
and left brake lines in place. Install rear suspension struts and wheels. Block wheels and lower vehicle to load suspension to normal ride
height. Tighten torsion beam pivot bolts at body brackets to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-118 N.m).
4. Check rear suspension alignment. Place an alignment mark at the center of the underbody, at a point of equal distance from the right and
left body bracket inboard mounting bolts. From this alignment mark, measure distance to centers of right and left strut lower mounting
bolts.
5. Both measurements must be within .20" (5 mm) of being the same. If not, shift torsion beam body brackets from side-to-side to center
suspension. Once centered, tighten upper body bracket mounting bolts to 40-50 ft. lbs. (54-68 N.m) and lower bolt to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-
118 N.m). Bleed brakes.
TORSION BEAM BUSHINGS
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle to fully extended rear struts. Remove wheels. Remove retaining clip at right brake line routing bracket and
disconnect brake line. Remove clip from left brake line and disconnect at body crossmember.
2. Remove torsion beam pivot bolt bolts and nuts at right and left body brackets. Swing torsion beam trailing arm downward to clear body
brackets.
3. Using piece of wood, block beam in disengaged position. Using Bushing Remover/Replacer (D80L-1002-L), remove bushings from
inboard side of torsion beam arm. See Fig. 6
.
Fig. 6: Removing Torsion Beam Bushing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Installation
1. Place bushings on outboard sides of torsion beam arms with marks "F" and "R" aligned parallel to arm axis. To ease installation,
lubricate bushings with soapy water. Press in bushings using bushing remover/installer.
2. Remove wood block holding torsion beam out of body pivot brackets. Place bushing flange washers on outboard faces of bushings.
Raise torsion beam arms into brackets until pivot bolt holes align.
3. Install pivot bolts through brackets from inboard side but do not tighten nuts at this time. Connect brake lines at routing brackets.
Reinstall brake line retaining clips. Reinstall wheels. Lower vehicle and block wheels. Jounce vehicle until suspension is fully loaded in
its normal riding position. Tighten torsion beam pivot bolt nuts to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-118 N.m). Bleed brakes.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:Bushings have "F" (front) and "R" (rear) stam ped on bushing face. Ensure these m arks are right side
up when "F" is toward front of vehicle.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Capri
Control Arm Bolt-To-Spindle45-55 (61-75)
Inner Control Arm Bolts69-86 (93-117)
Rear Hub Lock Nut18-21 (25-29)
Rear Stabilizer Bracket32-39 (43-55)
Spindle-To-Strut Bolts69-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod Upper Flanged Nut40-50 (54-68)
Strut-To-Strut Tower17-22 (23-29)
Wheel Bearing Lock Nut18-21 (25-29)
Wheel Lug Nuts67-88 (90-120)
Festiva
Brake Backing Plate Spindle Support Bolts32-45 (43-61)
Lower Body Bracket Mounting Bolts69-87 (93-118)
Page 6 of 7 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - SUSPENSION - REAR 1991-92 SUSPENSION Rear
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1983-95 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Pre-Alignm ent Inspection Procedures
PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before making wheel alignment adjustment, perform the following checks:
1. Tires should be equal in size and runout must not be excessive. Tires and wheels should be in balance, and inflated to manufacturer's
specifications.
2. Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted. Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. Check for wear in tie rod
ends and ball joints.
3. Steering gear box must not have excessive play. Check and adjust to manufacturer's specifications.
4. Vehicle must be at curb height with full fuel load and spare tire in vehicle. No extra load should be on vehicle.
5. Vehicle must be level with floor and with suspension settled. Jounce front and rear of vehicle several times and allow it to settle to
normal curb height.
6. If steering wheel is not centered with front wheels in straight-ahead position, correct by shortening one tie rod adjusting sleeve and
lengthening opposite sleeve equal amounts.
7. Ensure wheel lug nuts are tightened to torque specifications.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00060347
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Fig. 2: Adjusting Front Toe
-In
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
REAR TOE-IN
Festiva
Capri
Rear toe should be adjusted before setting front alignment angles. To adjust rear toe, loosen lock nuts and rotate adjustment link on rear
control arms.
