2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

z
Clunk— noise from the
front suspension, occurs
in and out of turns z
Loose front
struts or shocks. z
INSPECT for loose nuts
or bolts. TIGHTEN to
specifications. REFER to
Section 204 - 01 .
z Clunk— noise from the
rear suspension, occurs
when shifting from
reverse to drive z
Loose rear
suspension
components. z
INSPECT for loose or
damaged rear
suspension components.
REPAIR or INSTALL
new components as
necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 02 .
z Click or pop— noise from
the front suspension.
More noticeable over
rough roads or over
bumps z
Worn or
damaged ball
joints. z
CARRY OUT a ball joint
inspection. INSTALL
new ball joints or control
arms as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 -
01 .
z Click or pop (FWD
vehicles)—noise occurs
when vehicle is turning z
Worn or
damaged ball
joints. z
CARRY OUT a ball joint
inspection. INSTALL
new ball joints or control
arms as necessary.
z Click or snap— occurs
when accelerating around
a corner z
Damaged or
worn outboard
CV joint. z
INSPECT the outboard
CV joint and boot.
REPAIR or INSTALL a
new CV joint as
necessary.
z Front suspension noise—
a squeak, creak or rattle
noise. Occurs mostly over
bumps or rough roads z
Steering
components.
z Loose or bent
front struts or
shock
absorbers.
z Damaged
spring or spring
mounts.
z Damaged or
worn
control/radius
arm bushings.
z Worn or
damaged
stabilizer bar
bushings or
links. z
Go To Pinpoint Test H .
z Rear suspension noise—
a squeak, creak or rattle
noise. Occurs mostly over
bumps or rough roads z
Loose or bent
rear shock
absorbers.
z Damaged
spring or spring
mounts.
z Damaged or
worn control
arm bushings.
z Worn or
damaged
stabilizer bar
bushings or
links. z
Go To Pinpoint Test I .
z Shudder— occurs during zRear drive axle zCHECK the axle mounts Klj . 37 ba
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acceleration from a slow
speed or stop
assembly
mispositioned. and the rear suspension
for damage or wear.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Incorrect or high
CV joint
operating angle. z
CHECK vehicle ride
height is within limits.
REPAIR as necessary.
z Damaged or
worn front
suspension
components. z
CHECK for a loose
stabilizer bar, damaged
or loose strut/strut
bushings or loose or
worn ball joints.
INSPECT the steering
linkage for wear or
damage. REPAIR or
INSTALL new
components as
necessary.
z Shimmy—most
noticeable on
coast/deceleration. Also
hard steering condition z
Excessive
positive caster. z
CHECK the caster
alignment angle.
CORRECT as
necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 00 .
Symptom Chart—
Tire Noise/Vibration Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Tire noise— hum/moan
at constant speeds z
Abnormal wear
patterns. z
SPIN the tire and CHECK
for tire wear. INSTALL a
new tire as necessary.
INSPECT for
damaged/worn suspension
components. CARRY OUT
wheel alignment.
z Tire noise— noise tone
lowers as the vehicle
speed is lowered z
Out-of- balance
tire. z
BALANCE the tire and
road test. INSTALL a new
tire as necessary. REFER
to Section 204 - 04 .
z Tire noise — ticking
noise, changes with
speed z
Nail puncture or
stone in tire
tread. z
INSPECT the tire. REPAIR
as necessary.
z Wheel and tire—
vibration and noise
concern is directly
related to vehicle
speed and is not
affected by
acceleration, coasting
or decelerating z
Damaged or
worn tire. z
Go To Pinpoint Test J .
z Tire wobble or
shudder — occurs at
lower speeds z
Damaged wheel
bearings. z
SPIN the tire and CHECK
for abnormal wheel
bearing play or roughness.
ADJUST or INSTALL new
wheel bearings as
necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 01 .
z Damaged wheel. zINSPECT the wheel for
damage. INSTALL a new
wheel as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 -Klj . 38 ba
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01 .
z Damaged or
worn suspension
components. z
INSPECT the suspension
components for wear or
damage. REPAIR as
necessary.
z Loose wheel
nuts. z
CHECK the wheel nuts.
TIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 204 -
04 .
z Damaged or
uneven tire wear. z
SPIN the tire and CHECK
for abnormal tire wear or
damage. INSTALL a new
tire as necessary. REFER
to Section 204 - 04 .
z Tire shimmy or
shake— occurs at
lower speeds z
Wheel/tire out of
balance. z
BALANCE the wheel/tire
assembly.
z Uneven tire wear. zCHECK for abnormal tire
wear. INSTALL a new tire
as necessary. REFER to
Section 204 - 04 .
z Excessive radial
runout of wheel
or tire. z
CARRY OUT a radial
runout test of the wheel
and tire. INSTALL a new
tire as necessary. REFER
to Section 204 - 04 .
z Worn or
damaged wheel
studs or
elongated stud
holes. z
INSPECT the wheel studs
and wheels. INSTALL new
components as necessary.
