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Component Tests
Ball Joint Inspection
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the wheel bearings.
3. Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm (3079) to be tested.
4. While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension lower arm ball joint. Any movement at
or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new front
suspension lower arm. Refer to Section 204 - 01 . z
Steering
components. z
REFER to Section 211 - 00 .
z Wheel alignment. zCHECK wheel alignment.
ADJUST as necessary
(excessive total front toe out). Klj . 5 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Toe Adjustment —
Front
1. Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
2. Turn the engine off, and hold the steering wheel in the straight forward position by attaching a rigid link from the steering wheel to the seat.
3. Check the toe settings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Remove the clamps.
5. Loosen the nuts. zClean and lubricate the nut(s) and front wheel spindle tie- rod threads.
6. NOTE: Do not allow the steering gear bellows to twist when the front wheel spindle tie- rod
(3280) is rotated.
Rotate the front wheel spindle tie- rods.
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Torque Specifications
Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Front shock absorber upper nut 100 74 —
Front shock absorber-
to-spindle nuts 200 148 —
Shock absorber upper mount-
to-body nuts 40 30 —
Shock absorber upper mount-
to-body bolt 40 30 —
Wheel hub and bearing retainer nut 350 258 —
Stabilizer bar bracket nuts 70 52 —
Stabilizer bar link nuts 19 14 —
Anti-
lock brake sensor bolt 6 — 53
Anti-
lock brake sensor wire bracket nut 28 21 —
Ball joint-
to-front wheel spindle nut 175 129 —
Front suspension lower arm-
to-body nuts 200 148 —
Tie-
rod- to-spindle nuts 55 41 —
Steering gear-
to-crossmember nuts 70 52 —
Wheel nuts 129 95 — Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Wheel Knuckle —
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. 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. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove and discard the rear hub retainer (4B477).
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Front Hub Remover
205-
D070 (D93P-1175- B) or
Equivalent Steering Arm Remover
211-
003 (T64P-9171- A) Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Toe Link —
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. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
3. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
4. Support the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) with a jack stand.
5. Remove the nut and bolt and disconnect the shock absorber (18125) from the lower suspension arm and bushing. Discard the nut and bolt.
6. Remove and discard the cotter pin and nut.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Steering Arm Remover
211-
003 (T64P-9171- A) 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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