Front Suspension - Grunting Noise On Bumps
Article No. NOISE - "GRUNT" - FRONT SUSPENSION
87-7-8 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 11/17/86
FORD: 1986-87 ESCORT, EXP, TEMPO
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986-87 LYNX, TOPAZ
ISSUE: A dry rubbing "grunt" noise may be heard when the front end of the vehicle goes over rough roads, speed bumps, driveways, etc. The noise may be coming from either the stabilizer bar mount insulator(s) or the power steering gear inner tie rod joint(s).
ACTION: To correct this, use the following service diagnostic procedure.
Diagnostics
Jolt or bounce front end of vehicle, by hand, a distance of four to six inches to confirm noise.
Attempt to isolate noise source by touching tie rod and stabilizer bar (near body insulators) to feel for vibrations caused by friction during bounce and rebound.
Vibrations, in either component, identify that as the possible causal part.
If the tie rods are the suspected component, confirm this noise source by disconnecting them at knuckle attachment and again jolt or bounce vehicle front end to see if noise disappears.
Service Procedure
If noise is caused by tie rods, replace them with new tie rod assemblies (E7FZ-3280-A). Refer to Section 13-46-12 of the appropriate Car Shop Manual.
NOTE: The tie rod noise condition applies only to vehicles built between February 24, 1986 and November 17, 1986.
If noise is caused by stabilizer bar, follow the service procedures outlined in TSB Article No. 86-8-9, dated April 23, 1986.
NOTE: Only use the lubricant (E25Y-19553-A) specified in TSB 86-8-9. Use of other types of lubricants will result in a repeat repair.
NOTE: Beginning with Job #1, 1987 model year, all front stabilizer insulators are pregreased and should not require additional greasing.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E7FZ-3280-A Tie Rod Assembly B
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 86-8-9
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual
OPERATION: SP870708A
TIME: 3.0 Hrs. - Escort/Lynx, EXP
2.7 Hrs. - Tempo/Topaz
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 3280 - Code: 56