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CAPRI)
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (FESTIVA)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:On Festiva, rear toe is not adjustable.
ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front.8.05 To 1.55
Rear-.03-.78 To .72
Caster (1) 1.6.85 To 2.35
Toe-In (1)
Front.30 To .6
Rear.30 To .6
Toe-In (2)
Front.15 (4)0 To .3 (0 To 7.5)
Rear.15 (4)0 To .3 (0 To 7.5)
Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) (1) 12.36N/A
(1)- Measurement in degrees.
(2)- Measurement in inches (mm).
ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1) .67-.25 To 1.58
Caster (1) 1.58.33 To 1.83
Toe-In (1) .28.04 To .52
Toe-In (2) .14 (3.5).02 To .26 (.5 To 6.5)
Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) (1) 14.18N/A
(1)- Measurement in degrees.
(2)- Measurement in inches (mm).
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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (CAPRI)
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (FESTIVA)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Strut Upper Mounting Nuts17-21 (23-29)
Tie Rod Jamb Nut
Front26-30 (35-40)
Rear41-47 (55-64)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-87 (89-118)
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Strut Upper Mounting Nuts32-45 (43-61)
Tie Rod Jamb Nut22-37 (30-50)
Wheel Lug Nuts66-87 (89-118)
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00054866
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1988-94 AUT OMAT IC T RANSMISSIONS
Ford ATX Overhaul
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
DESCRIPTION
The transaxle consists of 3 main units: automatic transaxle, torque converter and differential assembly. The automatic transaxle consists of
front and rear clutches, one-way clutch, low-reverse brake assembly, oil pump and hydraulic controls (valve body and servo piston
assemblies). The valve body is controlled by the governor valve, vacuum throttle valve diaphragm (modulator) and kickdown solenoid. The
torque converter on the Aspire model is a mechanically operated (centrifugal type) torque converter clutch. See Fig. 1
.
Fig. 1: Transaxle Component Identification
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
LUBRICATION & ADJUSTMENTS
See the appropriate TRANSMISSION SERVICING - A/T article in this section. Refer to the following menu:
ON-VEHICLE SERVICE
BAND APPLY SERVO R & I
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove left front wheel. Drain transaxle fluid. Remove valve body. See VALVE BODY . Remove front
stabilizer frame brackets. Carefully raise staked portion of left axle nut. Apply brakes and loosen, but DO NOT remove, axle nut.
Remove left lower control arm ball joint clamp bolt. Pry downward on lower control arm to separate control arm from knuckle.
2. Insert pry bar between transaxle case and left axle flange. Carefully apply force to pry bar until axle circlip is disengaged. Slide knuckle
assembly off axle shaft, and remove axle from vehicle. Quickly install appropriate plug in transaxle.
3. Loosen band adjusting stop and band adjusting stop nut. Remove band strut. Using "C" clamp and socket, compress servo piston into
transaxle case. See Fig. 2
. Remove snap ring. Remove servo retainer, servo piston and spring.
Installation
1. Lubricate servo piston with ATF. Assembly servo retainer, piston, piston large seal and spring. Insert assembly into transaxle. Usin g "C"
clamp and socket, compress assembly and install snap ring. See Fig. 2
. Install band strut to intermediate band. Install band adjusting
stop to band and tighten to 9-10 ft. lbs. (12-15 N.m). Loosen adjusting stop 3 turns. Install and tighten band adjusting stop nut. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
2. Install remaining components in reverse order of disassembly. Fill transaxle with fluid.
ApplicationTransmission
1988-89 Mercury TracerATX
1988-93 Ford FestivaATX
1994 Ford AspireATX
NOTE:T he AT X transaxle is used in som e Mazda m odels and is referred to as the F3A for those m odels. T he
AT X transaxle is also used in som e General Motors and Isuzu m odels and m ay be referred to as the
KF100, KF400 or RMC. Som e of the figures used in this article are courtesy of General Motors Corp. and
are valid figures for this Ford Motor Co. transaxle.
