1991 FORD FESTIVA suspension

Worn shaft serrationsSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Growl in Steering Pump
Excessive pressure in hosesRestricted hoses, see POWER
STEERING GEAR article
Scored pressure platesSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Scored thrust plates or rotorSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Extreme wear of cam ringSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Rattle in Steering Pump
Vanes not installedSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Vanes sticking in rotorSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Swish noise in Pump
Defective flow control valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Groan in Steering Pump
Air in fluidSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Poor pressure hose connectionTighten and check, replace if
necessary
Squawk When Turning
Damper "O" ring on valve spool cutSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Moan or Whine in Pump
Pump shaft bearing scoredReplace bearing and fluid
Air in fluid or fluid level lowSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Hose or column groundedCheck and replace if necessary
Cover "O" ring missing or damagedSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Valve cover baffle missing or damagedSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Interference of components in pumpSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Loose or poor bracket alignmentCorrect or replace if necessary
Hissing When Parking
Internal leakage in steering gearCheck valved assembly first
Chirp in Steering Pump
Loose or worn power steering beltAdjust or replace if necessary
Buzzing When Not Steering
Noisy pumpSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Free play in steering shaft bearingSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Bearing loose on shaft serrationsSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Clicking Noise in Pump
Pump slippers too longSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Broken slipper springsSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Excessive wear or nicked rotorsSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Damaged cam contourSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Poor Return of Wheel
Wheel rubbing against turn signalSee STEERING COLUMN
SWITCHES article
Flange rubbing steering gear adjusterSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Tight or frozen steering shaft bearingSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Steering gear out of adjustmentSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Sticking or plugged spool valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Improper front end alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
article
Wheel bearings worn or looseSee FRONT SUSPENSION
article
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Ties rods or ball joints bindingCheck and replace if necessary
Intermediate shaft joints bindingSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Kinked pressure hosesCorrect or replace if necessary
Loose housing head spanner nutSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Damaged valve leverSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Sector shaft adjusted too tightSee ADJUSTMENTS in
POWER STEERING GEAR
article
Worm thrust bearing adjusted too tightSee ADJUSTMENTS in
POWER STEERING GEAR
article
Reaction ring sticking in cylinderSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Reaction ring sticking in housing headSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Steering pump internal leakageSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear-to-column misalignmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Lack of lubrication in linkageService front suspension
Lack of lubrication in ball jointsService front suspension
Increased Effort When Turning Wheel Fast Foaming, Milky Power Steering Fluid, Low Fluid Level or Low Pressure
High internal pump leakageSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Power steering pump belt slippingAdjust or replace if necessary
Low fluid levelCheck and fill to proper level
Engine idle speed to lowAdjust to correct setting
Air in pump fluid systemSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Pump output lowSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear malfunctioningSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Wheel Surges or Jerks
Low fluid levelCheck and fill to proper level
Loose fan beltAdjust or replace if necessary
Insufficient pump pressureSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Sticky flow control valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Linkage hitting oil pan at full turnReplace bent components
Kick Back or Free Play
Air in pump fluid systemSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Worn poppet valve in steering gearSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Excessive over center lashSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Thrust bearing out of adjustmentSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Free play in pot couplingSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering gear coupling loose on shaftSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Steering disc mounting bolts looseTighten or replace if necessary
Coupling loose on worm shaftTighten or replace if necessary
Improper sector shaft adjustmentSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Excessive worm piston side playSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Damaged valve leverSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
Universal joint looseTighten or replace if necessary
Defective rotary valveSee POWER STEERING
GEAR article
No Power When Parking
Sticking flow control valveSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Insufficient pump pressure outputSee POWER STEERING
PUMP article
Excessive internal pump leakageSee POWER STEERING
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SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
article
Shroud or housing looseTighten holding screws
Lock plate retaining ring not seatedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Loose sight shieldTighten holding screws
High Steering Shaft Effort
Co l u mn assemb l y misal ign edSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Tight steering universal jointSee STEERING COLUMN
article
High Shift Effort
Column is out of alignmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Seals or bearings not lubricatedSee STEERING COLUMNS
article
Mounting bracket screws too longReplace with new shorter
screws
Burrs on shift tubeRemove burrs or replace tube
Lower bowl bearing assembled wrongSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Shift tube bent or brokenReplace as necessary
Improper adjustment of shift leversSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper Trans. Shifting
