TSB's: Chassis, Steering & Suspension.

Note: Content in this topic as others here, is for informational/educational use only, for CAFCNA members.
It is NOT for commercial use!
---------------------------------------------------------

Click for an UPDATED TSB of this issue.

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation) #03-08-61-002E - (Apr 14, 2005)

2003-2005 Cadillac Escalade

2003-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

and other 2003 - 2005 GMT800 vehicles.
Note: All 1500 Series (? Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

Hmmm, I thought the Escalade was ALL Wheel Drive?

This bulletin is being revised to update the correction information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002D (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction

Change the front crossmember fastener orientation using the procedure listed below.

Important: DO NOT slot the mounting holes on the crossmember as stated in previous bulletins. Slotting the holes has been found to be less effective and, in some cases, causes the noise condition to be more prevalent.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.
  2. Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and the front crossmember from the vehicle.
  3. Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the mounting holes.
  4. Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. On the passenger side, replace existing washer with GM P/N 11509592 or equivalent washer (see dimensions below) at each bolt head and nut location.

      Tighten
      Tighten the bolts to 120 N?m (89 lb ft).

  5. Apply an even coat of Anti-Corrosion Coating, P/N 12346501, or equivalent, to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection.

Washer:

Inside Diameter:  14 mm (0.551 in)

Outside Diameter: 35 mm (1.38 in)

Thickness: 3 mm (0.118 in)

Part Information

Qty, 4 each, 11509592 Washer

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Steering Idler Arm Inspection Procedure #VSS20050436 - (Mar 17, 2005)

2001-2005 Silverado and Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Avalanche, Suburban, Yukon XL, Escalade, Escalade EXT and ESV, Express and Savana Vans, and HUMMER H2

A number of inquiries have been received relating to steering idler arm replacements. As a result, a new idler arm inspection procedure has recently been developed. Prior to replacing an idler arm for suspected wear, refer to the inspection procedure outlined in Document #1637288.

Service VME - Supplement to 00-02-35-003D - Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel #PI01634A - (Apr 21, 2004)

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

SERVICE VME

Some customers may comment on a clunk noise coming from under the hood that can also be felt in the steering wheel, usually at slow speeds during parking lot maneuvers. Current fix has been to lubricate the upper I-shaft assembly. Effective with production on and after March 29, 2004, a new improved over mold material on the spline of the I-shaft (PBT-flow additive) has been implemented to reduce friction and eliminate this noise. Note : Almost all 2004 "MY" vehicles have an improved I-shaft and should not exhibit the clunk condition and should not require any additional lubrication . For service, the new enhanced upper intermediate shaft(s) are now available through GMSPO. Use current SPO part numbers as they will automatically supercede to the newest part number.


Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.

Models:

(02-04 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT,) and (00-04 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL ) and (03-04 Cadillac Escalade ESV) and (99-04 Chevrolet Silverado) and (00-04 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe) and (02-04 Chevrolet Avalanche) and (03-04 HUMMER H2)

This is an Updated version of the first post, provided by JSal69

I was browsing the GM site for TSB's relative to my AV and came across this.
It was just released last week.
I know many here have experienced this problem and  would love a solution.
I'm hoping this takes care of it for us.

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

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Bolt-In Front Crossmember and Add Washers) #03-08-61-002G - (Feb 14, 2006)
Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Bolt-In Front Crossmember and Add Washers)

2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade

2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2004-2006 Chevrolet Silverado

2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2004-2006 GMC Sierra

1500 Series (? Ton) and 2500 Series (? Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

This bulletin only applies to 1500 and 2500 series 2WD vehicles with recirculating ball type steering.

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2006 model year, update the correction information and change the quantity of parts needed. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002F (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction

Remove the bolt-in front crossmember and add washers using the procedure listed below.

Important: DO NOT slot the mounting holes on the crossmember as stated in previous bulletins. Slotting the holes has been found to be less effective and, in some cases, causes the noise condition to be more prevalent.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.

2. Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and the front crossmember from the vehicle.

3. Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the mounting holes.

4. Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. On the driver and passenger side, add washer P/N 11509592, or equivalent hardened washer (see dimensions below), at each bolt head and nut location.

Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 120 N?m (89 lb ft).

5. Apply an even coat of Anti-Corrosion Coating, P/N 12346501, or equivalent, to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection.



Inside Diameter      Outside Diameter       Thickness

14 mm (0.551 in)      35 mm (1.38 in)        3 mm (0.118 in)


Parts Information   

Part Number      Description        Qty

11509592          Washer                8


Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation               Description                                                   Labor Time

E1730                  Crossmember, Front Suspension - Replace          Use published labor time