PIP#3932 - Sept.29, 2006 - Slipping clutches, Broken Axles

[TheWastedYears]

If they had built the car w/ traction in the first place, we wouldn't have such absurd wheel hop.

BWoody.... give GM a call a school 'em in the ways. :P

[nduchene]

BWoody solid mounts saves our trannies!

[socalsilverRL]

if they made forged A-arms instead of stamped steel it would have less flex...less hop.

[RL-2005]

its the geometry more than the material selection

[icecruncher]

Originally Posted by my_bd

Found this on the Cobalt forums:
(note that it is not a Techncal Service Bulletin)

Document ID# 1864872
Subject: Transmission fluid Leak Slipping Clutch Or Broken Axle Shaft - keywords crack housing shift slip #PIP3932 - (09/29/2006)

Models: 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
2004-2007 Saturn Ion Redline

Equipped with a 5-Speed Manual Transmission (RPO MU3)

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers have commented about transmission oil in the clutch housing, slipping clutches or broken axle shafts on this model. An analysis of several of these failures has revealed that the problem is due to excessive front wheel hop during WOT acceleration events.

Excessive wheel hop transmits a torsional shock load into the transmission case. This causes the case to crack and transmission fluid to leak into the clutch housing. See photos below.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Stiffer axle shafts and hardware will change the system harmonics and help prevent wheel hop. These planned changes will not be available until the 2008 model year.

Note:: Be advised that failures of this nature are abuse. They are NOT defects in materials or workmanship for which General Motors would be responsible and should not be covered under the terms of the new vehicle warranty. Vehicles with this complaint should be inspected by the dealer and Area Vehicle Manager. A product report should be submitted on each.

Well, kind of pointless including the redlines in this other than to say: "No it's not a warranty issue."

Because "these planned changes will not be available until the 2008 model year" quote only applies to the Cobalt SS.

[vandy0419]

Anyone seen these control arms? Used in the Time Attack Cobalt:

http://www.powellmotorsport.com/inde...d=1&offs et=0

[RL-2005]

ordered

thank you vandy

[vandy0419]

You really ordered those?! Damn...wish I had money to buy a new intercooler pump, much less control arms. It sucks because that place doesn't sell too much. I'd love to get the freaking suspension they made for the Time Attack car! A freaking mix of a G6 knuckle and other things.

[RL-2005]

money is no object when you get promoted to Assistant to the Manager at TB.

[Shabodah]

Originally Posted by RL-2005

its the geometry more than the material selection

I wouldn't even consider forged steel control arms in the race car. Maybe a forged aluminum, but for the price, you just go with chromoly.