Acura American Honda Motor Co. Inc. reported that some rearview mirrors on its Acura vehicles—1999-2003 3.2 TLs, 2001-03 CLs and MDX trucks and 2004-08 TL sedans—may vibrate or shake at the windshield. The luxury car maker attributed the problem to a deformed mounting spring in the base of the mirror bracket.
A new-design spring, part No. 76419-SZ3-J05, is now available to address the concern. To install the upgraded spring, start by removing the rearview mirror from the windshield, according to the company.
Next, turn the mirror over and remove the spring retaining screw. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver, pry the old spring from the mounting bracket. Now install the new spring into the bracket, making sure the wiring harness isn't pinched. Reinstall the screw and tighten, ensuring that the spring is fully bottomed in the bracket. To complete the fix, reattach the rearview mirror to the windshield.
Ford Some 1999-2006 F-Super Duty pickup trucks and 2000-05 Excursion SUVs with diesel engines may exhibit a situation in which the vacuum pump runs continuously, or not at all. In the case of the latter, the climate control system may also default to the Defrost mode, while the 4-wheel-drive system may become inoperative, according to Ford Motor Co.
The company said all these symptoms are limited to trucks built prior to June 27, 2005, and are most likely due to a defective vacuum pump. Installing an improved vacuum pump, part No. 6C3Z-2A451-BA, should eliminate further troubles.
Before installing the new pump, check and, if necessary, repair any leaking or pinched vacuum lines.
GM Drivers of 2003-06 Cadillac CTS models may complain of a creak or squeak from the front suspension while braking or during slow speed turns. One likely cause of the noise, General Motors Co. reported, is contact between the front/lower control arm rear bushing and the outer rate washer.
The company said that installing a plastic spacer from a special kit, part No. 19150047, between the bushing and rate washer should eliminate the noise immediately.
Begin the fix by removing the lower control arm. Now use a punch and hammer to remove the rate washer from the rear bushing. Next, inspect the bushing itself. If you see tears in the rubber don't go any further, just replace the entire control arm.
If all you see is some minor scuffing, however, install the spacer onto the bushing. Now mount the control arm in a press and drive the new rate washer from the kit into the rear bushing. Reinstall the control arm. Repeat the procedure on the other side of the car and the repair is complete.
Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Motors North America reported that some Galant and Eclipse models may produce a high-pitched ringing sound from the front of the car under light braking, at speeds between 5 and 35 mph.
According to the Japanese car maker, the problem afflicts 2001-03 V6 models, as well as 2002-03 four-cylinder models, all built prior to July 23, 2002. Resonance in the front brake caliper supports is the likely source of the noise, the company said. Installing new-design caliper supports, part No. MN102821, on both sides of the vehicle should eliminate the noise in short order.
“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. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]. For more Factory Fixes, go to www.tirebusiness.com and click on the Service Zone icon.