8.
CAUTION: Correctly support the power rack and pinion steering gear to avoid
damaging the gear and hoses.
Position the power rack and steering gear out of the way. 1. Remove the nuts and bolts.
2. Position the steering gear so the front suspension lower arm front bolt can be removed.
9. Support the front suspension lower arm with a jack stand inboard of the spring seat.
10. NOTE: Note position of the front coil spring (5310) in the lower arm spring seat. It must be
installed in the same position.
Using the special tool, compress the spring until it is loose in the spring insulator (5415). 11. Remove the front suspension lower arm pivot nuts and bolts. Klj . 3 ba
82003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Lower 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. Remove the muffler assembly(ies). For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
3. Remove the rear spring (5560). For additional information, refer to Spring — Coil in this section.
4. Remove the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) from the body attachment. 1. Remove and discard the bolt and nut.
2. Remove the lower arm.
Installation 1. Install the lower suspension arm and bushing to the body attachment. 1. Position the lower arm. 2. Install a new bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten at this time. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
2.
NOTE: Tighten the lower suspension arm and bushing- to-body attachment bolt after installing
the spring while the suspension is at curb height.
Install the rear spring. For additional information, refer to Spring — Coil in this section.
3. Install the muffler assembly(ies). For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 . Klj . 2 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Stabilizer Bar —
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. Remove the rear coil springs (5560). For additional information, refer to Spring — Cobra in this
section.
2. Raise the subframe into position and remove the front bolts.
3. Lower the subframe out of the vehicle.
4. NOTE: To remove the stabilizer bar link nuts, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding
feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball joint from turning while removing the nut.
Remove the nuts and the stabilizer bar links (5C488). Discard the nuts.
5. Remove the bolts and the stabilizer bar brackets (4A047). Discard the bolts.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring —
Coil
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.
All vehicles
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. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Disconnect the anti- lock sensor wire.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Hi-
Lift Jack
014- 00942 or Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Repair the axle as necessary. Make sure the axle lubricant is at the correct level. Refer to
Specifications in this section.
Axle Vent
NOTE:
If a plugged vent cannot be cleared, install a new one.
A plugged vent will cause excessive seal lip wear due to internal pressure buildup. If a leak occurs,
check the vent. Make sure the vent hose is not kinked. Remove the hose from the vent nipple and
clear the hose of any foreign material. While the hose is removed, pass a length of mechanics wire in
and out of the vent to clean it. Connect the hose when done.
Flange Yoke Seal
Leaks at the axle drive pinion seal originate for the following reasons:
zSeal was not correctly installed.
z Poor quality seal journal surface.
Any damage to the seal bore (dings, dents, gouges, or other imperfections) will distort the seal casing
and allow leakage past the outer edge of the axle drive pinion seal.
The axle drive pinion seal can be torn, cut, or gouged if it is not installed carefully. The spring that
holds the axle drive pinion seal against the pinion flange may be knocked out and allow leakage past
the lip.
The rubber lips can occasionally become hard (like plastic) with cracks at the oil lip contact point. The
contact point on the pinion flange may blacken, indicating excessive heat. Marks, nicks, gouges, or
rough surface texture on the seal journal of the pinion flange will also cause leaks.
When a seal leak occurs, install a new seal and check the vent and the vent hose to make sure they
are clean and free of foreign material.
Axle Shaft Seals
Axle shaft oil seals are susceptible to the same kinds of damage as axle drive pinion seals if incorrectly
installed. The seal bore must be clean and the lip handled carefully to avoid cutting or tearing it. The
axle shaft journal surface must be free of nicks, gouges, and rough surface texture.
Differential Seals
Refer to Section 205 - 02A or
Section 205 - 02B .
Analysis of Vibration WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction- Lok® differential will always have both
wheels driving. If only one wheel is raised off the floor and the rear axle is driven by the engine,
the wheel on the floor could drive the vehicle off the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are
off the floor.
Few vibration conditions are caused by the rear axle. On a vibration concern, follow the diagnosis
procedure in Section 100 - 04 unless there is a good reason to suspect the axle.
Tires Klj . 3 ba
192003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
crayon or chalk.
6. While holding the crayon or chalk against the tire, rotate the wheel slowly in the opposite direction until the feeling of driving the rear axle is encountered again.
