Front Suspension - Rattling or Clunking Noise
Article No.95-3-4
02/13/95
^ SUSPENSION - FRONT - "RATTLING" OR "CLUNKING" NOISE
^ NOISE - RATTLING" OR "CLUNKING" NOISE
FORD:
1988-93 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1988-93 CONTINENTAL, SABLE
This TSB is being republished in its entirety to include the 1989-93 model years.
ISSUE:
A "rattling" or "clunking" noise from under the front of the vehicle may be caused by a loose front tension strut bushing retainer in the subframe front crossmember.
ACTION:
Inspect the front tension strut bushing retainer to determine if welding is required. Refer to the following procedure for service details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check to see if the front tension strut retainer is loose by rotating the strut link back and forth while watching the retainer for movement, Figure 1. If no movement is found, stop here. If movement is found, proceed to Step 2.
2. Remove the front strut and bushings from the front crossmember. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for service details.
3. Clean around the bushing retainer and crossmember area.
4. Place three (3) tack welds around the outside of the bushing retainer crimp, Figure 2. Ensure tack welds are equally spaced, low profile and smooth.
NOTE:
DO NOT ALLOW WELD SPLATTER ON THE RUBBER BUSHING MATING SURFACE. IF NECESSARY, FILE OR GRIND THE WELDS SMOOTH TO PREVENT RUBBER BUSHING WEAR, FIGURE 2.
5. Reinstall the front strut and bushings to the front crossmember as follows:
a. Insert the tension strut end into the subframe.
b. Clean the tension strut threads.
c. Install a new washer (N8O4018-S36M) and new nut (N800237-S101). Torque to 70-95 lb.ft. (95-129 N-m).
6. Apply Ford Super Seal Anti-Corrosion Compound (F3AZ-19515-SA) to the serviced area.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
N8O4Ol8-S36M Washer (Pk/2)
N800237-S101 Nut (Pk/10)
F3AZ-19515-SA Super Seal Compound (Pk 12)
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
SUPERSEDES: 88-24-4
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1992/93 Taurus And Sable And 1991-93 Continentals, Basic Warranty Coverage For All Others
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
950304A One Side 1.1 Hrs.
950304B Both Sides 1.6 Hrs.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
7010692 56
ACES II
DEALERS MUST
CODE TO FULL
BODY SERIES
BASE PART
NUMBER, DO
NOT USE 70
OASIS CODES:
304000, 305000, 702000, 702100, 703000