Suspension - Shudder/Vibration On Acceleration
TSB 11-9-1710/03/11
SHUDDER/VIBRATION ON MODERATE TO HARD
ACCELERATION 3.988 M (157 IN) WHEELBASE -
BUILT ON OR BEFORE 6/21/2011
FORD:
2010-2011 F-150
ISSUE
Some 2010-2011 F-150 Crew Cab 4X4 with 3.988 m (157") wheelbase built on or before 6/21/2011 may exhibit a shudder/vibration on moderate to hard acceleration.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to improve the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
It is important to confirm how the vehicle is driven the majority of the time (loaded or unloaded) as adjusting the driveline angle may result in a shudder or vibration if vehicle payload changes frequently.
This procedure should only be used to correct or improve a shudder or vibration in described condition as per vehicle build configuration.
Some shudder/vibration on take-off may be normal under heavy load or trailer tow conditions. Refer to the Owners Guide and Towing Guide for additional information/specifications regarding towing and vehicle loading. With spring configuration on 3.988 m (157") wheelbase, the shudder/vibration concern may occur when loaded or unloaded.
This procedure will improve the severity of takeoff shudder/vibration based on vehicle load conditions.
1. Verify vehicle suspension and rear ride height is not modified from the original configuration. The vehicle must be at original specifications before an accurate evaluation and diagnosis can be performed. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 204-00.
2. Obtain the engineering part number suffix from the rear spring sticker.
a. If sticker is not legible:
(1) Enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) and run OASIS on professional technician society (PTS) website.
(2) Select Historical Vehicle Build of Material (HVBOM).
(3) Select Find Vehicle.
(4) Select all, type part number 5560 in Limit to Base box then select view BOM.
b. If the engineering part number suffix of the rear spring is XXXX-5560-A,
(1) If the shudder/vibration occurs under unloaded or curb weight conditions, proceed to Procedure A, Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration When Unloaded.
(2) If the shudder/vibration occurs under loaded or towing conditions, proceed to Procedure B, Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration When Loaded/Towing.
c. If the engineering part number suffix of the rear spring is XXXX-5560-JC, and the shudder/vibration occurs under unloaded or loaded/towing conditions, proceed to Procedure C, Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration When Unloaded or Loaded/Towing.
d. If the condition when the shudder/vibration occurs does not match one of the conditions noted above based on vehicle build configuration, do not continue with this article. Refer to WSM, Section 205-00 for normal diagnostics.
Procedure A: Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration Unloaded
NOTE
PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE ON ONE REAR SPRING AT A TIME.
1. With the vehicle in neutral, position it on a hoist. Refer to WSM, Section 100-02
2. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.
3. Remove and discard the U-bolt nuts and U-bolts.
4. Remove and discard the existing 4WD spring spacer.
5. Install 4WD spring spacer 9L3Z-5598-B (engineering part number 9L34-5A799-BB).
NOTE
THIS SPRING SPACER IS FLAT WITH NO MARKINGS OR ANGLED SURFACE.
6. Position the U-bolt plate and install new U-bolts and nuts. Tighten until snug.
7. Remove the jack and allow the axle to hang (unsprung).
8. Lower the vehicle until weight of vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires (curb height).
9. Tighten the U-bolt nuts in 4 stages:
a. Tighten in a cross pattern to 35 N.m (26 lb-ft).
b. Tighten in a cross pattern to 70 N.m (52 lb-ft).
c. Tighten in a cross pattern to 100 N.m (74 lb-ft).
d. Tighten in a cross pattern to 133 N.m (98 lb-ft).
10. Repeat Procedure A on opposite side rear spring assembly.
Procedure B: Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration Loaded/Towing
1. Remove and discard part suffix A rear springs and replace with part suffix JC rear springs. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02.
Procedure C: Shudder/Vibration on Moderate to Hard Acceleration Unloaded or Loaded/Towing
NOTE
PERFORM THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE ON ONE REAR SPRING AT A TIME.
1. With the vehicle in neutral, position it on a hoist. Refer to WSM, Section 100-02
2. Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.
3. Remove and discard the U-bolt nuts and U-bolts.
4. Remove and discard the existing 4WD spring spacer.
5. Install 4WD spring spacer BL3Z-5729-B (engineering part number BL34-5A799-CA)
NOTE
THIS SPRING SPACER IS ANGLED WITH ARROWS INDICATING DIRECTION OF INSTALLATION FOR EITHER 128" OR 157" WHEELBASE APPLICATIONS. INSTALL SPACER WITH THE ARROW FOR 157" POINTING TOWARD FRONT OF VEHICLE.
6. Position the U-bolt plate and install new U-bolts and nuts. Tighten until snug.
7. Remove the jack and allow the axle to hang (unsprung).
8. Lower the vehicle until weight of vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires (curb height).
9. Tighten the U-bolt nuts in 4 stages:
a. Tighten in a cross pattern to 35 N.m (26 lb-ft).
b. Tighten in a cross pattern to 70 N.m (52 lb-ft).
c. Tighten in a cross pattern to 100 N.m (74 lb-ft).
d. Tighten in a cross pattern to 133 N.m (98 lb-ft).
10. Repeat Procedure C on opposite side rear spring assembly.
NOTE
MANY VEHICLE CONDITION FACTORS CAN AFFECT DRIVELINE ANGLES. DRIVELINE ANGLES, TIRE SIZE/PRESSURE, RIDE HEIGHT, AND CONDITION OF SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOULD BE VERIFIED TO ENSURE THEY ARE NOT ATTRIBUTING TO THE CONCERN AS PER WSM, SECTION 205-00.
NOTE
BASED ON CUSTOMER USAGE, AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF SHUDDER/VIBRATION MAY REMAIN AFTER 4WD SPRING SPACER INSTALLATION. THIS IS DUE TO THE CHANGE IN OPERATING ANGLES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO VARYING LOADED OR UNLOADED CONDITIONS.
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
110917A 2010-2011 F-150: Perform 0.9 Hr.
Inspections, Replace The
U-Bolts And 4WD Spring
Spacer Following Service
Procedure A Or C (Do Not
Use With Any Other Labor
Operations)
110917 2010-2011 F-150: Perform 3.5 Hrs.
Inspections, Replace The
Rear Springs Following
The Service Procedure B
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
DIAG 42
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