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condition. It may not always be necessary to follow a pinpoint test to its conclusion. Carry out only the
steps necessary to correct the condition. Then, test the system for normal operation. Sometimes, it is
necessary to remove various vehicle components to gain access to the component requiring testing.
Reinstall all components after verifying system operation is normal.
PINPOINT TEST A: BRAKE VIBRATION/SHUDDER
Test Step Result / Action to Take
A1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE—
LIGHT BRAKING z
Check that the wheel and tires are correct for the vehicle.
Inspect the tires for abnormal wear patterns.
z Road test the vehicle. Warm the brakes by slowing the vehicle
a few times from 80– 32 km/h (50 to 20 mph) using light braking
applications. At highway speeds of 89–97 km/h (55- 60 mph),
apply the brake using a light pedal force.
z Is there a vibration/shudder felt in the steering wheel, seat
or brake pedal? Yes
GO to
A4 .
No
GO to A2 .
A2 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE—
MODERATE TO HEAVY
BRAKING z
Road test the vehicle. At highway speeds of 89–97 km/h (55- 60
mph), apply the brake using a moderate to heavy pedal force.
z Is there a vibration/shudder? Yes
For vehicles with ABS,
GO to
A3 . For vehicles
with standard brakes,
GO to A4 .
No
Vehicle is OK. VERIFY
condition with customer.
TEST the vehicle for
normal operation. A3 NORMAL ACTUATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
z
During moderate to heavy braking, noise from the hydraulic
control unit (HCU) and pulsation in the brake pedal can be
observed. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise during heavy
braking or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or snowy surfaces is
acceptable and indicates correct functioning of the ABS
system. Pedal pulsation or steering wheel nibble, (frequency is
proportioned to the vehicle speed) indicates a concern with a
brake or suspension component.
z Is the vibration/shudder vehicle speed sensitive? Yes
GO to
A5 .
No
The brake system is
operating correctly. A4 APPLICATION OF THE PARKING BRAKE
z
NOTE: Begin at the front of the vehicle unless the vibration or
shudder has been isolated to the rear.
z This test is not applicable to vehicles with drum- in-hat type
parking brakes. For vehicles with drum- in-hat parking brakes,
proceed to the next test. For all other vehicles, apply the
parking brake to identify if the problem is in the front or rear
brake. At highway speeds of 89–97 km/h (55- 60 mph), lightly
apply the parking brake until the vehicle slows down. Release
the parking brake immediately after the test.
z Is there a vibration/shudder? Yes
GO to
A7 .
No
GO to A5 .
A5 CHECK THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
z
Check the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Check in this section.
z Are the wheel bearings OK? Yes
GO to
A6 . Klj . 48 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Torque Specifications
Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Mustang
Rear shock absorber (upper attachment) 40 30 —
Rear shock absorber (lower attachment) 80 59 —
Shock absorber clevis bracket-to-
axle nut 108 80 —
Upper arm-
to-frame bolt 97 72 —
Upper arm-
to-axle bolt 111 82 —
Lower arm-
to-body attachment bolt 150 111 —
Lower arm-
to-axle bolt 150 111 —
Stabilizer bar-
to-lower arm bolt 55 41 —
Parking brake cable bracket 55 41 —
Axle damper front bolt 90 66 —
Axle damper rear nut 90 66 —
Axle damper bracket-
to-frame bolt 80 59 —
Pinion bumper mount-
to-body bolts 14 10 —
Bracket assembly-
to-differential housing bolt 48 35 —
Wheel nuts 129 95 —
Cobra
Subframe-to-
body bolts 103 76 —
Subframe-to-
rear bracket bolts 103 76 —
Subframe rear bracket-
to-body bolts 80 59 —
Shock absorber-
to-lower arm and bushing bolts 133 98 —
Shock absorber-
to-body nuts 40 30 —
Upper arm and bushing-
to-subframe nuts 90 66 —
Upper arm and bushing-
to-knuckle nut 90 66 —
Lower arm and bushing-
to-subframe bolts 250 184 —
Lower arm and bushing-
to-knuckle nut 115 85 —
Toe link-
to-subframe nut 48 35 —
Toe link-
to-knuckle nut 48 35 —
Stabilizer bar bracket bolt 55 41 —
Stabilizer bar link nuts 48 35 —
Rear axle differential rear insulator-
to-axle housing bolts 103 76 —
Rear brake disc dust shield-
to-knuckle bolts 10 — 89
Brake line-
to-rear brake caliper bolt 40 30 —
Parking brake cable bracket-
to-lower arm and bushing bolt 15 11 —
ABS sensor bolt 23 17 — Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Stabilizer Bar
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. Disconnect the anti- lock brake sensor wires from the brackets.
3. Remove the parking brake cable brackets. 1. Remove and discard the bolts.
2. Remove the parking brake cable brackets.
4. Remove the bolts and the stabilizer bar (5A772). Discard the bolts.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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5. Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduit from the parking brake lever.
6. Remove the clip and disconnect the parking brake cable and conduit from the rear brake
caliper.
7. Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduit from the knuckle (5A968/5A969).
8. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
9. Support the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) with a jack stand. Klj . 2 ba
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8. Tighten the nut.
9. Make sure the marks on the cam bolt and the upper suspension arm and bushing made during
removal are aligned, and tighten the nut.
10. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
11. Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
12. Install the parking brake cable and conduit into the knuckle. Klj . 7 ba
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13. Connect the parking brake cable and conduit to the rear brake caliper and install the clip.
14. Connect the parking brake cable and conduit to the parking brake lever.
15.
CAUTION: The axle retainer must be tightened with the brakes applied and the
wheels off the ground to make sure of correct bearing seating. Failure to do so can
cause the retainer to loosen, causing extensive vehicle damage and loss of vehicle
control.
Lower the vehicle and apply the parking brake or service brakes.
16. Tighten the retainer.
17. Install the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04
18. Lower the vehicle.
19. Check the wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. For additional information, refer to
Section 204 - 00 . Klj . 8 ba
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4. Remove the bolt and the parking brake cable bracket. Discard the bolt.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine 5. Remove the stabilizer bar (5A772). For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this
section.
All vehicles 6. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
7. Position the special tool 014- 00942 under the rear lower suspension arm and bushing- to-axle
pivot bolt.
8. Remove and discard the pivot bolt and nut.
9. Remove the spring (5560). 1. Slowly lower the arm with the special tool 014- 00942.
2. Remove the rear spring and the rear spring insulators (5536). Installation Klj . 2 ba
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5. Remove the special tool 014-
00942.
6. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the alignment mark (curb height).
7. Tighten the lower arm- to-axle pivot bolt.
8. Lower the rear suspension and remove the jack stand.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine
9. Install the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this section.
All vehicles 10. Install the parking brake cable bracket and a new bolt. Klj . 4 ba
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