2003 FORD MUSTANG height

6. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported condition is found, correct the cause (if
possible) before proceeding to the next step.
7. If the fault is not visually evident, determine the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart .
Symptom Chart z
Front wheel bearing(s)
z Loose or damaged front or rear suspension components
z Loose, damaged or missing suspension fastener(s)
z Damaged spring(s)
z Damaged or leaking strut and spring assemblies
z Damaged or leaking shock absorber(s)
z Worn or damaged suspension bushing(s)
z Loose, worn or damaged steering system components
z Damaged axle components
Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Dogtracking zExcessive rear
thrust angle. z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Front or rear
suspension
components. z
INSPECT the front and rear
suspension system. REPAIR
or INSTALL new suspension
components as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Drive axle
damaged. z
REPAIR as necessary. Refer
to the appropriate section in
Group 205 for the procedure..
z Drift/pull zUnequal tire
pressure. z
ADJUST tire pressure.
z Excessive side-to-
side difference in
caster or camber. z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Tire forces. zROTATE tires front to rear.
z Unevenly loaded or
overloaded vehicle. z
NOTIFY the customer of
incorrect vehicle loading.
z Steering
components. z
REFER to Section 211 - 00 .
z Brake drag. zREFER to Section 206 - 00 .
z Front bottoming
or riding low z
Strut(s). zINSTALL new strut(s) as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 .
z Front coil springs
(5310). z
CHECK ride height. INSTALL
new springs as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 .
z Incorrect tire
wear z
Incorrect tire
pressure (rapid
center rib or inner
and outer edge
wear). z
ADJUST tire pressure. Klj . 2 ba
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REFER to
Section 204 - 04 .
z Strut(s). zINSTALL new strut(s) as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 .
z Shock absorber(s). zINSTALL new shock absorber
(s) as necessary.
z Loose front
stabilizer bar (5482)
or rear stabilizer
bar (5A772). z
TIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Worn stabilizer
assembly bushing
(s). z
INSTALL new bushing(s) as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Front coil spring(s)
or rear spring(s). z
INSTALL new front coil
springs or rear springs as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Vehicle leans to
one side z
Unevenly loaded or
overloaded vehicle. z
NOTIFY the customer of
incorrect vehicle loading.
z Front or rear
suspension
components. z
INSPECT the front and rear
suspension system. REPAIR
or INSTALL new suspension
components as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Front coil springs or
rear springs. z
INSTALL new front coil
springs or rear springs as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Incorrect ride
height. Lateral tilt
out of specification. z
CHECK ride height. INSTALL
new front coil springs or rear
springs as necessary. REFER
to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Vibration/noise zTire or wheel
runout.
z Tire flatspotting.
z Wheel bearings.
z Wheel hubs.
z Brake components.
z Suspension
components.
z Steering
components. z
REFER to Section 100 - 04 .
z Wander zUnevenly loaded or
overloaded vehicle. z
NOTIFY the customer of
incorrect vehicle loading.
z Ball joint(s). zGO to the Ball Joint Inspection
component test in this section.
z Front wheel bearing
(s). z
REFER to Wheel Bearing Inspection in this section.
z Loose, worn or
damaged
suspension
components(s). z
INSTALL new suspension
components as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Loose suspension
fasteners. z
TIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 . Klj . 4 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Arm —
Lower
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do
not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to ensure correct retention of these parts.
1. Mark the front shock absorber (18124) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove the front brake disc shield. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 03 .
5. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the front suspension lower arm (3078) do not
remove the nut from the ball joint (3050) at this time.
Disconnect the ball joint stud from the arm.
zLoosen the nut two or three turns.
z Sharply rap on the front wheel spindle (3105) at the ball joint connection to disconnect
the ball joint stud.
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do
not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to ensure proper retention of these parts.
1. Mark the front shock absorber (18124) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Discard the cotter pin.
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Tie-
Rod End Remover
211- 001 (TOOL- 3290-D) or
Equivalent Coil Spring Compressor
204-
D001 (D78P-5310- A) or
Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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2. Position a jack stand under the front suspension lower control arm inboard of the spring seat
and raise the arm into position.
3. NOTE: The front suspension lower arm nuts must be tightened with the suspension at curb
height.
Install the bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Make sure the spring is correctly positioned in the front suspension lower arm. 1. Spring must not cover this hole.
2. Spring must cover this hole.
5. Remove the special tool. Klj . 5 ba
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6. Move the jack stand under the front suspension lower arm ball joint and raise the suspension
until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb
height).
7. Tighten the nuts.
8. Remove the jack stand.
9. Install the power rack and pinion steering gear. Klj . 6 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Upper Arm
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. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
4. Disconnect the upper arm and bushing (5500) from the axle. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the arm and bushing from the axle.
5. Remove the upper arm and bushing from the mounting bracket. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Remove the arm and bushing.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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Installation
1. Install the upper arm and bushing to the mounting bracket. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
2. Connect the upper arm and bushing to the axle. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
3. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb height). Klj . 2 ba
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