Suspension - Rear Tire Inner Edge Wear
TSB 10-2-1302/15/10
SUSPENSION - REAR TIRE INNER EDGE WEAR
FORD:
2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle
2008-2009 Taurus X, Taurus
MERCURY:
2005-2007 Montego
2008-2009 Sable
ISSUE
Some 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle, Montego, 2008-2009 Taurus X, Taurus and Sable front wheel drive vehicles may exhibit inner edge tire wear caused by excessive negative rear camber.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the vehicle undercarriage for any indication of body or suspension damage.
a. If vehicle has body or suspension damage, discontinue this procedure and follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics.
b. If vehicle does not have body or suspension damage, proceed to Step 2.
2. Measure vehicle ride height and wheel alignment. Refer to WSM, Section 204-00.
a. If rear wheel camber is within specification, discontinue this procedure and follow normal WSM diagnostics.
b. If rear wheel camber is out of specification, proceed to Step 3.
3. Raise vehicle on a hoist and remove the rear wheel and tire from the side which the camber reading is out of specification. Refer to WSM, Section 204-04.
4. Unbolt the rear stabilizer bar brackets and position the stabilizer bar aside. Discard the fasteners.
5. Unbolt and separate the trailing arm from the wheel knuckle and position aside. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02. Discard the fastener.
6. Unbolt and separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle, refer to WSM, Section 204-02. Discard the fastener.
7. Remove the welded nut from the lower arm-to-wheel knuckle using a cutting/grinding wheel. The nut is located on opposite side of the bolt outlined in (Figure 1). After the nut has been removed, proceed to Step 8.
8. Enlarge both bolt holes in the lower arm to 3/4" (19 mm) using a step drill or equivalent. (Figure 2)
9. After enlarging the bolt holes, measure the distance from each hole to the outer and bottom edge of the arm. If the distance is equal to or greater than 13/64" (5 mm), proceed to Step 10. If the distance is less than 13/64" (5 mm), replace the lower arm. (Figure 3)
10. Repaint any bare metal areas.
11. Assemble the lower arm to the wheel knuckle with a new bolt and nut.
12. Push inward on the lower wheel knuckle while tightening the new bolt and nut to 96 lb/ft (130 N.m).
13. Assemble the trailing arm, stabilizer bar and wheel(s) using new fasteners. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02.
NOTE
ALL FINAL FASTENER TORQUES SHOULD BE MADE WITH SUSPENSION AT CURB HEIGHT.
14. Check the rear wheel camber to ensure it is within specification. Adjust rear wheel toe to specification. Refer to WSM, Section 204-00.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
MT100213 Use SLTS Operations If Actual
Available; Claim Additional Time
Diagnosis Or Labor
Performed As Actual Time
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
5560 07
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