Canada - Suspension - Front End Knocking/Rubbing Noises

Bulletin
TSB2148

Issue Date
December 06, 2004

Market
Canada


Title
FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE

Component
SUSPENSION

Models
'04 Avalon

INTRODUCTION:

In some cases, the customer may hear a knock or rubbing sound from the front suspension, especially when making turns. Replace the front suspension coil springs with a new service part to repair the condition.

APPLICABLE VEHICLES:
- 2004 model year Avalon vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.






PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:






PARTS INFORMATION:






WARRANTY INFORMATION:






REQUIRED SSTs:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:







1. Remove both Front Strut Assemblies from vehicle following the procedures included in ETAS, 2004 model year Avalon Repair Manual: Suspension And Axle; Front Shock Absorber; Removal (Avalon).

NOTE:
Do not loosen the strut assembly upper lock nut.

2. Once both Strut Assemblies have been removed from the vehicle, place them on a work surface.







3. Locate the triangular mark on the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper. The triangle indicates zero degrees from the strut centerline.

If the triangle is not at zero, the procedures in TSB1330, "Vehicle Pull/Drift Improvement Procedure,"may have been performed previously (Front Coil Spring Seat Upper rotation).

4. Remove the front springs using a coil spring compressor, (refer to "Required SSTs"). Compress the coil spring evenly.
5. Install the new front springs onto the strut and the remaining strut components, using the coil spring compressor.







6. Rotate the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper and coil spring insulator COUNTERCLOCKWISE until the triangle is 1 inch (25 mm) from the strut centerline.







CAUTION:
Ensure the lower coil spring is aligned with the Front Coil Spring Insulator Lower.

7. Carefully remove the coil spring compressor while ensuring the coil spring is in the proper location.







8. Recheck the position of the triangle mark on the Front Coil Spring Seat Upper in relation to the strut centerline. If the triangle mark is not 1 inch (25 mm) COUNTERCLOCKWISE from the centerline of the strut, repeat the procedure above.
9. Recheck the position of the coil spring in the lower spring seat and tighten the upper lock nut to specification.

CAUTION:
Inspect the coil spring to verify the painted surface of the spring has not been damaged. If necessary, use touch--up paint to cover any areas where paint has been removed.

10. Reinstall the both Front Strut Assemblies following the instructions in ETAS, 2004 model year Avalon Repair Manual: Suspension And Axle; Front Shock Absorber; Removal (Avalon).
11. Check the vehicle alignment and follow the remaining repair procedures per TSB TSB1081, "Repair Manual Supplement: Vehicle Pulling to One Side."
12. Perform Zero Point calibration after setting the alignment to specification. Refer to TSB TSB1332, "Zero Point Calibration,"for Zero Point reset procedure.

NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.