Drivetrain - L/S Rear Axle Shudder/Chatter
TSB 04-24-2012/13/04
LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING
SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED
TURNING MANEUVERS
FORD:
2002-2005 Crown Victoria, Mustang, Explorer
2003-2005 Expedition
2004-2005 F-150
LINCOLN:
2002-2005 Town Car
2003-2005 Navigator
MERCURY:
2002-2005 Grand Marquis, Mountaineer
This article supersedes TSB 04-17-5 to update the model year and vehicle line coverage.
ISSUE
Some 2003-2005 Expedition/Navigator, 2004-2005 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 9.75" or 8.8" limited slip rear axle, and 2002-2005 Explorer 4dr, Mountaineer, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car, and Mustang vehicles equipped with 8.8" limited slip rear axle, may exhibit a chatter, shudder, a binding sensation, or a vibration during low speed turns. On 4x4 vehicles, the sensation may appear to be originating from the front axle or the steering gear.
ACTION
First verify the condition. On 4x4 trucks ensure that the vehicle is in 2WD, to isolate the rear axle. On all vehicles, turn the wheel fully right (or fully left) and then accelerate the vehicle. If the condition is verified to be in the rear axle, replace the limited slip clutch pack.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
CAUTION
INSTRUCT THE CUSTOMER NOT TO TOW WITH THE VEHICLE FOR 500 MILES AFTER THIS REPAIR, TO ALLOW THE AXLE TO BREAK-IN PROPERLY.
Order and install the appropriate clutch pack, follow the installation instruction sheet included in the service kit.
^ 3L1Z-4947-AB (9.75" limited slip)
^ 3L1Z-4947-BC (8.8" limited slip)
NOTE
INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO AN INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) AXLE IS DIFFERENT FROM INSTALLING A CLUTCH PACK INTO A SOLID-BEAM AXLE. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION SHEET INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE KIT.
INSTALLATION TIPS
^ The clutch packs in this service kit DO NOT need to be shimmed. The clutch pack contains a pre-measured shim.
^ Be sure to install NEW circlips and halfshaft/wheel end nuts on IRS rear axle (not included in the service kit).
^ Soak the new clutch packs in Friction Modifier XL-3 (NOT XL-7) for fifteen (15) minutes prior to installation.
^ For IRS axle, Halfshaft Seal Protector 205-506 (included in the 2002 Explorer/Mountaineer Essential Tool Kit) must be used when removing the halfshafts to protect against seal damage, which may result in leaks.
^ Refill axles with 4 oz. Friction Modifier (XL-3) and the necessary amount of Rear Axle Lubricant XY-75W140-QL, regardless of the axle lubricant system originally used in the axle. Fill to capacity recommended in the Workshop Manual.
NOTE
AXLE FLUID REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. ALL VEHICLES BEING REPAIRED BY THIS TSB MUST HAVE REAR AXLE LUBE XY-75W140-QL INSTALLED, IN PLACE OF XY75W90-QFEHP. AS PART OF THIS REPAIR, CHECK AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY THE CURRENT XY-75W90-Q"FEHP" METAL TAG, WITH A NEW 75W140 TAG (F3TZ-4121-AA). ADDITIONALLY, REMOVE THE MULTI-COLORED LABEL WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE AXLE TUBE, OR BLOCK OUT ANY/ALL "FEHP" OR "75W90" REFERENCES ON THE LABEL.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042420A Expedition Without Air 4.2 Hrs.
Suspension: Replace
Clutch Pack (Includes
Time For Road Test To
Verify Concern, Replace
Rear Clutch Pack, And
Re-Road Test)
042420B Expedition/Navigator With 4.4 Hrs.
Air Suspension: Replace
Clutch Pack (Includes
Time For Road Test To
Verify Concern, Replace
Rear Clutch Pack, And
Re-Road Test)
042420C Explorer/Mountaineer: 4.6 Hrs.
Replace Clutch Pack
(Includes Time For Road
Test To Verify Concern,
Replace Rear Clutch Pack,
And Re-Road Test)
042420D F-150: Replace Clutch 3.0 Hrs.
Pack (Includes Time For
Road Test To Verify
Concern, Replace Rear
Clutch Pack, And Re-Road
Test)
042420E Crown Victoria/Grand 3.0 Hrs.
Marquis, Town Car:
Replace Clutch Pack
(Includes Time For Road
Test To Verify Concern,
Replace Rear Clutch Pack,
And Re-Road Test)
042420F 2002-2004 Mustang: 2.9 Hrs.
Replace Clutch Pack
(Includes Time For Road
Test To Verify Concern,
Replace Rear Clutch Pack,
And Re-Road Test)
042420G 2005 Mustang: Replace 3.4 Hrs.
Clutch Pack (Includes
Time For Road Test To
Verify Concern, Replace
Rear Clutch Pack, And
Re-Road Test)
042420H Mustang Cobra: Replace 5.6 Hrs.
Clutch Pack (Includes
Time For Road Test To
Verify Concern, Replace
Rear Clutch Pack, And
Re-Road Test)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4947 D4
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