2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

to
Section 204 - 00 .
z Incorrect tire rotation
intervals. z
ADVISE customer of
condition. ROTATE
tires.
z Tires show
excess wear in
center of tread z
Tires overinflated. zADJUST air pressure.
z Other excessive
tire wear
problems z
Incorrect tire rotation
intervals. z
ADVISE customer of
condition. ROTATE
tires.
z Incorrect tire pressure. zADJUST pressure.
z Loose or leaking shock
absorbers. z
TIGHTEN or INSTALL
new shock absorbers
as necessary.
z Incorrect wheel alignment. zSET alignment to
specification. REFER
to Section 204 - 00 .
z Loose, worn or damaged
suspension components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 .
z Wheel and tire assembly
out of balance. z
BALANCE wheel and
tire assembly.
z Excessive lateral or radial
runout of wheel. z
REFER to Section 100 - 04 .
z Wobble or
shimmy z
Damaged wheel bearings. zREFER to Section 204 - 00 .
z Loose or damaged
suspension components. z
REFER to Section 204 - 00 .
z Bent wheel. zINSTALL a new wheel
as necessary.
z Damaged tire. zINSTALL a new tire as
necessary.
z Loose wheel nuts. zTIGHTEN to
specification.
z High- speed
shake z
Wheel hub face/pilot/bolt
circle runout.
z Tires/wheels.
z Wheel bearings.
z Suspension/steering
linkage.
z Engine.
z Transmission.
z Brake discs/imbalance. z
REFER to Section 100 - 04 .
z Vehicle vibration zDriveline — engine.
z Tires. z
REFER to Section 100 - 04 . Klj . 3 ba
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2.
NOTE: Measure the end play with a Dial Indicator with Bracketry and not by feel.
Knock is also caused by excessive end play in the axle shafts. Up to 0.762 mm (0.030 inch) is
allowed in semi- float axles. The frequency of the knock will be less because the axle shaft
speed is slower than the driveshaft.
Clunk
Clunk is a metallic noise heard when the automatic transmission is engaged in REVERSE or DRIVE.
The noise may also occur when throttle is applied or released. It is caused by backlash somewhere in
the driveline or loose suspension components; it is felt or heard in the axle. Refer to Total Backlash
Check in this section.
Additionally, clunk may be heard upon initial drive- away. This occurs as engine torque shifts vehicle
weight, forcing changes in driveline angles, preventing the driveshaft slip- yoke from sliding on the
output shaft. To correct for this condition, lubricate the slip- yoke splines.
Total Backlash Check 1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Remove the driveshaft. Refer to Section 205 - 01 .
3. Install the special tool. zClamp a rigid bar or pipe to the tool. Clamp the other end of the bar or pipe to the frame
or a body member in order to prevent movement of the rear axle pinion flange.
4. Lower the vehicle so that one rear wheel is resting on a wheel chock to prevent it from turning. The other rear wheel will be used to measure total rear axle backlash.
5. Rotate the free wheel slowly, by hand, until the feeling of driving the rear axle is encountered. Place a mark on the side of the tire, 305 mm (12 inches) from the center of the wheel, with a Klj . 9 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Driveline Angle Inspection
NOTE:
An incorrect driveline angle can cause a vibration or shudder. For additional information, refer
to Section 100 - 04 .
1. Check the vehicle for evidence or overload or sagging. Check for specified air pressures information in all four tires.
2. Normalize the suspension.
3. Drive the vehicle onto a drive- on hoist or back onto a front-end alignment rack.
4. Inspect the suspension and chassis. Verify that the vehicle curb position ride height is within specification. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 .
z Measure the curb position ride height with the vehicle empty and all fluids full.
5. Place the Inclinometer flush against the bottom of the driveshaft. After the tool has been held on the driveshaft surface for 5 seconds, push the ALT ZERO button to calibrate to zero degrees.
Remove the tool.
6. To check the pinion angle, rotate the driveshaft so that the rear axle pinion flange yoke ear is parallel to the floor. Remove the U- joint snap ring, then install the special tool. Check and record
the pinion angle reading.
zIf the angle is not within specification, repair or adjust to obtain the correct angle. Inspect
the rear suspension, rear axle, rear axle mounting or the frame for wear or damage.
SECTION 205-
00: Driveline System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Anglemaster II Driveline
Inclinometer
164-
R2402 or equivalent Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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IN-
VEHICLE REPAIR
Axle Housing Bushing
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. Remove the upper arm and bushing (5500). For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 02 .
2. Using the special tools, remove the bushing.
Installation 1. Using the special tools, install the bushing.
SECTION 205-
02A: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 7.5-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Special Tool(s)
Axle Suspension Bushing Set
204-
S030 (T78P-5638- A) Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Axle Assembly
Removal and Installation
1. CAUTION: The vehicle must be on level ground and at curb height.
Mark the rear shock absorbers relative to their protective sleeve. zDuring installation, raise the suspension to this reference mark before tightening the
suspension fasteners.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. CAUTION: Index- mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange (4851) to maintain
initial balance during installation.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange
pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke
from the flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke
from the flange.
Disconnect and position the driveshaft out of the way. For additional information, refer to
Section 205 - 01 .
SECTION 205-
02A: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 7.5-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Klj . 1 ba
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8. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.
9. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the upper suspension arm and bushings to the
differential housing.
10. Lower the axle slightly, and remove the springs.
11. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the lower suspension arm and bushings to the axle. Klj . 3 ba
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12. Disconnect the lower suspension arm and bushings from the axle.
13. Remove the axle from the vehicle.
14.
CAUTION: Align the index marks on the driveshaft centering socket yoke and the
pinion flange.
CAUTION: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply
Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554- AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-
M2G351- A5 to the threads of the original bolts.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange
pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in
a cross pattern as shown.
CAUTION: Raise the suspension to the reference marks on the rear shock
absorbers before tightening the suspension fasteners.
NOTE: Apply High Temperature Nickel Anti- Sieze Lubricant F6AZ-9L494-AA meeting Ford
specification ESE-M124A- A to the rear anti-lock brake sensor body where it will make contact
when installed.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
zRefer to Section 204 - 02 for rear suspension fastener tightening specifications.
z Refer to Section 204 - 04 for wheel nut tightening specification.
z Check and, if necessary, fill the axle with the specified lubricant to the specified level. For
additional information, refer to Specifications in this section. Klj . 4 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...

IN-
VEHICLE REPAIR
Axle Housing Bushing
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. Remove the upper arm and bushing (5500). For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 02 .
2. Using the special tools, remove the bushing.
Installation 1. Using the special tools, install the bushing.
SECTION 205-
02B: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 8.8-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Special Tool(s)
Axle Suspension Bushing Set
204-
S030 (T78P-5638- A) Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...