`B' Pillar - Tapping Noise From Lower Portion

Bulletin No. 024/95
Issued: 7/25/95
Revised: 9/5/95

Category
S

Applicable Model/s
1995 Protege

Subject
TAPPING NOISE AROUND "B" PILLAR

The "Warranty" portion of this bulletin is revised.

APPLICABLE MODELS/VINS
All 1995 Protege with a VIN of JM1BA14**S0172421 and lower.

DESCRIPTION

A tapping noise may be heard from the lower portion of the "B" pillar while traveling over rough roads. This noise is caused by vibration between the inner "B" pillar and the side inner sill. The distance between the spot welds in the lower portion of the "B" pillar is too wide, allowing vibration to occur between the two (2) components.





During production, additional spot welds are provided to reduce vibration in this area. Refer to Fig. 1 Customers complaining of this problem should have the vehicle inspected and, repaired if necessary.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

1. Road test the vehicle to confirm the location of the noise.
^ If the noise is coming from the lower portion of the "B" pillar, proceed to step 2
^ If the noise is not coming from the lower portion of the "B" pillar, refer to the workshop manual for troubleshooting instructions.





2. Remove the front and rear scuff plates. Refer to Fig. 2.
3. Remove the "B" pillar inside trim.





4. Measure the clearance between the inner "B" pillar and the side inner sill.
^ If the clearance is 1 mm or smaller, proceed to step 5.
^ If the clearance is more than 1 mm, the noise is not occurring at this portion of the "B" pillar. Check other areas of the "B" pillar for noise sources.





5. Obtain a screwdriver with the dimensions listed in Fig. 4.
6. Place a mark on the screwdriver where the thickness of the side of the blade is equal to 3mm.
7. Move front seat forward to provide more room.
8. Confirm there are no additional spot welds in the area. Refer to Fig. 1





9. Insert the screwdriver into the center area between the spot welds. Refer to Fig. 5
10. Tap the screwdriver with a hammer until the screwdriver blade reaches the mark made in step 6.
11. Remove the screwdriver and measure the clearance. Clearance should be at least 1mm.
12. Install inner "B" pillar trim and sills.
13. Verify repair.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

(Applies To Verify Customer Complaints On Vehicles Covered Under Normal Warranty.)

[Changed]
Warranty Type: A
Symptom Code: 82
Damage Code: 9K
Part Number Main Cause: B0YW 70 271
Quantity: 0
Operation Number/Labor Hours:
XX0750R1/0.4 Hrs. (one side)
XX0750R2/0.8 Hrs. (both sides)