Creak-Like Sound Coming From Front End Of Vehicle – 2002 Jeep Liberty

NUMBER: 13-001-01
GROUP: Frame
DATE: Sep. 07, 2001

 

SUBJECT:

Creak-Like Sound Coming From Front End Of Vehicle

 

OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves the adjustment, or possible replacement, of the front skid plate.

MODELS:

2002

(KJ)

Liberty

 

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO AUG. 31, 2001 (MDH 0831XX).

 

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

The vehicle may exhibit a creak-like sound that originates from the front end of the vehicle. This creak-like sound may occur when the vehicle operator either applies the brakes at slow speeds, or when a slow speed turn is made (similar to what may occur during a parking lot maneuver). In a few instances the condition has been described as a pop-like sound.

The technician may erroneously diagnose the cause of this condition as a brake or suspension component.

 

DIAGNOSIS:

Determine if the left forward corner of the front skid plate has made contact with the front crossmember. Refer to the figure below for illustration of the possible contact area. If evidence of contact is present perform the Repair Procedure.

 

PARTSREQUIRED:

Qty.	Part No.	Description
AR (1)	52128539AC	Plate, Front Skid (3.7L)
AR (1)	52128540AC	Plate, Front Skid (2.4L or 2.5L)

 

REPAIRPROCEDURE:

1. Loosen, but do not remove, the four skid plate attaching bolts.
2. Slide the front skid plate as far to the right (passenger side) of the vehicle as is possible. While holding the skid plate in place, tighten the four attaching bolts.
3. With the front skid plate repositioned to the right side, measure the clearance between the left forward corner of the front skid plate and the front crossmember (Fig. 1). 13-001-01 -2-

Fig.1 FRONT SKID PLATE

1 – Front Skid Plate
2 – Left Front Lower Control Arm
3 – Location Of Contact Between Front Skid Plate and Front Crossmember

 

4. If a clearance of 3.1 mm (1/8 in.) or more is now present between the front skid plate and the front crossmember, tighten the front skid plate attaching bolts to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). A new front skid plate is not required.
5. If the clearance between the front skid plate and front crossmember is less than 3.1 mm (1/8 in.), install a new front skid plate.
6. Position the new front skid plate to right side and tighten the front skid plate attaching bolts to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: THE TECHNICIAN SHOULD BE AWARE THAT WHEN A FRONT SKID PLATE IS INSTALLED FOLLOWING ANY SERVICE ACTIVITY, THE SKID PLATE SHOULD BE POSITIONED AS FAR TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS IS POSSIBLE. THIS SHOULD HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT SKID PLATE AND THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER.

 

POLICY:

Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

 

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No:	Description	Amount
13-30-04-90	Skid Plate, Front – Adjust and/or Replace and Adjust	0.2 Hrs.

 

FAILURE CODE:

68

Noisy