7. Measure the length of the crayon or chalk mark on the tire. zIf the length of the mark is 25.4 mm (1 inch) or less, the rear axle backlash is within
allowable limits.
z If the chalk mark is greater than 25.4 mm (1 inch), check for these conditions:
„Elongation of the differential pinion shaft and holes in the differential case (4204).
„ Missing differential pinion thrust washer (4230) or differential side gear thrust
washer (4228).
„ Galling of the differential pinion shaft (4211) and bore.
„ Excessive ring gear and pinion backlash. Follow the procedure for the type of rear
axle to check backlash.
Axle Shaft Bearing Noise
Axle bearing shaft noise is similar to gear noise and differential pinion bearing whine. Axle shaft
bearing noise will usually distinguish itself from gear noise by occurring in all driving modes (drive,
coast, and float), and will persist with the transmission in NEUTRAL while the vehicle is moving at the
speed in which the concern is occurring. If the vehicle makes this noise, remove the suspect axle
shaft, install a new bearing and a new axle seal. Re- evaluate the vehicle for noise before removing any
internal components.
Bearing Rumble
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. This condition is usually caused by a
worn/damaged wheel bearing. The lower pitch is because the wheel bearing turns at only about one-
third of the driveshaft speed. Wheel bearing noise also may be high- pitched, similar to gear noise, but
will be evident in all four driving modes.
Symptom Chart
Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Traction- Lok®
does not work in
snow, mud or on
ice z
Differential. zCARRY OUT the Traction-
Lok® Differential Operation
Check in this section. REPAIR
as necessary. REFER to
Section 205 - 02A or
Section 205 - 02B .
z Lubricant leaking
from the pinion
seal, axle shaft oil
seals z
Vent.
z Damage in the
seal contact area
or damaged or
worn seal. z
CLEAN the axle housing vent.
z INSTALL a new seal if
damage is found.
z Differential side
gears/pinion
gears are scored z
Insufficient
lubrication. z
INSTALL new gears. REFER
to Section 205 - 02A or
Section 205 - 02B . FILL the axle to
specification.
z Incorrect or
contaminated z
INSTALL new gears. REFER
to Section 205 - 02A or
Section Klj . 10 ba
192003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
SPECIFICATIONS
a
In- vehicle repair refill capacities are determined by filling the rear axle with the specified lubricant to
6.4- 14.3- mm (1/4- 9/16-in) below the bottom of the fill hole.
SECTION 205-
02A: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 7.5-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual General Specifications
Item Specification
Lubes and Sealers
SAE 80W-
90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-
80W90- QL WSP-
M2C197- A Premium Long-
Life Grease XG -1-C ESA-
M1C75- B Rust Penetrant and Inhibitor F2AZ-19A501-
A ESR-
M99C56- A High Temperature Nickel Anti-
Sieze Lubricant
F6AZ- 9L494- AA ESE-
M124A- A Clear Silicone Rubber F7AZ-
19554-CA ESB-
M4G92- A Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554-
AA WSK-
M2G351- A5 Lubricant Fill Level Checks
Approximate axle fill capacity
a 1.54-1.66-
liters (3.25-3.50- pints)
6.4-14.3- mm (1/4-9/16- in) below the bottom of
the fill hole Clearance, Tolerance and Adjustments
Maximum ring gear back face runout 0.102 mm (0.004 in)
Maximum differential case runout 0.076 mm (0.003 in)
Differential side gear thrust washer thickness 0.762 mm -
0.813 mm (0.030 in - 0.032 in) Differential pinion gear thrust washer thickness 0.762 mm -
0.813 mm (0.030 in - 0.032 in) Maximum axle shaft end play 0.762 mm (0.030 in)
Ring gear backlash 0.203 mm-
0.381 mm
(0.008 in- 0.015 in)
[(0.305 mm- 0.381 mm
(0.012 in- 0.015 in) preferred] Variation between teeth maximum backlash 0.102 mm (0.004 in)
Pinion flange runout 0.25 mm (0.010 in) T.I.R.
Torque Specifications Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Bolt retaining the differential pinion shaft to the differential case 30 22 —
Bolt retaining the driveshaft yoke to the pinion flange 112 83 —
Bolt retaining the differential housing cover to the differential housing 44 32 —
Oil filler plug 30 22 —
Pinion bearing preload (used pinion bearings) 0.9-
1.5 — 8-
14 Pinion bearing preload (new pinion bearings) 1.8-
3.3 — 16-
29 Adapter for 205-
S127 2.2 — 20 Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...