Steering - Steering Wheel Nibble In Cold Temps
TSB 10-18-809/27/10
VIBRATION/STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE - COLD TEMPERATURES
FORD:
2008-2010 Escape
MERCURY:
2008-2010 Mariner
This article supersedes TSB 10-12-7 to update the Part List.
ISSUE
Some 2008-2010 Escape and Mariner vehicles may exhibit a vibration or nibble in the steering wheel while driving at 55-75 MPH (88-121 Km/h) in cold ambient temperatures of 5-25 °F (-15 to -4 °C). The vibration/nibble may be perceived as a tire or driveshaft balance issue. A steering wheel damper has been developed to correct this condition.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check and adjust tire air pressure as required. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-04.
2. Install the Rotunda Mastertech MTS-4000 Analyzer (257-00018) or equivalent.
3. Road test the vehicle for 15 minutes and record the vibration frequency.
a. If the vibration goes away during the test drive, discontinue this procedure. The concern is due to temporary tire flat spotting which is a normal tire condition. Refer to WSM, Section 204-04.
b. If the vibration remains and the vibration frequency is within the range of 27-33 Hz proceed to Step 4.
c. If the vibration frequency not within the range of 27-33 Hz, do not continue with this procedure. Follow normal WSM diagnostic. Refer to WSM, Section 100-04.
4. Install a revised steering wheel damper.
a. Remove steering wheel. Refer to the WSM, Section 211-04.
b. Remove the trim cover from the rear of the steering wheel.
c. Remove the three (3) damper bracket screws from the steering wheel and remove steering damper. (Figure 1)
d. Attach revised steering wheel damper using existing screws.
e. Install steering wheel trim cover and steering wheel. Refer to the WSM, Section 211-04.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
101808A 2008-2010 Escape, 0.7 Hr.
Mariner: Includes Time To
Install Diagnostic
Equipment And Road Test
To Correct Flat Spots On
Tires. (Do Not Use With
Any Other Labor
Operations)
101808B 2008-2010 Escape, 1.3 Hrs.
Mariner: Includes Time To
Install Diagnostic
Equipment And Road Test
To Correct Flat Spots On
Tires, Condition Still
Present Install The
Revised Steering Wheel
Damper (Do Not Use With
Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4R602 42
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