Aerostar 2WD V6-245 4.0L (1990)
Tie Rod End: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Clunk/Rattle/Premature Tire Wear
Article No.
93-13-2
06/23/93
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STEERING - POWER - INNER TIE ROD IN-VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
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STEERING - POWER - LACK OF CENTER FEEL AND VEHICLE WANDER
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TIE ROD - INNER - IN-VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
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TIRES - FRONT - PREMATURE WEAR
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NOISE - "CLUNK" OR "RATTLE" FROM FRONT END - INNER TIE ROD IN-VEHICLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
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SHUDDER DURING DECELERATION/BRAKING
FORD:
1986-93 MUSTANG, TAURUS, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD
1991-93 ESCORT
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1986-92 MARK VII
1986-93 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, SABLE, TOPAZ
1991-93 TRACER
1993 MARK VIII
LIGHT TRUCK:
1986-93 AEROSTAR
ISSUE:
An inner tie rod in-vehicle replacement procedure has been developed for the subject vehicles. The inner tie rod is worn if it exhibits any lash or axial
free-play. Worn inner tie rods may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
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"Clunk" or "rattle" noise in the front end during vehicle deceleration or cruise operation modes when going over small bumps, etc.
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Front tire wear
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Inconsistent alignment toe setting by the service specialist
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Lack of center feel
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Vehicle wanders
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Vehicle shudder during decel/braking
ACTION:
If service is required, use the following service procedure to install the inner tie rod assemblies.
CAUTION:
SERVICE AND REPAIR PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE MANUALS ARE TO BE MODIFIED PER THIS TSB ARTICLE. ALL
SERVICE MANUAL NOTES, CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS SHOULD BE OBSERVED. THESE INNER TIE ROD PARTS MUST BE
INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN, OTHERWISE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT. SAFE AND
RELIABLE INSTALLATION OF STEERING/CHASSIS PARTS REQUIRE EXPERIENCE AND TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE JOB.
DIAGNOSIS
1.
Check for "clunk" noise, with the window down, engine OFF, steering column unlocked, by turning the steering wheel +/- 45~.
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For the steel on steel type ball joints, a metal "clunk" noise may be heard.
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For the steel on plastic type joints, refer to Step 2.
