SUBJECT: Howl From Rear Brakes During Low Speed Stop
NO: 05-01 -98
GROUP: Brakes
DATE: Jan. 30, 1998
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 05-08-97 DATED NOVEMBER 7, 1997 WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. THE SALES CODES FOR COVERED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN ADDED. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS**.
MODELS: 1995 - 1997 (PL) Neon

** NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL NON ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLES (SALES CODES BRA AND BRC). VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS DID NOT HAVE DRUM BRAKES.**
SYMPTOM/CONDITION: A howl type noise coming from the rear brakes during a low speed (10 mph or less) brake apply in a forward direction. The condition may be more frequent in cold/damp weather during the first few stops with cold brakes.
DIAGNOSIS: While traveling at 10 mph, lightly apply the brakes and listen for a low pitched howl from the rear. If the noise is heard, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
1   05011628AA Brake Shoe Support Plate, Rear With Wheel Cylinder (Right)
1   05011629AA Brake Shoe Support Plate, Rear With Wheel Cylinder (Left)
2   04509544 Gasket, Brake Shoe Support Plate
2   06502432 Retaining Nut, Hub and Bearing Assembly

 
REPAIR PROCEDURE:

This bulletin involves replacing the rear brake shoe support plate with a new brake shoe support plate. Attached to the new plate will be the wheel cylinder assembly and a damper weight.

Raise the vehicle on jack stands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.

  1. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly.
  2. Remove the brake drum.
  3. Remove the dust cap from the rear hub/bearing.
  4. Remove the retaining nut holding the rear hub/bearing to the spindle. Remove the hub/bearing from the spindle.
  5. Remove the rear brake shoes from the brake support plate.
  6. Disconnect the rear brake flex hose tube from the wheel cylinder.
  7. Remove park brake actuator lever from the park brake cable.
  8. Position a 1/2 in. wrench over the retainer fingers on the end of the parking brake cable. Compress cable housing retaining fingers and start cable housing out of support plate. Remove the wrench when retainer is free from the park brake cable mounting hole in the rear of the brake shoe support plate.
  9. 10. Remove the four brake support plate to knuckle attaching bolt and washer assemblies. Separate the brake shoe support plate from the rear suspension knuckle.
  10. Transfer all brake hardware to the new backing plate.
    NOTE: THE NEW BRAKE SHOE SUPPORT PLATE COMES WITH THE WHEEL CYLINDER ATTACHED. THE WHEEL CYLINDER ATTACHING BOLTS SHOULD NOT BE LOOSENED OR REMOVED, AS THE POSITIONING OF THE REAR WHEEL CYLINDER IS CRITICAL.
  11. Install the brake support plate and gasket on the rear suspension knuckle casting.Torque the support plate to knuckle casting bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. Ibs.).
  12. Insert parking brake cable end fitting into brake support plate.
  13. Hand start the hydraulic brake hose tube fitting to wheel cylinder. Torque tube nut
  14. Attach parking brake cable to the parking brake actuator.
  15. Install the rear brake shoe assemblies on the brake support plate.
  16. Install rear hub and bearing assembly onto the rear spindle. Install a new hub and bearing assembly retaining nut. Torque hub and bearing assembly retaining nut to217 Nm (160 ft. Ibs.). Install the dust cap.
  17. Adjust brake shoes assemblies so as not to interfere with brake drum installation.
  18. Install brake drum. Adjust and bleed service brakes
  19. After brake drums are installed, pump brake pedal several times to do final adjustment of the brake shoe assemblies.
  20. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half the specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
  21. Repeat the procedure for the other side.
  22. Test drive the vehicle, then visually inspect the rear brake to ensure no brake fluid leaks are present.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.