REFER to Section 204 - 01
for the front wheels or
Section 204
- 02 for the rear
wheels.
z Excessive lateral
runout of the
wheel or tire. z
CARRY OUT a lateral
runout test of the wheel
and tire. CHECK the
wheel, tire and hub.
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
z Foreign material
between the
brake disc and
hub or in the
brake disc fins. z
CLEAN the mounting
surfaces of the brake disc
and hub. CHECK the
brake disc fins for material.
z High speed shake or
shimmy—occurs at
high speeds z
Excessive wheel
hub runout.
z Damaged or
worn tires.
z Damaged or
worn wheel
bearings.
z Worn or
damaged
suspension or
steering linkage
components.
z Brake disc or
drum imbalance. z
Go To Pinpoint Test K . Klj . 39 ba
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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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PINPOINT TEST B: ENGINE TICKING NOISE No
INSPECT the wheel
bearings. ADJUST or
REPAIR as necessary.
TEST the system for
normal operation.
A6 CHECK THE FRONT SUSPENSION
z
Check the front suspension for:
zBroken or loose bolts.
z Damaged springs.
z Worn or damaged upper and lower control arm
bushings.
z Loose or rough front bearings.
z Uneven tire wear.
z Are all the suspension components in satisfactory
condition? Yes
GO to
A7 .
No
REPAIR or INSTALL
new components as
necessary. TEST the
system for normal
operation. A7 RESURFACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS
z
CAUTION: Do not use a bench lathe to machine brake
discs.
z NOTE: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to machine the
brake discs. After machining, make sure the brake disc meets
the thickness specification.
z Refer to Brake Disc Machining in this section. Resurface the
front brake discs. Road test the vehicle.
z Is the vibration/shudder present? Yes
GO to
A8 .
No
Vehicle is OK. A8 CHECK THE REAR SUSPENSION
z
Check the rear suspension for:
zBroken or loose bolts.
z Damaged or worn springs or spring bushings.
z Worn or damaged upper and lower control arm
bushings.
z Worn or damaged trailing arms.
z Loose or rough rear bearings.
z Uneven tire wear.
z Are all the suspension components in satisfactory
condition? Yes
GO to
A9 .
No
REPAIR or INSTALL
new components as
necessary. TEST the
system for normal
operation. A9 RESURFACE THE REAR BRAKE DISC OR DRUM
z
CAUTION: Do not use a bench lathe to machine brake
discs.
z NOTE: Follow the manufacturers instructions to machine the
brake discs. After machining, make sure the brake disc meets
the thickness specification.
z Refer to Brake Disc Machining in this section. Resurface the
rear brake discs or drums. Road test the vehicle.
z Is the vibration/shudder present? Yes
CHECK the front
suspension for wear or
damage. RESURFACE
the front brake discs.
TEST the system for
normal operation.
No
Vehicle is OK.
Test Step Result / Action to Take
B1 CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE AT THE FUEL
RAIL z
Disconnect the first fuel line clip. Yes Klj . 49 ba
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PINPOINT TEST G: ENGINE TICKING, KNOCKING OR CONTINUOUS
RATTLE
PINPOINT TEST H: FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE CONDUCT diagnosis of
other suspect components.
Test Step Result / Action to Take
G1 CHECK FOR NOISE AT THE VALVE COVERS
AND THE FRONT COVERS (OHC ENGINES) z
Carry out the Vehicle Cold Soak Procedure in
this section.
z Key in START position.
z NOTE: For a short- duration ticking noise,
multiple engine starts may be necessary.
z Using an EngineEAR, listen closely at the valve
covers and the front covers (OHC engines) by
placing the probe near the surface of the valve
cover and then on the surface front cover.
z Key in OFF position.
z Is the noise source apparent? Yes
REMOVE the appropriate cover and
INSPECT for loose, worn/broken
components. REPAIR as necessary.
TEST the system for normal operation.
No
GO to
G2 .
G2 CHECK FOR NOISE AT THE CYLINDER
BLOCK z
Key in START position.
z Using an EngineEAR, listen closely at the
cylinder block by placing a probe on or near
each freeze plug.
z Key in OFF position.
z Is the noise source apparent? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new components
as necessary.
No
GO to
G3 .
