Toyota
Owners of 2006-07 RAV4 SUVs may complain of a thump or knock from the front suspension when going over bumps or rough road surfaces. One likely cause for the noise, says Toyota, is the front coil springs bottoming out on the chassis. Installing new-design springs, spring bumpers and bumper washers should eliminate the noise immediately. Here are the part numbers technicians will need: No. 48131-42580 (I4/2WD, front spring); No. 48131-42550 (I4/4WD, front spring); No. 48131-42520 (V6/AWD, front spring); No. 48331-42050 (AWD, spring bumper); and No. 48334-42010 (AWD, bumper washer).
General Motors
Some 2007 Pontiac Solstice sports cars may produce a squeak or squawk from the front suspension while being driven over small bumps or rough roads. According to GM, the noise is most prominent in colder temperatures and is the result of the sway bar bushings rubbing against the sway bar or retaining clamps.
The repair depends on the type of suspension option in the vehicle. For FE2 suspensions, replace the sway bar bushings and install a pair of new-design retaining clamps, part No. 15784871. For FE3 suspensions, install upgraded bushings, part No. 25789241, along with the new-design clamps.
Acura
Acura reports that some 1999-2003 3.2 TL, 2001-03 3.2 CL and 2001-04 MDX SUVs may produce a severe vibration at idle, which may be accompanied by rough engagement when the transmission is shifted from Park to Drive or Park to Reverse.
The most likely cause for both complaints, says the luxury carmaker, is a damaged or deteriorated front engine mount. Installing an updated, more durable engine mount should eliminate further trouble. Here are part numbers for the new mount: No. 50810-S87-A82 (1999 3.2 TL); No. 50800-S0K-A82 (2000-03 3.2 TL); No. 50800-S3V-A82 (2001-02 MDX); No. 50800-S0K-A82 (2001-03 3.2 CL); and No. 50800-S3V-A03 (2003-04 MDX).
"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].