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Diagnosis and Testing|Removal and Installation > < 205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts|Specifications

Cougar 1999 (08.1998-01.2001)

Front Drive Halfshafts - Front Drive Halfshafts Cougar 1999 (08/1998-01/2001)
Diagnosis and Testing

NOTE:
NOTE:New front wheel drive halfshafts should not be installed unless disassembly and inspection reveals unusual wear.
  1. Inspect front wheel halfshaft joint boots for evidence of cracks, tears or splits.
NOTE:
NOTE:While inspecting the front wheel halfshaft joint boots, watch for indentations (dimples) in the boot convolutions. If an indentation is observed, it must must be removed.
  1. Inspect underbody for any indication of grease splatter in vicinity of front wheel halfshaft joint boots outboard and inboard locations, which is an indication of front wheel halfshaft joint boot and/or front wheel halfshaft joint boot clamp damage.
  1. Carry out a check of the joint housing for leaks.
  1. Make sure front axle wheel hub retainer is the correct prevailing torque type.
  1. The silicone front wheel halfshaft joint boot will sweat during operation, causing a light film of grease to show on the outside of the front wheel halfshaft joint boot. This condition is normal.
NOTE:
NOTE:Halfshafts are not balanced and do not contribute to rotational vibration.
  1. If the concerns remain after the inspection, determine the symptoms and go to the Symptom Chart. REFER to Section  100-04 Noise, Vibration and Harshness.

Symptom Chart

Symptom Possible Sources Action
Clicking, popping or grinding noises while turning
*
Another component contacting halfshaft assembly.
*
INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary.
*
Wheel bearings, brakes, suspension or steering components.
*
INSPECT and REPAIR as necessary.
*
Inadequate or contaminated lube in outboard/inboard front wheel halfshaft joint.
*
INSPECT, CLEAN and LUBRICATE with new grease as necessary.
Vibration at highway speeds
*
Out of balance front wheels or tires.
*
Balance the wheels. REFER to Section  204-04 Wheels and Tires.
*
Out - of - round tires.
*
REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to Section  204-04 Wheels and Tires.
*
Incorrectly seated outboard front wheel halfshaft joint in front wheel hub.
*
REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.
REFER to Halfshaft, Disassembly and Assembly in this section.
Shudder vibration during acceleration.
*
Excessively high CV joint operating angles caused by incorrect ride height.
*
CHECK ride height, VERIFY correct spring rate and CHECK items under Halfshaft Joint Pullout. REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.
*
Excessively worn or damaged inboard front wheel halfshaft joint or outboard front wheel halfshaft joint.
*
INSPECT and INSTALL new as necessary.
Halfshaft joint pullout
*
Inboard halfshaft bearing retainer circlip missing or not correctly seated in differential side gear.
*
INSPECT and REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.
*
Engine/transaxle assembly misaligned.
*
CHECK engine mounts for damage or wear. REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.
*
Frame rail or strut tower out of position or damaged.
*
CHECK underbody dimensions. REFER to Section  501-00 Body System - General Information.
*
Front suspension components worn or damaged.
*
CHECK for worn bushings or bent components (front stabilizer bar, front suspension lower arm). REPAIR or INSTALL new as necessary.

Diagnosis and Testing|Removal and Installation > < 205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts|Specifications