G3 CHECK FOR NOISE WHILE DISCONNECTING
EACH FUEL INJECTOR ELECTRICAL
CONNECTOR, ONE AT A TIME z
Key in START position.
z Disconnect each fuel injector electrical
connector, one at a time, to decrease piston
force and listen for the noise.
z Key in OFF position.
z Is the noise reduced or eliminated? Yes
INSTALL a new fuel injector. TEST the
system for normal operation.
No
INSPECT accessory drive system or the
transmission as a possible source.
Test Step Result / Action to Take
H1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
z
Test drive the vehicle.
z NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this road test.
z During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road.
Using ChassisEARs, determine from which
area/component the noise is originating.
z Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise? Yes
GO to
H2 .
No
The suspension system is
OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis
on other suspect systems. H2 INSPECT THE STEERING SYSTEM
Yes Klj . 53 ba
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PINPOINT TEST I: REAR SUSPENSION NOISE z
WARNING: The electrical power to the air
suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting,
jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can
be accomplished by turning off the air suspension
switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected
inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result
in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
z Raise and support the vehicle.
z Check the steering system for wear or damage. Carry out a
steering linkage test. Refer Section 211 - 00 .
z Inspect the tire wear pattern. Refer to Tire Wear Patterns
chart in this section.
z Are the steering components worn or damaged? REPAIR the steering
system. INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
GO to
H3 .
H3 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK
z
Check the front shock absorbers/strut mounts for loose
bolts or nuts.
z Check the front shock absorbers/struts for wear or damage.
Carry out a "bounce test".
z Are the front shock absorbers/struts loose or
damaged? Yes
TIGHTEN to specifications if
loose. INSTALL new front
shock absorbers/struts if
damaged. TEST the system
for normal operation.
No
GO to
H4 .
H4 CHECK THE FRONT SPRINGS
z
Check the front spring and front spring mounts/brackets for
wear or damage.
z Are the front springs or spring mounts/brackets worn
or damaged? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
GO to
H5 .
H5 CHECK THE CONTROL ARMS/RADIUS ARMS
z
Inspect the control arm bushings for wear or damage.
z Inspect for twisted or bent control/radius arm.
z Are the control/radius arms damaged or worn? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
GO to
H6 .
H6 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR/TRACK BAR
z
Check the stabilizer bar/track bar bushings and links for
damage or wear.
z Check the stabilizer bar/track bar for damage.
z Check for loose or damaged stabilizer bar isolators or
brackets.
z Are the stabilizer bar/track bar components loose, worn
or damaged? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
Suspension system OK.
CONDUCT diagnosis on
other suspect systems.
Test Step Result / Action to Take Klj . 54 ba
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PINPOINT TEST J: WHEEL AND TIRE I1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE
z
Test drive the vehicle.
z NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this road test.
z During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road.
Using ChassisEARs, determine from which
area/component the noise is originating.
z Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise? Yes
GO to
I2 .
No
The suspension system is
OK. Conduct a diagnosis on
other suspect systems. I2 REAR SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK
z
WARNING: The electrical power to the air
suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting,
jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can
be accomplished by turning off the air suspension
switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected
inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result
in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
z Raise and support the vehicle.
z Check the rear shock absorber/strut mounts for loose bolts
or nuts.
z Check the rear shock absorbers/struts for damage. Carry
out a shock absorber check.
z Are the rear shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? Yes
TIGHTEN to specifications if
loose. INSTALL new rear
shock absorbers/struts if
damaged. TEST the system
for normal operation.
No
GO to
I3 .
I3 CHECK THE REAR SPRINGS
z
Check the rear springs and rear spring mounts/brackets for
wear or damage.
z Are the rear springs or spring mounts/brackets worn or
damaged? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
GO to
I4 .
I4 CHECK THE CONTROL ARMS/TRAILING ARMS
z
Inspect the control arm/trailing arm bushings for wear or
damage. Check for loose control arm/trailing arm bolts.
z Inspect for twisted or bent control arm/trailing arms.
z Are the control arm/trailing arms loose, damaged or
worn? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
GO to
I5 .
I5 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR/TRACK BAR
z
Check the stabilizer bar/track bar bushings and links for
damage or wear.
z Check the stabilizer bar/track bar for damage.
z Check for loose or damaged stabilizer bar isolators or
brackets.
z Are the stabilizer bar/track bar components loose, worn
or damaged? Yes
REPAIR or INSTALL new
components as necessary.
TEST the system for normal
operation.
No
Suspension system OK.
CONDUCT diagnosis on
other suspect systems.
Test Step
Result / Action to Klj . 55 ba
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