Bulletin No.: 13101
Date: April 2013

Program Bulletin

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM
SUBJECT:

Clunking Noise When Turning

MODELS:

2013 Chevrolet Cruze
THIS PROGRAM IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MAY 31, 2015.

CONDITION
On certain 2013 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles, a possible tear in the passenger side
steering gear boot may allow moisture and contamination to enter the boot. This could cause a
clunking noise when making a turn. If this clunking noise is ignored and contamination
continues to build, it could cause the loss of power steering assist.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to replace the passenger side steering gear boot on all vehicles. On customer
vehicles, dealers are to also inspect the steering gear, and if signs of contamination are present,
replace the steering gear.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
All involved vehicles are identified by Vehicle Identification Number on the Investigate Vehicle
History screen in GM Global Warranty Management system. Dealership service personnel
should always check this site to confirm vehicle involvement prior to beginning any required
inspections and/or repairs. It is important to routinely use this tool to verify eligibility because
not all similar vehicles may be involved regardless of description or option content.
For dealers with involved vehicles, a listing with involved vehicles containing the complete
vehicle identification number, customer name, and address information has been prepared and
will be provided to dealers through the GM GlobalConnect Recall Reports. Dealers will not have
a report available if they have no involved vehicles currently assigned.
The listing may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle
Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other
than follow-up necessary to complete this program is a violation of law in several
states/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this report to the
follow-up necessary to complete this program.
Copyright 2013 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13101

PART INFORMATION
Parts required to complete this program are to be obtained from General Motors Customer Care
and Aftersales (GMCC&A). Please refer to your “involved vehicles listing” before ordering parts.
Normal orders should be placed on a DRO = Daily Replenishment Order. In an emergency
situation, parts should be ordered on a CSO = Customer Special Order.
Part Number
13354440
13423005
13253472
11546593
11609282
11588723
11561374

Description
BOOT KIT,S/GR
GEAR,STRG (W/ MOT)
BOLT, S/GR
NUT, S/KNU
NUT (stabilizer shaft link & outer tie rod)
BOLT (stabilizer shaft insulator clamp)
BOLT, FRT SUSP SUPT

Quantity/Vehicle
1
1 (if req'd)
2 (if strg gear replaced)
2 (if strg gear replaced)
4 (if strg gear replaced)
2 (if strg gear replaced)
2 (if strg gear replaced)

SERVICE PROCEDURE
Special Tools
CH-22610 Keystone Clamp Pliers
Note: Perform boot inspection and replacement on the passenger side of vehicle only.
Vehicles in dealer inventory require replacement of steering gear boot only. The
inspection of the steering gear is NOT required.
Customer vehicles require replacement of the steering gear boot and the inspection of
the steering gear. If the steering gear displays signs of contamination, the steering gear
is to be replaced.
1.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

2.

Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod
Replacement in SI.

3.

Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod nut.

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Bulletin No.: 13101

2375391

4.

Remove the outer boot clamp (1). Discard the clamp.

5.

Cut or otherwise remove the inner boot clamp (3). Discard the clamp.

6.

Remove the steering gear boot (2). For vehicles in dealer inventory, proceed to Step 9. For
customer vehicles, proceed to the next step.

3359424

7.

Inspect steering gear boot (2) for cut (reference picture) on the side facing downwards in
vehicle. Discard the boot.

8.

Inspect inner tie rod, inner steering gear boot (2), and surrounding internal areas for any
evidence of moisture (such as rust) or environmental contamination (such as sand, dirt, or
grime). Note: the discoloration on exterior of gear housing does not indicate leakage and
should not be used to determine the integrity of the interior of the steering gear.


If evidence of contamination is apparent, replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering
Gear Replacement in SI.



If contamination is NOT present, replace only the steering gear boot (2) using Boot Kit
P/N 13354440. Proceed to Step 9.

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Bulletin No.: 13101

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Note: The steering linkage inner tie rod and the steering gear boot must be free of moisture and
debris.
9.

Apply lubricant to both inner ends of the steering gear boot (2).

Note: Ensure the larger end of the steering gear boot is firmly seated in the correct location on
the steering gear.
10. Install the steering gear boot with the NEW inner boot clamp (3) loosely attached.

1865916

11. Use the CH-22610 pliers in order to install the NEW inner boot clamp (1).

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Note: Ensure the small end of the steering gear boot is firmly seated in the correct location on
the steering linkage inner tie rod.
12. Install the NEW outer boot clamp (2)
13. Install the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (1).
14. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod
Replacement in SI.
15. Measure and adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment – Steering Wheel Angle and/or
Front Toe Adjustment in SI.
16. Lower the vehicle.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION – For US and Canada
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer
inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranties. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within
the warranty coverage period and involved in a product program is very important in maintaining
customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle
service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no
charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for
Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
WARRANTY TRANSACTION INFORMATION
Submit a transaction using the table below. All transactions should be submitted as a ZFAT
transaction type, unless noted otherwise.
Labor
Code
V2813
V2814
V2815

Description
Replace Steering Gear Boot Only (vehicles in dealer inventory)
Replace Steering Gear Boot Only (inc. inspect) (customer vehicles)
Replace Steering Gear (inc inspect, steering gear boot & wheel align)
(customer vehicles only)

Labor
Time
1.3
1.4
3.0

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Bulletin No.: 13101

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For US and Canada
General Motors will notify customers of this program on their vehicle (see copy of customer
letter included with this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION – For Export
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify
customers using the attached sample letter.
DEALER PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this program must be held and
inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this program bulletin before customers take
possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this program at no charge to customers, regardless
of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, through May 31, 2015.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for
which there is no customer information indicated on the involved vehicle listing, are to be
contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction
according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is provided
in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Program follow-up cards should not be
used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this program enters your vehicle inventory, or is in
your facility for service through May 31, 2015, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the
program correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

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 tools,
equipment, 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 dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

We Support
Voluntary Technician
Certification

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April 2013

Bulletin No.: 13101
May 2013

Dear General Motors Customer:
We have learned that on your 2013 model year Chevrolet Cruze, a possible tear in the
passenger side steering gear boot may allow moisture and contamination to enter the boot.
This could cause a clunking noise when making a turn. If this clunking noise is ignored and
contamination continues to build, it could cause the loss of power steering assist.
Your satisfaction with your Chevrolet Cruze is very important to us, so we are announcing a
program to prevent this condition or, if it has occurred, to fix it.
What We Will Do: Your GM dealer will install a new passenger side steering gear boot. Your
dealer will also inspect the steering gear, and if signs of contamination are present, replace the
steering gear. This service will be performed for you at no charge until May 31, 2015. After
that, any applicable warranty will apply.
What You Should Do: To limit any possible inconvenience, we recommend that you contact
your dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for this repair. By scheduling an
appointment, your dealer can ensure that the necessary parts will be available on your
scheduled appointment date.
If you have any questions or concerns that your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the
appropriate Customer Assistance Center at the number listed below.
Division

Number

Chevrolet
Guam
Puerto Rico – English
Puerto Rico – Español
Virgin Islands

1-800-222-1020
65-6267-1752
1-800-496-9992
1-800-496-9993
1-800-496-9994

Text Telephones
(TTY)
1-800-833-2438

Courtesy Transportation: If your vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, your
dealer may provide you with shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation while
your vehicle is at the dealership for this repair. Please refer to your Owner Manual and your
dealer for details on Courtesy Transportation.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern that this situation may cause you. We want
you to know that we will do our best, throughout your ownership experience, to ensure that your
Chevrolet Cruze provides you many miles of enjoyable driving.
Jim Moloney
General Director,
Customer and Relationship Services
13101