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Accessory Drive Belt - Squeal or Hoot Noise

Article No.
96-14-9

07/01/96

^ FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) "SQUEAL/HOOT" - DURING COLD START-UP AFTER COLD SOAK BELOW -18 DEGREES C (0 DEGREES F)

^ NOISE - "SQUEAL/HOOT" FROM FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE (FEAD) AREA - DURING COLD START-UP AFTER COLD SOAK BELOW -18 DEGREES C (0 DEGREES F)

FORD:
1991-96 THUNDERBIRD
1994-96 MUSTANG

LIGHT TRUCK:
1991-94 EXPLORER
1991-95 AEROSTAR
1997 F-150

ISSUE:
Some vehicles may experience a "squeal/hoot" noise during cold start-up (usually after cold soak at temperatures of -18°C/0°F (or below) coming from the Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) area. This may be caused by the tolerance of the grease being used within the idler pulley bearing in cold temperatures.

ACTION:
Confirm the noise is coming from the idler pulley (or the tensioner pulley bearing for the 4.0L Explorer) and replace the idler pulley which has a revised composition grease to reduce the possibility of noise in cold temperatures. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Using a technician's stethoscope, check for noise at the idler pulley (4.0L Explorer, at the tensioner pulley bearing).

WARNING:
DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE FOR MORE THAN 30 SECONDS WITH THE FEAD BELT REMOVED.

2. Remove the FEAD belt and start the engine. With the engine running, check to see if the noise is still present. If the noise is not present, proceed to Step 3. If the noise is still present, this TSB is no longer applicable.





3. Replace the idler pulley with a revised idler pulley selected from the Application Chart. Refer to the appropriate model/year Service Manual for removal and installation procedures.

NOTE:
THE BOLT SECURING THE IDLER PULLEY TO THE TENSIONER ASSEMBLY IS A LH THREAD AND SHOULD BE TORQUED TO 40.7 N-m (30 LB-FT) MINIMUM.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F5PZ-8678-AA Idler Pulley
F6PZ-8678-AB Idler Pulley

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

961409A Replace Idler Pulley Or 0.3 Hr.
Tensioner Pulley

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
8678 56

OASIS CODES: 497000, 702000, 702100