Ford
Drivers of 2009-10 F-150 pickup trucks with satellite radios may complain of water leaking into the passenger compartment.
Ford reports that the leakage will most likely appear near the right-side A-pillar, and is due to an improperly sealed satellite radio antenna.
To make a definitive diagnosis, spray the outside of the truck near the A-pillar with water, using moderate pressure. If a leak develops in the interior, that's your cue that the satellite antenna is the source of the leak.
Begin the fix by removing the antenna's mounting bolt. Now remove the retention clip, compress the plastic clip, then apply upward pressure on the mounting stud and remove the satellite antenna from the vehicle.
Clean both the cab sheet metal and antenna base with a 50/50 mix of rubbing alcohol and water.
Next, turn the antenna upside down and apply a 1/8” bead of RTV sealant, part #TA-357, around the perimeter of the base, as shown in the illustration above.
To complete the fix, allow the sealant to skin for a few minutes, then reinstall the antenna.
General Motors
Some 2005-08 Chevy Cobalt, 2006-08 Chevy HHR and 2007-08 Pontiac G5 models may come into your store with front brake noise accompanied by a pedal pulsation complaint.
When they do, measure the thickness of the front brake pads. If the inner pad is worn significantly more than the outer, chances are dirt, small stones or other debris are getting between the inner pad and rotor.
Installing a new-design shield in place of the spacer between the hub/bearing and steering knuckle should the trouble from recurring.
Here are the part numbers for the new shield listed by model/side, rotor size and part number:
- HHR/right, all, 25884778;
- HHR/left, all, 25884779;
- Cobalt, G5/right, 256mm, 280mm, 25931624;
- Cobalt, G5/left, 256mm, 280mm, 25931625;
- Cobalt, G5/right, 296mm, 25884778; and
- Cobalt, G5/left, 296mm, 25884779.
“Factory Fixes” is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].