Chrysler
Chrysler said some 2006-2008 Jeep Commanders built before Oct. 1, 2007, may produce a rattling sound from the glove box area when the blower motor is operating.
One likely cause for the noise, according to the car maker, is leaves, pine needles and other debris making its way into the blower motor housing. A deformed air door baffle screen is the true culprit.
Replacing the baffle screen with a revised design, part No. 55037760AE, and cleaning out the housing should eliminate the noise.
Mazda
Some 2004-2005 Mazda3 models may produce a squeak or grind from the rear brakes when coming to a stop. Mazda said the noise can occur in either Drive or Reverse. The auto maker attributed the problem to a stick/slip condition between the rear brake pads and rotors.
Machining the rotors and installing revised rear pads with a new friction formulation, part No. B3YP-26-48Z, should eliminate the brake noise, Mazda said.
Volkswagen
Owners of 2004 Touareg SUVs may complain of a whining sound from the rear locking differential when making turns.
Volkswagen said the noise is most prevalent on trucks with VIN breakpoints between 7L-4D000039 and 7L-4D059806, and is due to excess friction between the differential clutch plates.
Draining the rear differential and filling it up with a newly formulated final drive oil, part No. G052196A2, should help eliminate the condition, the car maker said.
“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].