TSB: M001/98

NOISE FROM DRIVE SHAFT

APPLICABLE MODELS

1996 Protege with VINs T0300001 - T0399999 with manual transmission.

1997-98 Protege with VINs V100001 - W0199999 with manual transmission.

DESCRIPTION

Resonance noise is heard coming from engine compartment at approximately 3,000 RPM. This noise is possibly coming from the right side drive shaft. A dynamic damper has been established for this concern.

Customers complaining of this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Verify customer complaint.

2. Remove front right wheel.

3. Remove right side splashguard.

4. Remove the right side front brake caliper, rotor and guide plate per the Workshop Manual.

5. Remove lock nut by prying open the staked down portion of the outer edge.

6. Remove the two upper bolts holding steering knuckle to front shock.

7. Slide steering knuckle off the drive shaft and move out of position.

NOTE: Leave steering knuckle attached to lower ball joint. This will allow you to pivot steering knuckle out of position without having to remove tie-rod or lower arm ball joint.

8. Separate drive shaft from joint shaft by hammering on a brass or copper bar inserted between them as shown.

9. Mark outer ring and tripod joint to align for re-assembly. Refer to illustration above. Remove snap ring from tripod joint.

10. Using a pry bar and hammer, remove tripod joint from shaft.

11. Remove inner boot from shaft.

12. Install dynamic damper and boot bands (damper fixing bands) on shaft.

13. Position rubber damper as shown and secure in place with boot bands.

14. Reinstall all remaining components in reverse order.

NOTE: Be sure to refill outer ring and boot with proper grease.

15. Verify repair.

PARTS INFORMATION

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty. Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.