Mitsubishi
Drivers of 2007-08 Outlander trucks may come into your store with a complaint of a clicking sound from the front of the truck when it's driven slowly in turns.
According to Mitsubishi, the noise is most obvious in very cold temperatures, decreases in intensity as the vehicle is driven or the ambient temperature rises, and is due to improperly formulated grease in the front CV joints. Installing updated grease and new CV joint boots from two repair kits should eliminate the clicking noise in short order.
For two-wheel-drive trucks, order one repair kit—part No. 3817A157—for each axle. The kit includes a small tub of grease for the outer CV-joint, a larger tub for the inner joint, plus two boots. For four-wheel-drive trucks, order the same kit above for the left-side axle. For the right side of the SUV, you'll have to order a kit that contains a complete axle and one tub of grease, part No. 3817A158.
Lexus
Some 2004-10 RX-Series SUVs may produce a rattling or buzzing sound that appears to emanate from the left side of the dashboard. Be careful, reports Lexus, because there's a good chance the noise is actually coming from the other side of the firewall—at the brake booster check valve. Replacing the check valve with an improved design should eliminate the condition. Order part No. 44730-20080 for valves with a straight nipple; part No. 44730-14050 for valves with a 90-degree nipple.
To make the right diagnosis, go on a road test and lightly accelerate the truck, then quickly take your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you don't hear a rattle or buzz, this information doesn't apply. If you do hear the noise, go ahead and install new-design check valve.
Ford
Owners of 1998-2002 Ranger pickup trucks with manual gearboxes may complain of a hoot or moan from the bellhousing as the transmission is about to be shifted. According to Ford, the noise is most obvious just before the clutch pedal reaches the top of its travel, and is due to a resonance condition setting up in the pressure plate prior to clutch engagement.
Installing a new-design clutch disc and pressure plate is the only way to eliminate the noise. For the clutch disc, order part No. 2L5Z-7550-AARM for four cylinder engines; part No. 2L5Z-7550-BARM for V6 engines. The pressure plate is the same for all engines, and it goes by part No. 2L5Z-7563-AA.
"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]