Owners of 2006-07 Pilot SUVs may complain of a rubbing sound from the front of the vehicle while driving.
One likely cause of the noise, Honda said, is the inner fender well making contact with the tire. Replacing the inner fender with an updated design (Part No. 74101-S9V-A10, H/C 8086050, right-side; Part No. 74151-S9V-A10, H/C 8086142, left-side) should eliminate the condition.
Note that the new inner fenders should come with a drilled hole and spring nut positioned about 6.5-inches up from the bottom edge. If they don't, measure 6.5-inches from the bottom, then drill a 0.195-inch hole into the fenders about 0.120-inch from the edge, as shown in the illustration above. Now shave the lip off the edge of the fenders and install a spring nut, Part No. 90331-SD5-003, H/C 2800548.
Continue the job by temporarily installing the new inner fender to the vehicle. Following the illustration, mark the center of the hole on the lip of the bumper about 0.300-inch from the inside edge, then drill a 0.195-inch hole into the lip at the same height as the hole in the inner fender.
To complete the repair, clean the shavings from the holes in the inner fender and bumper, install the inner fender and secure it to bumper with a self-tapping screw through the spring nut.
"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].