SUBJECT VEHICLE: 2001-2002 Hyundai Santa Fe.
COMPLAINT: A knocking or squawking noise from the front suspension while driving the vehicle over rough road surfaces at low speeds.
CAUSE/SOLUTION: The noise may originate from the front stabilizer bar bushing. To correct this condition, install a new front stabilizer bar bushing and bracket.
Some Hyundai Santa Fe owners may complain of a “knocking” or “squawking” noise from the front suspension while driving the vehicle over rough road surfaces at low speeds.
This noise may originate from the front stabilizer bar bushing. To correct this condition, follow the steps in this article.
Applicable model
2001-2002 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Vehicles produced through April 12, 2002; VIN: KM85-C73D22U278297.
Repair procedure
NOTES:
• Verify that the vehicle is affected by identifying the vehicle production date and VIN.
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• Apply this procedure to both the right and left sides.
• Please note that the required parts for this repair have changed (see Figure 1).
1. Record the customer’s preset radio stations.
2. Open and secure the hood.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the power steering oil reservoir from the mounting bracket.
5. Remove the power steering return hose tie wrap.
6. Remove the steering column universal joint lower mounting bolt.
NOTE: Make sure to place alignment marks between the universal joint and gear box for reassembly.
7. Lift the vehicle on a hoist.
8. Remove the engine under cover.
9. Remove the exhaust front pipe.
10. Remove the crossmember at the front and rear roll stoppers.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the transaxle and engine support mounts.
11. Support the front suspension crossmember assembly on a frame supporter.
12. Remove the crossmember mounting bolts (four each).
13. Slowly lower the crossmember assembly a maximum of three inches with the supporter. NOTES:
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• A three-inch clearance is sufficient to access the stabilizer bar bracket upper nut.
• While lowering the frame, check that there is no interference with adjacent parts.
• If the vehicle is a four-wheel drive, do not support the frame assembly on the transfer case.
• If you lower the frame assembly more than three inches, disconnect all parts between the crossmember and the body.
14. Remove the front stabilizer bar bracket and bushing.
15. Install the new front stabilizer bar bushing and bracket.
16. Replace the stabilizer bar bushing and bracket on the other side.
17. Reinstall all removed components in the reverse order of removal.
18. Torque all bolts to specification.
For more OE repair information, visit www.alldata.com/promo/mtd2tt/. ■
Written by ALLDATA Editor Dennis Shortino and Technical/Marketing Writer Jeff Webster. Shortino has over 32 years of experience as an auto technician/shop manager and nine years as an auto instructor and contract trainer. He has written for Check Chart’s college level auto repair text books and ASE study guides. He’s an ASE Master & Advanced Engine Performance Technician and is certified by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair as a Master Trainer. He has been with ALLDATA for nine years as an editor. Jeff Webster has 20 years of experience as a writer/editor. The database is provided by ALLDATA, a registered trademark of ALLDATA LLC. ALLDATA is a corporate division of AutoZone Inc. The company’s Web site is www.alldata.com.
