Dealer Technical Bulletin 68-T-3 – Front Suspension Popping Noise – 1968 Tempest
Bulletin 68-T-3 — Pontiac Motor Division Dealer Technical Bulletin, Section 3, dated October 24, 1967. Attention: Service Manager.
Subject: Front Suspension Popping Noise — 1968 Tempest.
Short answer: A popping or snapping noise during harsh jounce on some 1968 Tempests (built at Baltimore and Framingham plants) is caused by the front lower control arm flange contacting the frame near the front pivot bushing. A shiny spot on the control arm edge confirms the interference; the fix is to grind or file down the offending metal.
A popping or snapping noise which can be misdiagnosed as a mispositioned coil spring, present in the front suspension of a 1968 Tempest when the vehicle is subjected to a harsh jounce, can be caused by interference between the front lower control arm flange and the front frame in the area where the control arm pivots (close to the rubber bushing). See Fig. 1 in the scan below.
The presence of this interference condition can be confirmed by visual inspection of the control arm. If present, there will be a shiny spot at the edge of the rear lip of the control arm near the front pivot point. Inspect both right and left control arms for this condition.
NOTE: This condition will only be found on vehicles built at the Baltimore and Framingham Plants. At the present time, the parts used at these plants are being revised by the supplier.
Repair Procedure
NOTE: This repair should only be performed on vehicles that show visual proof of interference (shiny spot) between frame and front control arm flange.
- Raise vehicle by supporting lower control arm outboard of the spring seat.
- Using a small grinding stone, disc, or file, remove metal from the control arm that caused the interference.
NOTE: The interference may be due to either the lip of the control arm flange exceeding .200″ in width or excessive length of the lip (end of flange should be aligned with the center of the control arm attaching bolt and bushing — see Fig. 2 in the scan below).
- Re-check repair by lowering and jouncing vehicle. If noise is still present, repeat steps 1 and 2 until desired clearance between control arm flange and frame pocket is provided.
NOTE: This interference between the lower control arm and frame in no way affects the operation of the vehicle except for the aforementioned noise complaint.
| Operation | Number | Time Allowance | Trouble Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat rate operation | 031-230-03 | 0.4 hrs. | 31 |
Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
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