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Fig. 2: Compressing Band Apply Servo
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
DIFFERENTIAL OIL SEALS R & I
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Drain transaxle fluid. Carefully raise staked portion of axle nut. Apply brakes and loosen, but DO NOT
remove, axle nut. Remove lower control arm ball joint clamp bolt. Pry downward on lower control arm to separate control arm from
knuckle.
2. Insert pry bar between transaxle case and axle flange. Carefully apply force to pry bar until axle circlip is disengaged. Slide knuckle
assembly off axle shaft, and remove axle from vehicle. Quickly install appropriate plug in transaxle. Using appropriate puller, remove
seal.
Installation
1. Apply lubrication to new seal. Using appropriate driver, install seal. Install new circlip on transaxle end of axle. Remove transaxle plug,
and carefully install axle into transaxle. Ensure circlip snaps into retaining groove.
2. Install axle into hub. Install NEW axle nut. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. Stake NEW axle nut
with blunt nose chisel. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Fill transaxle fluid to correct level.
OIL COOLER FLUSHING
Contaminates MUST be removed from oil cooler before transmission is put back into service. Replace cooler supply tubes if leaking.
Thoroughly flush oil cooler and lines if a major service or transaxle removal has occurred. It is recommended that a mechanically agitated
cleaner, such as Rotunda (014-00028), be used.
VACUUM THROTTLE VALVE DIAPHRAGM (MODULATOR) R & I
Removal
1. Drain transaxle fluid. Disconnect vacuum hose from modulator. Unscrew modulator from transaxle. Remove control rod. With beveled
side out, insert Vacuum Diaphragm Rod Gauge (T87C-77000-A) into mounting hole until gauge bottoms out.
2. Place gauge rod through opening of gauge until rod bottoms out against vacuum throttle valve. Tighten lock knob on gauge and remove
tool. Using depth gauge, measure distance from flat surface of gauge to end of rod. See Fig. 3
. Select proper length throttle valve rod.
See THROTTLE VALVE ROD DIMENSION CHART
.
THROTTLE VALVE ROD DIMENSION CHART
Installation
Install selected throttle valve rod. Coat threads of modulator with appropriate sealant. To install, reverse removal procedures.
NOTE:If replacing m odulator, it is necessary to replace throttle control valve rod.
Measurement In. (mm)Applicable Rod Length In. (mm)
1.0 (25.4)1.16 (29.5)
1.0-1.02 (25.4-25.9)1.18 (30.0)
1.02-1.04 (25.9-26.4)1.20 (30.5)
1.04-1.06 (25.9-26.4)1.22 (31.0)
1.06-1.08 (26.9-27.4)1.24 (31.5)
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Leak in vacuum circuit. Oil pressure incorrect. Manual valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Front clutch faulty. Brake band
out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
Transaxle Slips In 1st Gear
Incorrect fluid level. Shift linkage faulty, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty.
Contaminated fluid. Incorrect idle speed. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
No 1-2 Shift
Shift linkage defective, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
Contaminated fluid. Manual control valve faulty. Governor valve faulty. Band servo faulty. Brake band out of adjustment. Leak in hydraulic
system. Rear clutch faulty.
No 2-3 Shift
Shift linkage defective, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Leak in vacuum circuit. Faulty kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring.
Contaminated fluid. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Leak in hydraulic system. Front clutch faulty.
No Lock-Up
Faulty torque converter, wiring or solenoid.
1-3 Shift; Skips 2nd
Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
No 3-2 Downshift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Faulty front clutch. Brake band out of
adjustment of damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
No 2-1 or 3-1 Downshift
Leak in vacuum circuit. Manual control valve, governor valve or band servo faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake band out of adjustmen t o r
damaged. One-way clutch faulty.
Slippage When Accelerating In 3rd Gear Above Kickdown Speed
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Leak in vacuum circuit. Oil pressure incorrect. Manual control valve or
governor valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Front clutch faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
No Kickdown At Normal Speeds In 3rd Gear
Leak in vacuum circuit. Kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring faulty. Manual control valve or governor valve faulty. Contaminated fluid. Brake
band out of adjustment or damaged. Leak in hydraulic system.
