Rear Axle - Whining/Howling Noise
Article No.97-8-11
04/14/97
^ NOISE - "WHINING/HOWLING" FROM REAR AXLE DURING LIGHT THROTTLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 56-72 KM/H (35-45 MPH) OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION
^ REAR AXLE - "WHINING/HOWLING" NOISE DURING LIGHT THROTTLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 56-72 KM/H (35-45 MPH) OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DURING ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION
FORD:
1989-96 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1989-96 COUGAR
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit a rear axle "whining" or "howling" noise. This noise may be audible during light throttle at speeds between 56-72 km/h (35-45 mph) or at highway speeds during acceleration or deceleration. This may be due to the ring and pinion gear set.
ACTION:
Select the appropriate ring and pinion set from the Parts Block listed below and replace the ring and pinion set. The revised ring and pinion should reduce the possibility of noise. Refer to the appropriate year Thunderbird/cougar Service Manual and the following text for removal and installation procedures.
REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY IDENTIFICATION
Refer to the metal service identification tag for the rear axle ring gear size, ratio and differential type (Traction-Lok or conventional). The identification tag is attached to the rear axle cover by a cover bolt.
CAUTION:
SHEET MOLDING COMPOSITE (SMC) PLASTIC REAR AXLE COVERS CANNOT BE REUSED AFTER REMOVAL. A NEW COVER SHOULD BE ORDERED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR ON A TIMELY BASIS.
CAUTION:
BE SURE TO MARK THE DRIVESHAFT IN RELATION TO THE COMPANION FLANGE SO IT MAY BE REINSTALLED IN ITS ORIGINAL POSITION.
CAUTION:
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING CAPS MUST BE INSTALLED IN THEIR ORIGINAL POSITIONS AND LOCATIONS AT ASSEMBLY TIME.
CAUTION:
IF LOOSENED, REMOVED OR DAMAGED, THE SPEED SENSOR RING CANNOT BE REUSED AND MUST BE REPLACED.
NOTE:
BE SURE TO FILL THE AXLE WITH MOTORCRAFT SAE 80W90 PREMIUM REAR AXLE LUBRICANT (XY-80W90-QL) TO THE LEVEL SPECIFIED IN THE SERVICE MANUAL. FOR TRACTION-LOK DIFFERENTIALS, ADD 118 mL (4 OZ) OF ADDITIVE FRICTION MODIFIER (C8AZ-19B546-A). ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE.
Parts Block
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
For 1992-96 Model Year Vehicles, Powertrain Warranty Coverage For 1989-91 Vehicles
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
970811A Install New Gear Set 2.5 Hrs.
(Includes Drain And Refill
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4209 56
OASIS CODES: 509000, 597997, 702200