmobile Omega models within the following vehicle identification numbers:
BUICK
MODEL YEAR PLANT FROM THROUGH ---- ----- ---- ------- Buick Skylark WILLOW RUN (W) EW437069 EW443426
OLDSMOBILE
MODEL YEAR PLANT FROM THROUGH ---- ----- ---- ------- Oldsmobile Omega Willow Run (W) EW315861 EW418794
All affected vehicles have been identified by the VIN listing provided to involve dealers with the bulletin. Any dealer not receiving a listing was not shipped any of the affected vehicles.
DEALER CAMPAIGN RESPONSIBILITY:
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this campaign at no charge to owners, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Whenever a vehicle subject to this campaign is taken into your new or used vehicle inventory, or it is in your Dealership for service in the future, you should take the steps necessary to be sure the campaign correction has been made before reselling or releasing the vehicle.
Owners of vehicles recently sold from your new vehicle inventory are to be contacted by the Dealer, and arrangements made to make the required modification according to instructions contained in this bulletin.
CAMPAIGN PROCEDURE:
Refer to Section 4 of the Service Policies and Procedures Manual for the detailed procedure on handling Product Campaigns.
Dealers are requested to complete the campaign on all transfers as soon as possible.
OWNER NOTIFICATION:
All owners on record at the time of campaign release are shown on the attached computer listing and have been notified by first class mail from General Motors. The listings provided are for campaign activity only and should not be used for any other purpose.
PARTS INFORMATION:
Required for all vehicles involved in this campaign.
PART QUANTITY NUMBER PER VEHICLE DESCRIPTION ------ ----------- ----------- 10014025 8 Rear control arm bolt
PARTS AND LABOUR CLAIM INFORMATION:
Credit for the campaign work performed will be paid upon receipt of a properly completed campaign claim card or RAPID terminal transmission in accordance with the following:
Repair Code Operation Time Allowance ----------- --------- -------------- 2A Replace Rear Control .5 Arm Bracket Bolts
Time Allowance includes 0.1 hour for Dealer administrative detail associated with this campaign. Parts credit will be based on dealer net plus 30% to cover parts handling.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
1. Raise vehicle.
2. Support rear axle under front side of spring seat.
3. a. Remove two (2) diagonal bolts (i.e. upper L.H. and lower R.H.) from the attaching bracket of one side rear control arm. This will enable bracket to remain in proper mounting position. Install two (2) new bolts at these locations. Torgue bolts to 38 N.m (28 lb. ft.).
b. Repeat removal and installation of two (2) remaining diagonal bracket bolts for the control arm.
4. Repeat Step 3 procedure for opposite side rear control arm bracket bolts.
INSTALLATION OF CAMPAIGN IDENTIFICATION LABEL
Clean surface of radiator upper mounting panel and apply a Campaign Identification Label. Make sure the correct campaign number is inserted on the label. This will indicate that the campaign has been completed.
INSERT CAMPAIGN NUMBER
INSERT DEALER CODE
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
