Tracer L4-116 1.9L SOHC (1991)
Pinion Gear: Technical Service Bulletins
A/T & M/T - 4EAT/MTX Gear Noise/Wear/Failure
Article No.
92-2-7
01/16/92
TRANSAXLE - 4EAT AND MTX - GEAR NOISE OR GEAR WEAR/FAILURE AND POOR QUALITY SHIFTING - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR
TO 8/1/91
FORD:
1991 ESCORT
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1991 TRACER
ISSUE:
Transaxle final drive noise may be heard and gear wear/failures along with poor quality shifting (4EAT) also may be experienced. These
conditions occur because the differential pinion shaft may not provide sufficient lubrication to the differential and side gears.
ACTION:
Perform the following evaluations and, if necessary, replace the differential or 4EAT/MTX transaxle assembly.
1.
Evaluate the vehicle to determine the level of differential noise and poor shifting (4EAT). Also, check the fluid level, color and odor for evidence
of contamination.
NOTE:
IF THE FLUID CONDITION AND/OR VISUAL INSPECTION INDICATES AN INTERNAL GEAR WEAR/FAILURE, PROCEED WITH
TRANSAXLE REMOVAL, DISASSEMBLY AND INSPECTION AS OUTLINED IN STEP 4. IF THE FLUID IS OK, PROCEED TO
STEP 2 FOR 4EAT UNITS OR STEP 3 FOR MTX UNITS.
2.
If the 4EAT fluid is OK, perform the line pressure test as outlined in the Service Manual.
NOTE:
IF THE 4EAT TRANSAXLE THROTTLE CABLE REQUIRED AN ADJUSTMENT TO LINE PRESSURE AND THIS RESOLVED THE
CONCERN, ROAD TEST AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE OWNER. IF THE NOISE WAS EXPERIENCED, PROCEED TO
STEP 4.
3.
Road test and evaluate the shift concerns. Also, listen for abnormal final drive gear noise, especially on corners.
4.
If gear noise is evident, proceed as follows:
^
4EAT GEAR NOISE - If the gear noise concern on 4EAT units requires transaxle removal and disassembly, refer to the 1991 Escort/Tracer
Service Manual, Section 07-01 for repair details.
^
MTX GEAR NOISE - Refer to the 1991 Escort/Tracer Service Manual, Section 07-03, for service details about the manual transaxles.
5.
Perform the following inspections of the internal components of the final drive differential gear assembly. A complete replacement of the
4EAT/MTX assembly will be required if...
^
The final drive differential assembly is seized.
^
Broken, cracked, or chipped gears are found.
^
A cracked/broken pinion shaft or differential case or a damaged transaxle assembly case (housing) is observed.
Refer to the parts block of this TSB article for correct parts usage.
6.
Repair or replacement of the differential assembly could be required if there is excessive wear of the differential gear and side gears, or there is too
much pinion shaft to bore clearance.
7.
If the differential gear assembly required replacement, inspect the internal components of the transaxle for contamination. Clean and flush as
needed. Also, flush the oil cooler(s) and lines.
8.
If the 4EAT transaxle required repairs, be sure to inspect the valve body for contamination and metal particles.
a.
Disassemble and clean as needed.
b.
Refer to the Parts Catalog/Micro fiche for the vehicle application for parts or parts kit needed.