1-2 & 2-3 Shift Points Too High
ATF contaminated or level incorrect. Vacuum modulator faulty or leak in vacuum circuit. Line pressures incorrect. Manual valve out of
adjustment. Governor valve faulty. Hydraulic circuit leaking.
3-2 & 2-1 Shift Points Too High
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Kickdown solenoid, switch or wiring faulty. Leak in vacuum circuit.
Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve or governor valve faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
1-2 Or 2-3 Shifts With Shift Lever In "1" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Manual control valve faulty. Leak in hydraulic system.
2-1 or 2-3 Shifts With Shift Lever In "2" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or installed incorrectly. Incorrect oil pressure. Manual control valve faulty.
Vehicle Moves In "P" Or Parking Gear Remains Engaged When
Shifted Out Of "P" Position
Shift linkage damaged, out of adjustment or incorrectly installed. Parking linkage out of adjustment or damaged.
Transaxle Noisy In "P" Or "N" Position
Incorrect fluid level. Incorrect oil pressure. Faulty rear clutch, oil pump, one-way clutch or planetary gear.
Transaxle Noisy In "D", "1", "2" or "R"
Oil pressure incorrect. Rear clutch, oil pump, one-way clutch or planetary gears faulty.
Transmission Overheats
ATF level incorrect. Engine stall speed and/or line pressure incorrect. Faulty band servo, front clutch, rear clutch, brake band, low-reverse
brake, oil pump, torque converter or planetary gear. Leak in hydraulic circuit.
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See STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS .
Testing Procedures
1. With engine at normal operating temperature, tachometer installed and parking and service brakes applied, perform transaxle stall test in
"D", "2", "1" and "R" ranges at full throttle and note maximum RPM obtained. Correct stall speed should occur at specified RPM. See
the STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
STALL SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
2. If stall speed is too high in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Worn Oil Pump.
Oil leakage from oil pump, valve body or transaxle case.
Sticking pressure regulator valve.
3. If stall speed is too high in "D", "2" and "1", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping rear clutch.
4. If stall speed is too high in "D", the following component may be faulty:
Slipping one-way clutch.
5. If stall speed is too high in "2", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping intermediate band.
6. If stall speed is too high in "R", the following components may be faulty:
Slipping Low/Reverse Clutch.
Slipping Front Clutch.
7. If stall speed is too low in all shift ranges, the following components may be faulty:
Slipping torque converter one-way clutch.
ROAD TEST
1. Before road test, ensure that fluid level, fluid condition and control linkage adjustments are okay. During test, transaxle should upshift
or downshift at about same speed as specified. See appropriate SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
.
2. All shifts may vary slightly due to production tolerances or tire size. The quality of the shifts are more important. All shifts should be
smooth, responsive and with no slippage or engine flare. Slippage or engine flare in any gear usually indicates clutch or band problems.
3. The slipping clutch or band in a particular gear can usually be identified by noting transaxle operation in other selector positions and
comparing internal units which are applied in these positions. See CLUTCH & BAND APPLICATION
.
SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (ASPIRE & FESTIVA)
VEHICLE SHIFT SPEED SPECIFICATIONS (TRACER)
ApplicationEngine RPM
Aspire2300-2500
Festiva & Tracer2300-2500
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH (km/h)
Half Throttle (50%)
1-29-17 (15-28)
2-316-34 (26-55)
Full Throttle (WOT) (2)
1-228-33 (44-53)
2-355-63 (88-101)
3-253-48 (86-78)
2-124-22 (39-35)
Coasting (2-1)9-6 (14-9)
(1)Transmission is in "D" range.
(2)To determine deceleration shift speeds, release throttle once transaxle has shifted into 3rd gear. Manually downshift shift lever
into next lower gear and record speed at which downshift occurs. Continue downshifting and recording vehicle speed until
transaxle has downshifted into low gear.
Operating Condition (1) Shift Speed MPH
Half Throttle (50%)
1-2 - Carbureted10-19
1-2 - EFI12-21
2-3 - Carbureted17-37
2-3 - EFI37-48
Full Throttle (WOT)
1-230-36
2-360-68
3-253-58
2-124-26
Fully Closed Throttle
Fro m "D" Ran ge (3 -1 )6-9
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