Canada - Suspension - Rear End Squawk Noise On Bumps

Bulletin
TSB3396

Issue Date
June 2, 2010

Market
Canada

Title
REAR SUSPENSION "SQUAWK" NOISE

Component
REAR SUSPENSION

Models
'09-'10 Venza

INTRODUCTION:
Some 2009 - 2010 Venza vehicles may exhibit a "squawk/groan" noise from the rear suspension when traveling over bumps, accelerating from a stop, and/or during slow rolling stops. The abnormal noise may be caused by rear coil spring contact with the lower strut seat due to a displaced or damaged rear coil spring lower insulator. An updated rear coil spring lower insulator is available for this condition.






APPLICABILITY:






WARRANTY INFORMATION:






PARTS INFORMATION:






REQUIRED TOOLS & EQUIPMENT:

NOTE:
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

NOTE:
Perform the following procedure on both the right and left sides of the vehicle.







1. Verify the rear coil spring lower insulator is displaced or damaged as shown in Figure 1.
2. Remove the rear strut assembly from the vehicle and disassemble.
For complete strut removal and disassembly procedures, refer to the Repair Manual within E-TAS / TIS library:
- Division: Toyota
- Model: Venza
- Year: 2009/ 2010
- Service Category: Suspension
- Section: Rear Suspension
- Keyword: Rear Shock Absorber: Removal

CAUTION:
Support the rear axle carrier sub-assembly until reinstallation of the rear strut assembly is complete.

3. Reassemble the rear strut assembly with the NEW rear coil spring lower insulator and NEW rear support to rear shock absorber nut.
For complete strut reassembly and installation procedures, refer to the Repair Manual within E-TAS / TIS library:
- Division: Toyota
- Model: Venza
- Year: 2009/ 2010
- Service Category: Suspension
- Section: Rear Suspension
- Keyword: Rear Shock Absorber: Installation

A. Install the rear No. 1 spring bumper.












B. Install the rear lower coil spring insulator.

NOTICE:
Lower Insulator Positioning
- Ensure the insulator is centered in the lower spring seat of the rear strut assembly (refer to Figure 2).
- Ensure the recessed part of the rear lower coil spring insulator is placed directly against the rear strut spring seat "rise" (refer to Figure 3).







C. Temporarily compress the rear coil spring using SST BRNM-ST7200 and install the coil spring with SST onto the rear strut (refer to Figure 4).

NOTICE:
Do NOT use an impact wrench. It will damage the SST.







D. Install the rear suspension support assembly.

HINT:
Align the cutout on the rear shock absorber assembly with the protrusion on the rear suspension support assembly (refer to Figure 5).

E. Install the rear support to the rear shock absorber collar and temporarily install the rear support to the rear shock absorber nut.

NOTICE:
Do NOT reuse the old rear support to the rear shock absorber nut.






F. Install the rear coil spring (refer to Figure 6).

NOTICE:
Do NOT use an impact wrench. It will damage the SST.
- Ensure that the rear coil spring end is positioned in the depression of the rear lower coil spring insulator with the coil end located against the spring seat "rise".
- Ensure the coil spring is seated in the lower insulator with an even gap between the coil spring and lower strut spring seat all the way around.
- Ensure the coil spring does NOT pivot on the coil end during the assembly process.
- Ensure that the stud bolt is positioned 3.5° to the outside of the vehicle. The deviation should be within ± 5°.

G. Inspect the reassembled strut.

NOTICE:
Ensure that the coil spring is seated snug against the spring seat / insulator and that the insulator is not pinched or folded over and caught by the rear coil spring after assembly.

4. Install the assembled rear strut assembly into the vehicle.
5. Install all components previously removed in step 2.
6. Inspect and adjust rear wheel alignment.
7. Road test the vehicle to verify no abnormal noise is present.

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.