road noise 2003 VUE

[Murray McIntosh]

I have a 2003 VUE 4 cylinder with CVT transmission
I bought it as a demo unit with 7000Km on it
I now have 16000KM on it and have started noticing
that the amount of road noise seems to be getting louder.
It sounds like the steady drone of airplane engines when
I'm at highway speeds 90 kph. but its also noticable
at lower speeds down to about 40 kph. I checked the
tire pressure and its at 32psi on all 4 tires. I have read
that 2002-2003 models were noisier than the 2004 models. It drives very well
and has no hestitation and
accelerates well, but I'm a bit concerned because I heard
a lot of stories about the CVT trannies blowing up.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[C. E. White]

I have a 2003 VUE 4 cylinder with CVT transmission
I bought it as a demo unit with 7000Km on it
I now have 16000KM on it and have started noticing
that the amount of road noise seems to be getting louder.
It sounds like the steady drone of airplane engines when
I'm at highway speeds 90 kph. but its also noticable
at lower speeds down to about 40 kph. I checked the
tire pressure and its at 32psi on all 4 tires. I have read
that 2002-2003 models were noisier than the 2004 models. It drives very well
and has no hestitation and
accelerates well, but I'm a bit concerned because I heard
a lot of stories about the CVT trannies blowing up.
Any info is greatly appreciated.

Drivetrain - Droning Noise Between 50 - 75 Mph

File in Section: 04 - Driveline Axle

Bulletin No.: 04-04-20-001

Issue Date: February, 2004

Subject:
Drone Noise Between 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h)
(Install New Rear Drive Module Rear Mount Bushing Assembly)

Models Affected:
2002-2004 Saturn VUE vehicles with All Wheel Drive (RPO GQ1)

Condition:

Some customers may comment on a drone noise between 50 to 75
mph (80 - 120 km/h). This noise may be accompanied with a
slight vehicle vibration mostly noticeable during light to
moderate acceleration.

Cause:

This condition may be caused by insufficient dampening of
the rear drive module (RDM).

Correction:

To correct this condition, install the new rear mount
bushing assembly, P/N 22715607, on the RDM. (Refer to
"Differential Carrier Assembly Mount Replacement" procedure
in the appropriate Saturn VUE Service Manual).

Service Procedure:

1. Verify the customer concern. If using the Electronic
Vibration Analyzer, J38792A, or similar tool, look for a
30Hz vibration that exceeds 0.1 g's at 70 mph (113km/h).

Important :The notches in the bushing assembly must be
oriented at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.

2. Replace rear mount bushing assembly on the RDM with P/N
22715607 by following the appropriate Service Manual
procedures. (Refer to "Differential Carrier Assembly Mount
Replacement" procedure in the appropriate Saturn VUE Service
Manual).

3. Verity the repair.

 

[Murray McIntosh]

Thankyou very much for the information. I will be going to the dealership
next week and will bring this info with me.