Front Axle - Squealing/Whistling Noise

Article No.
01-11-4

06/11/01

^ NOISE - "SQUEALING" OR "WHISTLING" NOISE
FROM FRONT AXLE AREA - DRIVING AT SPEEDS
OF 16 - 64 KM/H (10-40 MPH) - 4X4 VEHICLES
ONLY - REVISED FRONT OUTER HALFSHAFT
DUST SEALS

^ FRONT AXLE - "SQUEALING" OR "WHISTLING"
NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE AREA - DRIVING AT
SPEEDS OF 16 - 64 KM/H (10 - 40 MPH) - 4X4
VEHICLES ONLY - REVISED FRONT OUTER
HALFSHAFT DUST SEALS

FORD:
1998-2001 EXPLORER
2000-2001 RANGER
2001 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, EXPLORER SPORT

MERCURY:
1998-2001 MOUNTAINEER

This article is being republished in its entirety to update the model applications covered.

This TSB applies to 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport Trac 4X4 vehicles, 1998 - 2001 Explorer/Mountaineer 4X4 vehicles (all build dates), and 2000 - 2001 Ranger 4X4 vehicles built after 11/1/1999 only.

ISSUE

Some 4X4 vehicles may exhibit a high-pitched "squeal" or "whistle" type noise from the front of the vehicle at speeds from 16 to 64 km/h (10 to 40 mph). This noise may be caused by the front halfshaft excluder (dust) seals (-3K070-) as they rotate against the inner front hubs. The noise may be more pronounced in cold weather conditions.

ACTION

Install new front halfshaft excluder seals on each side of the vehicle. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE
THE METRIC HUB REMOVER ADAPTERS LISTED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR THE INSTALLATION/REMOVAL PROCEDURES ARE INCORRECT. THE CORRECT TOOL NUMBERS ARE D93P-1175-A AND D93P-1175-B.

Perform the following for each side of the vehicle:

1. Perform the front halfshaft removal procedure per Section 205-04 of the appropriate model year Workshop Manual.

2. Restrain the halfshaft assembly by the outboard (wheel end) joint outer race. Clamp with a vise on the exposed metal surface only. The CV joint should be in an upright position (splined end up). Be careful not to damage the boot or boot clamp.

3. Remove the old seal by prying it off the shaft.

4. Clean the outer race of the CV joint of any remaining foreign matter.

5. Install the new Front Halfshaft Excluder Seal (YL2Z-3K070-AA) by pressing it onto the outer race of the outboard CV joint by hand or with an appropriate hand tool. All seal markings will be facing the bell of the joint (away from the stem).

NOTE
BE CAREFUL TO ONLY PRESS ON THE EXPOSED STEEL PORTION OF THE SEAL. START THE SEAL ON THE HALFSHAFT BY HAND, AND THEN PRESS ON THE EXPOSED STEEL PORTION OF THE SEAL IN 20 DEGREE INCREMENTS AROUND THE SEAL UNTIL IT IS FULLY SEATED AND PARALLEL TO THE CV JOINT FACE. BE CAREFUL TO AVOID DAMAGING THE RUBBER PORTION OF THE SEAL.

6. Spread an approximately 3 mm (1/8") thick bead of High-Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease (E8TZ-19590-A) onto the new seal lips.

7. Clean the inner surface of the knuckle (-3K185-/-3K186-). This is the metal surface the seals will ride against.

8. Perform the halfshaft installation procedure per Section 205-04 of the appropriate Workshop Manual.

9. Verity that the noise is no longer present.





Parts Block

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 01-4-11
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provision Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage.





OPERATION/DESCRIPTION/TIME





DEALER CODING

OASIS CODES: 509000, 597997, 702000, 702100, 703200, 703300