Rear Suspension - Clunking Noise
89Ford28NOISE-"CLUNKING"-REAR SUSPENSION
SUSPENSION-REAR-"CLUNKING" NOISE
Article No. 89-18-3
FORD: 1987-89 ESCORT
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987 LYNX
ISSUE: A "clunking" noise from the rear suspension may be caused by suspension extending to the full travel position. This condition is most noticeable when going over bumps or while turning into a driveway.
ACTION: Use the following procedure to measure the rear suspension height and to determine the proper service action.
REAR SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASUREMENT/REAR SPRING CHANGE:
1987-1988 1/2 Escort/EXP (non GT/Sport) And 1987 Lynx (non XR3)
1. Put the vehicle on a level surface with enough room to work under the rear (such as a wheel alignment pit or rack).
2. Adjust the tire pressures to nominal specifications.
3. Set the steering wheel straight ahead.
Figure 1:
4. Rock the vehicle sideways hard enough to remove the effect of suspension friction and allow it to settle.
5. Place a level reference plate between both rear wheels under the rear suspension.
6. Measure the vertical difference between the reference plate and the centerline of the lower control arm inner pivot bolt on the driver's side, see Figure 1 (Dimension A).
7. Measure the vertical difference between the reference plate and the centerline of the lower control arm outer pivot bolt on the driver's side, see Figure 1 (Dimension B).
Figure 2:
8. To obtain the initial Suspension Height Measurement, substract Dimension B from Dimension A.
9. To obtain the final Suspension Height Measurement, subtract the value found in the Fuel Load Correction Chart shown in Figure 2.
10. Change left and right rear springs, as necessary. Proceed by using the following:
^ Use the suspension height measurement as noted
^ Use the Rear Spring Selection Charts, corresponding to the proper vehicle suspension as shown below.
REAR SPRING SELECTION CHART
1987/1988 1/2 SEDAN & 1987/88 STATION WAGON
STOCK R. SPRING
SUSPENSION HEIGHT CODE ON DOOR VIN SERVICE SPRING
MEASUREMENT TAG (SEE FIG.3) INSTALLATION
3.0 inches or higher A E1EC-5560-GB
J E1EC-5560-FB
H E1EC-5560-EB
G E6EC-5560-KA
F E6EC-5560-KA
2.5 inches to 3.0 inches A E1EC-5560-HB
J E1EC-5560-GB
H E1EC-5560-FB
G E1EC-5560-EB
F E6EC-5560-KA
M E6EC-5560-KA
E E6EC-5560-KA
2.25 inches to 2.5 inches A E1EC-5560-JB
(SEE NOTE BELOW) J E1EC-5560-HB
H E1EC-5560-GB
G E1EC-5560-FB
F E1EC-5560-EB
M E6EC-5560-KA
E E6EC-5560-KA
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS BELOW 2.25 INCHES DO NOT REQUIRE A SPRING CHANGE.
REAR SPRING SELECTION CHART
1988 1/2 STATION WAGON
STOCK R. SPRING SERVICE
SUSPENSION HEIGHT CODE ON DOOR VIN SPRING
MEASUREMENT TAG (SEE FIG.3) INSTALLATION
3.0 inches or higher 3 E3EC-5560-AA
2 E6EC-5560-BA
1 E6EC-5560-BA
2.5 inches to 3.0 inches 3 E3EC-5560-BA
(SEE NOTE BELOW) 2 E3EC-5560-AA
1 E6EC-5560-BA
NOTE: VEHICLES WITH SUSPENSION HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS BELOW 2.25 INCHES DO NOT REQUIRE A SPRING CHANGE.
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal and list the date, dealer number, and summary of alterations performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
REAR SHOCK/STRUT REPLACEMENT:
1987-1988 1/2 Escort/EXP (non GT/Sport) and 1987 Lynx (non XR3)
1. Before proceeding, make sure the rear suspension height measurements have been taken and any necessary rear spring changes completed.
2. Replace both the right rear and left rear shock/struts with service kit part (E9FZ-181258-E).
3. Refer to the appropriate Car Shop Manual, Section 14-35 for service details
REAR SPRING REPLACEMENT:
1989 Escort (non GT)
1. Replace both left rear and right rear coil springs according to the following Rear Spring Selection Charts based on vehicle model.
2. Refer to the 1989 Car Shop Manual, Page 14-35-6 for removal and installation procedures.
Figure 3:
REAR SPRING SELECTION CHART
1989 ESCORT SEDAN & STATION WAGON
STOCK R. SPRING SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE
CODE ON DOOR VIN SPRING SPRING SPRING
TAG (SEE FIG.3) 3-DOOR SEDAN 5-DOOR SEDAN WAGON
H E1EC-5560-FB E1EC-5560-GB N/A
G E1EC-5660-EB E1EC-5560-FB N/A
F E1EC-5560-EB E1EC-5560-EB N/A
M E6EC-5560-KA E6EC-5560-KA N/A
E E6EC-5560-KA E6EC-5560-KA N/A
3 N/A N/A E3EC-5560-BA
2 N/A N/A E3EC-5560-AA
1 N/A N/A E6EC-5560-BA
Obtain an Authorized Modifications Decal and list the date, dealer number, and summary of alterations performed. Select a prominent place adjacent to the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal suitable for installing the Authorized Modifications Decal. Clean the area, install the decal, and cover it with a clear plastic decal shield.
REAR SHOCK/STRUT REPLACEMENT;
1989 Escort (non-GT)
1. Replace both right and left rear shock/struts according to the following kit list:
^ SEDAN: SERVICE KIT (E9FZ-18125-G)
^ WAGON: SERVICE KIT (E9FZ-18125-F)
2. Refer to the 1989 Car Shop Manual, Page 14-35-3 for removal and installation procedures.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E9FZ-18125-E Shock/Strut Kit BG
E9FZ-18125-F Shock/Strut Kit BG
E9FZ-18125-G Shock/Strut Kit BG
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
891803A Height Measurement 0.4 Hr.
891803B Replace Both Rear Springs 0.6 Hr.
891803C Replace Both Rear 1.0 Hr.
Shocks/Struts
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
18125 56
OASIS CODES: 3200, 7100, 7113