2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring —
Cobra
Removal CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Support the No. 1 crossmember with a jack stand.
3. Remove both wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove both mufflers. For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
5. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Section 205 - 01 .
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduits from the parking brake levers.
7. Remove the clip and disconnect the parking brake cable and conduits from the rear brake calipers. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Rotunda Powertrain Lift
014-00765 or Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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12. Unclip the ABS sensor wires from the subframe.
13. Support the lower suspension arm and bushings (5A649) with jack stands.
14. Remove the nuts, bolts and disconnect the shock absorbers (18125) from the lower suspension
arm and bushings. Discard the bolts and nuts.
15. Lower the lower suspension arm and bushings and remove the jack stands.
16. Support the rear subframe using the special tool 014- 00765.
17. Remove and discard the nuts from the subframe front bolts. Klj . 3 ba
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6. Remove the special tool 014-
00765.
7. Support the lower suspension arm and bushings with jack stands.
8. CAUTION: Make sure the hardened washer is installed between the lower
suspension arm and bushing and the shock absorber. Failure to do so can result in
damage and failure of the lower suspension arm and bushing.
Connect the shock absorbers to the lower suspension arm and bushing and install new bolts
and nuts.
9. Clip the ABS sensor wires to the subframe.
10. Install the ABS sensors and the bolts. Klj . 6 ba
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11. Connect the rear brake lines and install the bolts.
12. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the lower suspension arm and bushings and
install the bolts.
13. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the knuckles. 14. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the rear brake calipers and install the clips. Klj . 7 ba
92003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Shock Absorber
Removal
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which will
extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or
component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
CAUTION: When using a hoist that lifts the vehicle by the frame, install new shock
absorbers one at a time.
1. Open the luggage compartment lid. Position the carpet out of the way.
2. Remove and discard the retaining nut, washer and insulator assembly.
3. Raise the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
4. Remove the shock absorber (18125). 1. Remove and discard the bolt and nut.
2. Remove the shock absorber.
Installation SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Damper
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Raise the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
3. Disconnect the damper from the axle. 1. Remove the bolt.
2. Disconnect the damper.
4. Remove the damper. 1. Remove the nut.
2. Remove the outer washer.
3. Remove the damper.
Installation 1. Make sure the inner washer is positioned on the stud. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Wheels And Tires
Inspection and Verification
WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction- Lok® differential will always have both
wheels driving. If, while the vehicle is being serviced, only one wheel is raised off the ground
and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the ground could drive the vehicle off
the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the ground.
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle.
Possible tire disintegration or differential failure could result, causing personal injury and
extensive component damage. Use off- vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.
Be sure to follow the warnings when carrying out inspection and verification.
Road Test
Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are
apparent, refer to Section 100 - 04 .
To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of incorrect inflation and uneven wear, which may
indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.
Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering,
excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.
Replacement tires must follow the recommended:
ztire sizes.
z speed rating.
z load range.
z tire construction type.
Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
zride.
z handling.
z speedometer/odometer calibration.
z vehicle ground clearance.
z tire clearance between the body and chassis.
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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z
wheel bearing life.
z brake cooling.
New wheels need to be installed when vehicle's wheels:
zare bent.
z are cracked.
z are dented.
z are heavily corroded.
z are leaking.
z have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
z have excessive lateral or radial runout.
Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by six wheel nuts.
It is mandatory to use only the tire sizes recommended on the tire chart attached to the vehicle. Larger
or smaller tires can damage the vehicle, affect durability, and require changing the speedometer
calibration. Make sure wheel size and offsets match those recommended for the tire in use. 1. Inspect for signs of uneven wear that may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, front suspension alignment, damaged tie- rod, or steering components.
2. Check tires for: zcuts.
z stone bruises.
z abrasions
z blisters.
z embedded objects.
3. Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Install a new tire when the indicator bands become visible.
Symptom Chart Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Tires show
excess wear on
edge of tread z
Underinflated tires. zADJUST air pressure
in tires.
z Vehicle overloaded. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
overload condition.
z High- speed cornering. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
cause of condition.
z Incorrect ride height. zSET ride height.
z Incorrect wheel alignment. zSET alignment to
specification. REFER Klj . 2 ba
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