2003 FORD MUSTANG tires

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Suspension System
Inspection and Verification
1. Road test. zVerify the customer's concern by performing a road test on a smooth road.
2. Inspect tires. zCheck the tire pressure with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. For
additional information, refer to the vehicle certification (VC) label.
z Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
z Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage.
3. Inspect chassis and underbody. zRemove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and
underbody.
4. Inspect for aftermarket equipment. zCheck for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, wheel and tire components
(such as competition, heavy duty, etc.) The specifications shown in this manual do not
apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.
5. Inspect shock absorbers. All vehicles are equipped with gas- pressurized hydraulic shock absorbers. These shock
absorbers are not adjustable or refillable and cannot be repaired.
zOil Leak: A light film of oil (weepage) on the upper portion of the shock absorber is
permissible and is a result or correct shock lubrication. Weepage is a condition in which a
film of oil accumulates on the thin tube (body) and is normally noticed due to the
collection of dust in this area. If shock absorbers exhibit this weepage condition, they are
functional units and new shock absorbers should not be installed. Leakage is a condition
in which the entire shock absorber body is covered with oil and the oil will drip from the
shock absorber onto the pavement. If condition exists:
„Make sure fluid observed is not from sources other than the shock absorber.
„ Install a new shock absorber, if necessary.
z Vehicle Sag: Many times new shock absorbers are installed in an effort to solve a vehicle
sag concern. Shock absorbers by design are hydraulic damping units only and, unlike
suspension springs, do not support any suspension loads. Therefore, installing a new
shock absorber will not correct a vehicle sag concern.
z Installment in Pairs: In the past it was recommended that new shock absorbers be
installed in pairs if one unit became unrepairable. New shock absorbers no longer need
to be installed in pairs when only one unit is not repairable.
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical Klj . 1 ba
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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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z
Excessive front or
rear toe (rapid inner
or outer edge
wear). z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Excessive negative
or positive camber
(rapid inner or outer
edge wear). z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Tires out of balance
(tires cupped or
dished). z
BALANCE tires.
z Rough ride zStrut(s). zINSTALL new strut(s) as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 .
z Shock absorber(s). zINSTALL new shock absorber
(s) as necessary.
z Front coil springs or
rear springs (5560). z
INSTALL new front coil
springs or rear springs as
necessary. REFER to Section 204 - 01 or
Section 204 - 02 .
z Shimmy or
wheel tramp z
Loose wheel nut(s). zTIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 204 - 04 .
z Loose front
suspension
fasteners. z
TIGHTEN to specification.
REFER to Section 204 - 01 .
z Front wheel bearing
(s). z
REFER to Wheel Bearing Inspection in this section.
z Wheel or tire
runout. z
REFER to Section 204 - 04 .
z Tire flatspotting. zREFER to Section 204 - 04 .
z Shock absorber(s). zINSTALL new shock absorber
(s) as necessary.
z Loose, worn or
damaged ball joint
(s). z
GO to the Ball Joint Inspection
component test in this section.
z Loose, worn or
damaged steering
components. z
REFER to Section 211 - 00 .
z Front wheel
alignment. z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Sticky steering,
poor returnability z
Ball joints. zGO to the Ball Joint Inspection
component test in this section.
z Steering
components. z
REFER to Section 211 - 00 .
z Steering wheel
off- center z
Unequal front or
rear toe settings
(side-to- side). z
CHECK the wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary.
z Steering
components. z
REFER to Section 211 - 00 .
z Sway or roll zOverloaded,
unevenly or
incorrectly loaded
vehicle. z
NOTIFY the customer of
incorrect vehicle loading.
z Loose wheel nut(s). zTIGHTEN to specification. Klj . 3 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual General Specifications
Item Specification
Lubricants
Silicone Dielectric Compound D7AZ-
19A331-
A ESE-
M1C171- A Cleaners
Liquid Soap ESR-
M99B135- A Professional Choke and Linkage Cleaner
E8AZ-
19A501- AA ESR-
M14P10- A Custom Bright Metal Cleaner
8A-19522-
A ESR-
M5B194- B Aluminum Wheel Repair Compound E7AZ-
19554-
A ESA-
M4G280- A Tire Balance Weight
Max tire balance weight 140g (5 oz) per wheel
70g (2.5 oz) per flange Tire inflation
Tires See safety certification sticker located inside glove
compartment door
Torque Specifications Description Nm lb-
ft Wheel nuts 129 95 Klj . 1 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Safety Precautions
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: The tire and wheel must always be correctly matched. It is very important to
determine the size of each component before any assembly operations commence. Failure to
adhere to these instructions can result in an explosive separation and cause serious bodily
injury or death.
