File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

03 - Suspension
09-03-08-004E
May, 2014

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Squawk or Creak Type Noise from Front of Vehicle

Models:

2008-2014 Buick Enclave
2009-2014 Chevrolet Traverse
2007-2014 GMC Acadia
2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK

This bulletin has been revised to add 2012-2014 model years and update the Labor Operation
to the Global Labor Code (GLC). Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-03-08-004D.

Condition
Some customers may comment on a squawk, creak or
itch type noise coming from the front suspension of the
vehicle that may be more noticeable in cold
temperatures. This noise will most likely be heard
during small to medium suspension travel. The noise
may occur with the vehicle traveling straight and/or
during turns.

Cause
The cause of this condition at cold weather conditions
may be due to the inside diameter of the front strut
jounce bumper rubbing against the piston rod of the
strut, creating a slip-stick condition.

Correction
1. Identify the noise at the upper strut mount area.
The concern may be on both sides of the vehicle.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and
Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

2246522

Important: Take care not to damage the dust boot or
mount cup during removal.
3. Pull the dust boot/jounce bumper assembly out of
the strut mount jounce cup (1).
4. Slide the dust tube/jounce bumper assembly down
to expose the top portion of the piston rod (1). A
long screwdriver or pry bar may be required to pop
the dust boot/jounce bumper assembly from the
mount cup.
5. Apply grease, GM P/N 12345579
(in Canada, 10953481), around the circumference
of the piston rod ONLY in the exposed area (to top
25 mm (1 in) of the piston rod, measured from
bottom of mount cup).
6. Raise the dust tube/jounce bumper assembly up to
the mount cup.
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Page 2

May, 2014

7. Rotate the dust tube/jounce bumper assembly on
the piston rod to ensure grease is distributed
around the rod.
8. Re-seat the dust tube/jounce bumper assembly
into the mount cup.
Note: After installing the dust tube/jounce bumper, the
vehicle should be driven over a road surface that will
input sufficient jounce travel into the suspension, which
will aid the dust tube/jounce bumper assembly into the
mount cup (speed bump, driveway entrance, or
other bump).
Note: For 2007-2008 model year vehicles built prior to
March 01, 2008, if after performing the above repair the
condition is still present, refer to the latest version of
Corporate Bulletin Number 07-03-08-006 for additional
information.

Bulletin No.: 09-03-08-004E

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

Qty

12345579 (in
Canada,
10953481)

LUBRICANT, DIELECTRIC
SILICONE (1 OZ TUBE)

1

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation
8080088*

Labor
Time

Description
Apply Grease on Strut
Piston Rod

0.5 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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