NOISE FROM FRT. OF DASH WHILE TURNING-INSPECT STEERING GEAR

SUBJECT: NOISE FROM FRONT OF DASH WHEN TURNING, INSPECT NUTS/REPLACE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING GROMMETS

MODELS/YEARS: 1987-91 CUTLASS CALAIS

CONDITION:

---------- Customers may comment about a 'clunk' or squawk/creak noise from the front of dash when turning. They may also comment about a slight feeling of looseness or a slight feeling of vague on-center steering and slow returnability.

CAUSE:

------ Steering gear to front of dash clamp retaining nuts may be loose. In addition, after an extended heat soak, the steering gear mounting grommet material starts to take a compression set. This set will lead to a rub condition between the gear and the grommet during steering. Vehicles with possible grommet noise conditions are vehicle number LM756223 to the end of 1990 production and from the start of 1991 production to vehicle number MM031784.

CORRECTION:

------------ As part of trouble shooting, inspect the steering gear to front of dash clamp retaining nuts. If it is determined that the nuts are loose, replace them with new torque prevailing nuts, P/N 22552523, and the steering gear mounting grommets listed below, per Service Manual procedure (tighten LH or drivers side first, then tighten RH side). These new nuts are being installed in production starting with vehicle number LM758958. If the retaining nuts are not loose, it may be necessary to replace only the steering gear mounting grommets.

PART INFORMATION: (Parts are currently available from GMSPO)

SUSPENSION RIGHT GROMMET LEFT GROMMET NUTS ---------- ------------- ------------ ------ FE1 26001492 7849985 22552523 FE3 26001492 26000626 22552523

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

Tightening clamp retaining nuts. Labor Operation Number: T4667 Labor Hours: 0.3 hour - 4 cyl. 0.4 hour - 6 cyl. Trouble Code: 92

Replace both Grommets. (includes tightening clamp retaining nuts) Labor Operation Number: T1716 Labor Hours: 0.9 hour Trouble Code: 92

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.