WARNING: Aftermarket aerosol tire sealants are extremely flammable. Always question
the customer to make sure these products have not been used.
WARNING: Aftermarket wheel assemblies may not be compatible with the vehicle. Use of
incompatible wheel assemblies can result in equipment failure and possible injury. Use only
approved wheel assemblies.
WARNING: Use only wheels and wheel nuts that have been designed for current model
year Ford trucks. Aftermarket wheels or wheel nuts may not fit or function correctly, and can
cause personal injury or damage the vehicle.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when performing any work with
tire and wheel assemblies.
CAUTION: Do not clean aluminum wheels with steel wool, abrasive- type cleaners or
strong detergents. Use Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522- A or equivalent meeting Ford
specifications ESR- M5B194-B.
CAUTION: Reduce the air pressure as much as possible by pushing the valve core
plunger in prior to removing the valve core. Avoid working in a position in which the face or
body is directly over a tire in which there is pressure.
When performing any inspection or repair procedures on wheels (1007/1015) and tires, follow the
preceding safety precautions. SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Wheels And Tires
WARNING: Do not mix different types of tires, such as radial, bias, or bias- belted, on the
same vehicle except in emergencies. Vehicle handling can be seriously affected and can result
in loss of control.
Factory-installed tires and wheels are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads up to and including
full- rated load capacity when inflated to recommended inflation pressures.
Tire and Wheel Runout
Excessive radial and lateral runout of a wheel and tire assembly can cause roughness, vibration,
wheel tramp, tire wear, and steering wheel tremor.
Before checking runout, and to avoid false readings caused by temporary flat spots in the tires, check
runout only after the vehicle has been driven far enough to warm the tires. For additional information,
refer to Section 100 - 04 .
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Wheels And Tires
Inspection and Verification
WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction- Lok® differential will always have both
wheels driving. If, while the vehicle is being serviced, only one wheel is raised off the ground
and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the ground could drive the vehicle off
the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the ground.
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle.
Possible tire disintegration or differential failure could result, causing personal injury and
extensive component damage. Use off- vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.
Be sure to follow the warnings when carrying out inspection and verification.
Road Test
Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are
apparent, refer to Section 100 - 04 .
To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of incorrect inflation and uneven wear, which may
indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.
Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering,
excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.
Replacement tires must follow the recommended:
ztire sizes.
z speed rating.
z load range.
z tire construction type.
Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
zride.
z handling.
z speedometer/odometer calibration.
z vehicle ground clearance.
z tire clearance between the body and chassis.
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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z
wheel bearing life.
z brake cooling.
New wheels need to be installed when vehicle's wheels:
zare bent.
z are cracked.
z are dented.
z are heavily corroded.
z are leaking.
z have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
z have excessive lateral or radial runout.
Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by six wheel nuts.
It is mandatory to use only the tire sizes recommended on the tire chart attached to the vehicle. Larger
or smaller tires can damage the vehicle, affect durability, and require changing the speedometer
calibration. Make sure wheel size and offsets match those recommended for the tire in use. 1. Inspect for signs of uneven wear that may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, front suspension alignment, damaged tie- rod, or steering components.
2. Check tires for: zcuts.
z stone bruises.
z abrasions
z blisters.
z embedded objects.
3. Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Install a new tire when the indicator bands become visible.
Symptom Chart Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Tires show
excess wear on
edge of tread z
Underinflated tires. zADJUST air pressure
in tires.
z Vehicle overloaded. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
overload condition.
z High- speed cornering. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
cause of condition.
z Incorrect ride height. zSET ride height.
z Incorrect wheel alignment. zSET alignment to
specification. REFER Klj . 2 ba
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