Sheared shift tube jointReplace as necessary
Sheared lower shaft leverReplace as necessary
Improper shift lever adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper gate plate adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Excess Play in Column
Instrument panel bracket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Broken weld nut on jacketSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Instrument bracket capsule shearedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Column bracket/jacket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Steering Locks in Gear
Release lever mechanismSee STEERING COLUMN
article
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Front End Noise
Loose or worn wheelSee Wheel Bearing
Adjustment in SUSPENSION
Worn shocks or shock mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Worn struts or strut mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Loose or worn lower control armSee SUSPENSION
Loose steering gear-to-frame boltsSee STEERING
Worn control arm bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Ball joints not lubricatedLubricate ball joints & see
Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Front Wheel Shake, Shimmy, or Vibration
Tires or wheels out of balanceCheck tire balance
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Drive shaft unbalancedCheck drive shaft balance
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Loose or worn tie rod endsSee SUSPENSION
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WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
Worn upper ball jointsSee Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Worn strut bushingsReplace strut bushings
Car Pulls to One Side
Mismatched or uneven tiresCheck tire condition
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn strut bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Improper wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper rear axle alignmentCheck rear axle alignment
Power steering gear unbalancedSee STEERING
Front brakes draggingSee BRAKES
Abnormal Tire Wear
Unbalanced tiresCheck tire balance & rotation
Sagging or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Incorrect front end alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Faulty shock absorbersReplace chock absorbers
Scuffed Tires
Toe-In incorrectSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Suspension arm bent or twistedSee appropriate
SUSPENSION article
Springs Bottom or Sag
Bent or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Leaking or worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Frame misalignmentCheck frame for damage
Spring Noises
Lo o se "U" Bo l t sSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Worn or missing interlinersSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorber Noise
Loose shock mountingsCheck & tighten mountings
Worn bushingsReplace bushings
Air in systemBleed air from system
Undercoating on shocksRemove undercoating
Car Leans or Sways on Corners
Loose stabilizer barSee SUSPENSION
Faulty shocks or mountingsReplace shocks or mountings
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorbers Leaking
Worn seals or reservoir tube crimpedSee SUSPENSION
Broken Springs
Lo o se "U" b o l t sSee SUSPENSION
Inoperative shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Premature Tire Wear
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Front alignment out of toleranceSee ALIGNMENT SPECS in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Suspension components wornSee SUSPENSION section
Steering system components wornSee STEERING section
Improper standing heightSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Uneven or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION section
Bent wheelSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper torsion bar adjustmentSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Worn or defective shockReplace shock absorbers
Tires out of balanceCheck tire balance
Pulls to One Side
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Brake draggingSee BRAKE section
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Mismatched tiresSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Broken or sagging springSee SUSPENSION section
Broken torsion barSee SUSPENSION section
Power steering valve not centeredSee STEERING section
Front alignment out of toleranceSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Defective wheel bearingSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Uneven sway bar linksSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck for frame damage
Steering system bushing wornSee STEERING section
Hard Steering
Idler arm bushing too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Ball joint tight or seizedSee SUSPENSION section
Steering linkage too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Power steering fluid lowAdd proper amount of fluid
Power steering drive belt looseSee STEERING section
Power steering pump defectiveSee STEERING section
Steering gear out of adjustmentSee STEERING section
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Damaged steering gearSee STEERING section
Damaged suspensionSee SUSPENSION section
Bent steering knuckle or supportsSee SUSPENSION section
Vehicle "Wanders"
Strut rod or control arm bushing wornSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Stabilizer bar missing or defectiveSee SUSPENSION section
Wheel alignment out of toleranceSee Adjustment in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT section
Broken springSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorberReplace shock absorbers
Worn steering & suspension componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Front End Shimmy
Tire out of balance/roundCheck tire balance
Excessive wheel runoutSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Insufficient or improper casterSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Worn suspension or steering componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorbersReplace shock absorber
Wheel bearings worn or looseSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Power steering reaction Bracket looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear box (rack) mounting looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear adjustment looseSee STEERING section
Worn spherical jointsSee SUSPENSION section
Toe-In Not Adjustable
Lower control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Camber Not Adjustable
Control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Hub & bearing not seated properlySee SUSPENSION section
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00027342
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignm ent T heory & Operation
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style, equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial and axial runout is
not excessive. Inflation should be at manufacturer's specifications.
Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must not be
sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not have excessive play. See Fig. 1
.

Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage

Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk. Bounce front and rear end
of vehicle several times. Confirm vehicle is at normal riding height.
Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen
opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See Fig. 2
.
Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster
and toe-in using this sequence. Follow instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer. NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
CAUT ION: DO NOT attem pt to correct alignm ent by straightening parts. Dam aged parts MUST be replaced.
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SUSPENSION - FRONT
1991-92 SUSPENSION Front
DESCRIPTION
Front suspension system uses MacPherson strut shock assemblies. The upper ends of the strut assembly are attached to the shock towers and
the lower ends are attached to the steering knuckle. Lower control arm is attached to the chassis. Fore and aft movement is controlled by the
stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is connected to the lower control arm by a connecting link. See Fig. 1
or Fig. 2 .
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Fig. 1: Front Suspension Assembly (Capri)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 2: Front Suspension Assembly (Festiva)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. NOTE:See SPECIFICAT IONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT Section.
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WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearing preload is maintained by a selective spacer in the steering knuckle, between the inner and outer hub bearings. For adjustment
procedures and inspection, see WHEEL BEARING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Raise and support vehicle until tire is just off ground. Move wheel vertically and check for play. If play is noticed between steering knuckle
and control arm, control arm assembly should be replaced. If play is present but ball joint is okay, wheel bearings should be checked for wear
and replaced if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove stabilizer mounting bracket nuts and brackets. Remove split bushings from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bushing nuts at
lower control arms. Remove rear dished washers and bushings.
2. To loosen stabilizer bar, pull forward from control arms. Remove front bushings and washers. Install control arm bushing washers on
ends of stabilizer and install control arm front bushings. Insert ends of stabilizer bar into control arm bushings and install rear bushings
and washers on stabilizer bar ends.
3. Install retaining nuts finger tight. Install split bushings on stabilizer cross bar with split side forward. Position split bushings next to
White locating marks on bar. Install stabilizer mounting brackets. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
STRUT ASSEMBLY & COIL SPRING
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so struts are fully extended. Remove front wheels. Remove brake line clip from strut lower mounting
bracket and remove brake line.
2. Remove 2 bolts retaining strut lower bracket to steering knuckle. Working inside engine compartment, remove 2 nuts retaining strut
mounting block in strut tower. Disengage strut lower bracket from steering knuckle and lower strut from vehicle.
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Using spring compressor, compress spring to unload strut. Pry out mounting block cap and remove strut upper nut and lock washer.
2. Remove strut mounting block and spacer plate. Remove washer, bearing seal and bearing from strut rod. Remove spring upper seat, seat
insulator and coil spring. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from strut. Reverse disassembly procedure to install coil spring a n d
reassemble strut.
Installation
1. Position strut, with spacer plate installed, in strut tower with White alignment mark facing outward. Install and tighten nuts on upper
mounting block studs.
2. Install steering knuckle in strut lower bracket. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts and nuts to
specification.
HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Straighten staked edge of drive axle lock nut flange. DO NOT damage groove or threads in
end of drive axle. Apply brakes to prevent hub assembly from turning. Remove and discard drive axle lock nut.
2. Remove clip which secures brake hose to strut bracket. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end attaching nut. Using Tie Rod End Separator
(T85M-3395A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
3. Remove brake caliper attaching bolts and remove assembly from steering knuckle. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove
clamp bolt and nut where lower control arm ball joint connects to steering knuckle.
4. Using a pry bar, pull down on lower control arm and release ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove 2 bolts which attach steering
knuckle between flanges of MacPherson strut bracket. Slide hub/knuckle assembly off end of drive axle. If binding is present or drive
hub is rusted to half-shaft, use a hub puller to push axle from drive hub.
Installation
1. Apply a thin coat of SAE 30 weight oil to drive axle splines. Slide steering knuckle/rotor/hub assembly onto drive axle. Stop at area
where uppermost arm of steering knuckle seats into MacPherson strut bracket.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW drive axle lock nut. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. Stake
axle lock nut into shaft groove.
WHEEL BEARING NOTE:Inform ation for stabilizer bar rem oval and installation on Capri is not available from m anufacturer.
NOTE:Always use a new drive axle lock nut when servicing drive hub or drive axle.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a pointed tool to stake nut. If lock nut flange cracks, even slightly, during staking process,
it m ust be replaced.
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