SUBJECT: Smooth Road Steering Wheel Oscillation
NO: 22­01­95
GROUP: Wheels & Tires
DATE: Jan 27, 1995
MODELS: 1995 (PL) Neon
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JAN. 3, 1995(MDH 1-03-XX)
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A smooth road steering wheel oscillation/Vibration back and forth may be observed when caving above 50 MPH.
DIAGNOSIS:
DISCUSSION:
PARTS REQUIRED: AR 4509719 Bushing' Front Lower Control Arm Rear
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Use the following flow chart for diagnosis and correction:

DYNAMIC CHECK

Test drive the vehicle on a smooth road with all accessories turned off to determine the speed and magnitude of vibration/shake condition.

All four tire/wheel assemblies are identical (size/brand/model)? NO -> correct as necessary.
YES

Tire appearance OK (no abnormal bulging of sidewall or tread) NO > Replace tire

Tire pressure correct and identical all four tires? NO­ > Adjust tire pressure
YES

Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on backside of wheel(s)? YES > Clean wheels
NO

Evidence of wheel weight missing? ­ ­ > Balance assembly.

NOTE: WHEN Balancing STEEL WHEELS, BE SURE THE CENTERING CONE OF THE BALANCER IS TO THE FACE NOT THE BACKSIDE OF THE WHEEL.

Driveshafts/boots damaged? YES ­ ­ >Repair as necessary.
NO

NOTE: IF ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TAKEN DURING THE VISUAL INSPECTION, TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINE IF THE VlBRATION/SHAKE CONDITION HAS BEEN CORRECTED.

Vehicle corrected? I YES ­ > R etu m vehicle to customer.
NO

OFF VEHICLE BALANCE

Mark the tires with respect to vehicle and lug location. Remove the tire/wheel assembl es from the vehicle and balance to within .25 ozs. Remount the tire/wheel assemblies in the same ocation on vehicle.

Vehicle corrected? ­ ­ YES ­ ­ > Return vehicle to customer.
NO

FRONT WHEEL TOE ADJUSTMENT

Reset toe­in on each wheel between .075degrees and .15degrees as outlined in the 1995 Neon Service Manual (Publication No. 81­270­5025). Pages 2­6 through 2­8.

Vehicle corrected? ­ ­ ­­YES > Return vehicle to customer

NO

FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHINGS
Replace both from lower control am, rear bushings with P/N 4509719, as outlined in the Service Manual, Pages 2­15 through 2­13. The new busings have only one void which mud be installed in the rearward position. See Illustration

Vehicle corrected? YES ­ ­ ­ > Return vehicle to customer.
NO

TlRE/WHEEL/HUB RUNOUT

CHECKS

Perform a tire and wheel runout check as outlined in the Service Manual Pages 22­7 rough 22­8. Replace any components that are out of specification.
Perform a front and rear hub runout check as outlined in the Service Manual Pages 5­44 through 5­4 5 Replace any components that are out of specification.
Test drive the vehicle and verify that the steering wheel oscillation/Vibration has bean corrected.

POLICY: