03-22-2009, 12:37 PM
|
#1
|
Scooby Guru
Member#: 73805
Join Date: Nov 2004
Vehicle:24 TypeS ZO6 White
|
Help for Quelling Those Clunks
Quote:
THUDDING Acuras, clunking Hondas and Chrysler minivans that lose their power steering are noted in recent technical service bulletins.
The bulletins, known as T.S.B.’s, from alldatapro.com offer automakers’ insights into recurring problems with various models. The bulletins are not recalls; they are information provided by manufacturers to their dealers’ service departments and to mechanics. Unless otherwise noted, the manufacturers do not offer payment assistance for these repairs beyond normal warranty coverage.
Alldata.com sells a version of the bulletins to consumers. Here are a few recent examples:
ACURA Some 2007-9 MDX models may make thudding noises when traveling over rough roads. In T.S.B. 08-038 issued on Feb. 6, Acura said the cause in some vehicles was faulty rear shock absorbers, which should be replaced. Vehicles out of warranty may be eligible for free or reduced-cost repair.
CHRYSLER Some 2008 Town & Country minivans may have a loss of power steering assist at low speeds (and the Dodge Caravan may have the same problem). In T.S.B. H16 issued on Jan. 28, Chrysler said about 46,000 of the vans may have a leak in the low-pressure power steering hose. The hose needs to be replaced, which Chrysler will do without charge.
HONDA Some Civics may make a clunking noise at the rear when driving over bumps. In T.S.B. 09-005 issued on Feb. 6, Honda said a rear shock absorber may have come loose on some 2006-9 Civics. Replacing the assembly should quiet things down. Honda will consider full or partial reimbursement for the repair on vehicles out of warranty at the discretion of the district manager.
Honda has added Odyssey models to an earlier bulletin regarding soft brake pedals. In T.S.B. 07-045 issued on Jan. 14, Honda said the antilock brake modulator assembly may need to be replaced on some 2007-8 Odysseys. Honda will consider full or partial reimbursement for the repair on vehicles out of warranty, at the discretion of the district manager.
Also, the drive belt routing on some 2006 Civics may put pressure on the belt’s tensioner, potentially breaking the tensioner pivot bolt and causing a loss of power steering. In T.S.B. 09-007 issued on Jan. 30, Honda said owners should receive a letter stating that their vehicles will need a drive belt tensioner pivot bolt and a rerouted drive belt. The repair is free.
INFINITI Some 2007-8 G35 sport sedans and 2008-9 G37 coupes may have a squeal from the front brakes. In T.S.B. 09-009 issued on Feb. 10, Infiniti said the front brake pads and hardware may need to be replaced.
LEXUS Some 2007 and 2008 ES 350s may have trouble with the front side windows. In T.S.B. SB-0003-09 issued on Jan. 26, Lexus said the windows may give a popping noise and then stop operating. The cars need a new window glass assembly.
Also, some 2006-8 RX 400h crossovers may leak a small amount of oil at the rear of the engine. In T.S.B. SB-0014-09 issued on Feb. 11, Lexus said the vehicles may require a new oil galley plug and gasket.
MAZDA Some 2004-9 RX-8s may need a new coolant reservoir tank. In T.S.B. 0100609 issued on Feb. 10, Mazda said the low coolant light may illuminate even though the coolant level appears fine. The coolant float sensor is deteriorating, absorbing fluid and sinking, causing the improper reading. Replacing the reservoir tank assembly should solve the problem.
MITSUBISHI All 2001-2 Monteros will get an extended warranty on the hydraulic brake booster accumulator. In. T.S.B. 09-35-002 issued in January, Mistubishi said the parts would be warranted for 10 years or 150,000 miles, instead of the original three years or 36,000 miles. Mitsubishi said a faulty part will leak nitrogen, causing a firm brake pedal at startup and a chirping noise from the dash.
TOYOTA Some 2006-9 Highlanders may leak a small amount of oil at the rear of the engine (some Lexus RX 400h crossovers have the same problem). In T.S.B. SB0062-09 issued on Feb. 11, Toyota said the leak in four-wheel-drive models requires a new oil galley plug and gasket.
|
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/au...er=rss&emc=rss
|
|
|