Suspension - Shudder On Acceleration From Standstill
Article No.96-19-3
09/09/96
^ SUSPENSION - FRONT OR REAR - RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE AND ADJUSTMENT SERVICE TIPS
^ SHUDDER DURING ACCELERATION FROM A STANDSTILL - HIGH FRONT SUSPENSION RIDE HEIGHTS
FORD:
1986-97 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1986-97 SABLE
This TSB is being republished in its entirety to include 1993 through 1997 model year vehicles.
ISSUE:
Shudder during acceleration from a standstill may be caused by high front suspension ride heights. The vehicle's appearance (attitude) may be high or low in the front or rear. A procedure has been developed for determining vehicle ride heights, along with specifications for fender opening-to-wheel center measurements.
ACTION:
If service is required, use the following procedure to determine the vehicle's ride height and, if necessary, make appropriate spring replacements.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface with a full tank of gas. If less than a full tank is available, use the adjustment factors shown in the Fuel Fill Adjustment Factor Chart.
2. Set tires to decal pressure.
3. Neutralize the vehicle's suspension system.
a. Push on the roof rail above the driver's door laterally so as to cause the vehicle to roll.
b. Use approximately five (5) or six (6) pushes to provide sufficient roll to settle the vehicle out in a neutralized state.
4. Set tires to decal pressure.
5. Measure vertically from the wheel center to the bottom edge of the fender opening. Heights should be within 17.6 mm (10.3") for all 1986-95 vehicles. For all 1996-97 except station wagon, rear heights should be within +/- 5.1 mm +/- 0.2"). For all 1996-97 station wagons, rear heights should be within +/- 6.1 mm (+/- 0.24") of the fender-to-wheel heights shown in the Specification - Fender Opening To Wheel Center Chart.
NOTE:
SPRING LOAD STEPS FOR ALL 1986-95 PROVIDE A 7.6 mm (0.3") FENDER-TO-WHEEL HEIGHT CHANGE. SPRING LOAD STEPS FOR 1996-97 PROVIDE A 5.1 mm (0.2") FENDER-TO-WHEEL HEIGHT CHANGE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 1996-97 WAGON REAR SPRINGS, WHICH PROVIDE A 6.1 mm (0.24") FENDER-TO-WHEEL HEIGHT CHANGE.
6. Replace springs as required to obtain proper ride heights. Refer to Figures 1 and 2 for front and rear spring load/rate information. Refer to the appropriate year Taurus/Sable Service Manual Sections for service details.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
SUPERSEDES: 91-25-4
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage For 1986-91 Model Year Vehicles, Bumper To Bumper For 1992-97 Model Year Vehicles
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
961903A Replace Front Springs - 2.7 Hrs.
Sedan/Wagon
961903B Replace Rear Springs - 2.1 Hrs.
Sedan
961903C Replace Rear Springs - 1.8 Hrs.
Wagon
961903D Replace Front and Rear 4.4 Hrs.
Springs - Sedan/Wagon
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
5560 63
OASIS CODES: 304000, 703000, 703200