Here are some technical service bulletins to keep you abreast of the latest repair tips and procedures.
Two pieces of sheet metal rubbing together at the B-pillar and roof panel area on the 1998 Dodge Durango may cause a creaking noise in the upper roof and B-pillar on one or both sides of the vehicle. Road testing the vehicle on uneven road surfaces will produce the noises.
To stop the creaking, Dodge recommends using a structural adhesive to insulate the sheet metal. The first step in the procedure is to remove the headliner and all related components using the procedures as outlined in the appropriate service manual. Next, remove the fasteners from the rear air conditioning (A/C) units, and use wire to hang the unit on the left side.This reduces the amount of strain on A/C lines and the electrical wiring.
Now, protect the interior and surrounding components from drips and excessive adhesive. Starting from the top and working down, apply adhesive to the locations shown in Fig. 1. Fill the voids between the roof rail upper and inner sides.
Apply a bead of adhesive along the underside of the roof panel, upper roof rail and inner roof rail side. Fill the pockets between the B-post inner panel and the roof rail side inner.
The flexible hose attached to the end of the mixing tube should help direct and control the adhesive. (Note: The working time of the adhesive is five to seven minutes at 70 deg F (21 deg C). After this time passes, reassemble the vehicle. The adhesive must set for three to four hours.)
If the vehicle has a rear A/C unit, install the unit to the upper roof rail, and then install the headliner and related components. Dodge allots 1.5 hours of labor time for the B-pillar procedure and adds 0.2 hours for vehicles equipped with rear A/C units.
Eliminate Caddy Water Spots
Some owners of 1998-99 Cadillac Sevilles may complain the rubber portion of the side door exterior moldings and weatherstrips at the beline appear to have water spots that cannot be removed. This condition, sometimes referred to as "leopard spots," is caused by a reaction between the rubber and the finish coating.
To correct this problem, apply Westley's Blech-wite to a clean cloth and coat the entire affected rubber surface. Rinse the surface with clean water, and then dry the rubber surfaces of both sides of the vehicle with a clean cloth. Now apply Auto Excellence 5006 Ultimate to a clean cloth and coat the cleaned rubber surfaces. Take care not to rub the product on painted surfaces, glass or metal trim.
For additional information on Westley's, call (800) 416-1600. For more information on Auto Excellence, call (800) 711 7021. (Note: General Motors does not endorse or prefer either of these products and recognizes that equivalent products may be available.)
Lamp Housing Removal Tips
If the high-mount stop lamp housing on the 1998 Nissan Altima is removed incorrectly, the front tabs may break. This applies to all models except the SE. To correctly remove the lamp:
* Push the stop lamp housing straight back toward the rear window about 3/8 in.
* Lift the forward portion straight up.
* Pull forward to remove.
The high-mount stop lamp on 1994-97 Nissan pickup trucks is prone to corrosion. If you repair the corrosion, prevent a reoccurrence of the problem by using gasket P/N 26593-3B10 when installing the stop lamp. Do not reuse the original gasket or the original replacement gasket. If the stop lamp was damaged by corrosion, install a new lamp assembly, P/N 26590-713400.
Repairing Loose Trim Panels
On some 1998 and 1999 Buick LeSabres and Pontiac Bonnevilles, the front and/or rear door trim panel may be loose or may separate from the top of the door at the inner sealing strip.
To correct this problem on the Buick, remove the door trim panel assembly, referring to the "Doors" subsection of the appropriate service manual.Then remove the staples that attach the inner sealing strip to the door trim panel.
Align the new inner sealing strip along the top of the door trim panel. Next, ensure that the rear cutout in the new inner sealing strip is matched to the rear knob on the back side of the panel. Install the new inner sealing strip from the front side of the trim panel by placing your thumbs on the door trim panel and grasping the new inner sealing strip with your fingers and rolling the sealing strip up and over the edge toward the front side of the door trim panel. Continue this process along the entire length of the inner sealing strip.
Now, invert the door trim panel assembly and turn the back side of the panel toward you. Start at one end and, with one hand, squeeze the belt strip and door trim panel together. Using the 1/2-in. wide, 1/4-in. long, 20-gauge galvanized staples, evenly space 10 staples along the length of the inner sealing strip.
[Author Affiliation]
By Angi Semler
Senior Associate Editor
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