Rear Axle - Whining Noise Heard at 50-65 MPH

Article No.
96-23-9

11/04/96

^ NOISE - "WHINING" HEARD FROM AXLE AT 80-105 KM/H (50-65 MPH) DURING ACCELERATION, DECELERATION OR CRUISE

^ AXLE - "WHINING" NOISE HEARD AT 80-105 KM/H (50-65 MPH) DURING ACCELERATION, DECELERATION OR CRUISE

FORD:
1995-97 CROWN VICTORIA

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995-97 GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR

ISSUE:
A "whining" noise is heard from the axle while driving at 80-105 km/h (50-65 mph) during acceleration, deceleration or cruise. This may be caused by the axle transmitting the noise through the driveshaft and frame to the interior of the vehicle.

ACTION:
Correct the axle noise concern. Refer to the following Diagnosis and Repair Procedures for details.

DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE

Prior to conducting a road test to diagnose an axle noise concern, the following items must be checked:

^ Set tire pressures to specification. Tire pressure specification is listed on a label on the passenger side rear door opening

^ Inspect the tires for uneven wear and installation of non-standard tires (i.e., snow tires)

Uneven tire wear or aggressive tread patterns can create noises similar to axle noise.

1. Drive vehicle until the driveline is at operating temperature.

2. Evaluate for axle noise with the Overdrive Cancel switch "ON" (transmission must be in 3rd gear). Perform a series of gentle accelerations, decelerations and cruises.

3. If axle noise is present, refer to following Repair Procedure - Town Car or Repair Procedure - Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis.

REPAIR PROCEDURE - TOWN CAR

1. On vehicles built before 8/1/95 (1995 vehicles), replace the driveshaft with a revised Driveshaft (F6VZ-4602-AA). This driveshaft has a damper fitted to the slip yoke.

2. On all 1995-97 vehicles, install the Frame Brace Kit (F7AZ-4B410-AA) to the # 4 frame crossmember. Refer to Instruction Sheet 7190A, included with the kit, for detailed procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE - CROWN VICTORIA/GRAND MARQUIS

1. On vehicles built before 6/5/95, replace the driveshaft with a revised Driveshaft (F5AZ-4602-CA). This driveshaft has a damper fitted to the slip yoke.

2. On all 1995-97 vehicles, install the Frame Brace Kit (F7AZ-4B410-AA) to the # 4 frame crossmember. Refer to Instruction Sheet 7190A, included with the kit, for detailed procedure.

Verify effectiveness of repair. If axle noise concern is still present, contact the Ford Axle Plant at 1-800-FORD-AXL, 8AM-5PM EST, for additional assistance.

The Frame Brace Kit (F7AZ-4B410-AA) contains the following:

^ One (1) "K" Brace - LH

^ One (1) "K" Brace - RH

^ Eight (8) Bolts

^ Eight (8) Nuts

^ One (1) Instruction Sheet (I.S. 7190A)

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F6VZ-4602-AA Driveshaft (Town Car)

F5AZ-4602-CA Driveshaft (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis)

F7AZ-4B410-AA Frame Brace Kit

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

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

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

962309A Install Frame Brace kit - 0.5 Hr.
All Vehicles

962309B Additional Time To 0.2 Hr.
Replace Driveshaft On
Specified Vehicles Only

962309C Additional Time If Vehicle 0.1 Hr.
Is Equipped With Air
Suspension

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4602 56

OASIS CODES: 509000, 597997, 702000, 702200