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TSB 97-2-5 Suspension Clunk

new 4/10/03


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Article No.
97-2-5
  • SUSPENSION - "CLUNKING" NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION - TAURUS/SABLE BUILT THROUGH 1/14/97 - CONTINENTAL BUILT THROUGH 12/16/96
  • NOISE - "CLUNKING" NOISE FROM FRONT SUSPENSION - TAURUS/SABLE BUILT THROUGH 1/14/97 - CONTINENTAL BUILT THROUGH 12/16/96
Publication Date: JANUARY 20, 1997

FORD:
1996-97 TAURUS SHO, TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995-97 CONTINENTAL
1996-97 SABLE

 

ISSUE:

There may be a "clunking" noise from the front suspension of the vehicle. This may be due to early wear of the sway bar links.

ACTION:

Install a revised design sway bar link. The new links have an improved lip seal to keep out contaminants and reduce the possibility of early wear-out. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

  1. Road test the vehicle to verify the concern. Noise from a loose sway bar link is typically referred to as "clunking, popping, knocking, or rattling." This noise is noticed when encountering small bumps in the road at low speed as opposed to noises that occur when turning or on acceleration/deceleration. Use of Rotunda Chassis Ears (107-R2102) is highly recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis.

     
    NOTE: SWAY BAR LINKS ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE FOR HAVING END PLAY OR LOOSENESS WHILE ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOT NECESSARY, OR ADVISABLE, TO REMOVE THEM FROM THE VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS.

     

  2. If the sway bar links are suspect, raise the vehicle on a hoist as outlined on Page 00-02-1 of the appropriate year Continental or Taurus/Sable Service Manual.
  3. Hold the sway bar link firmly in one hand against the shock strut joint, the sway bar lever arm firmly in your other hand, and shake the sway bar lever arm vertically. To check if the top joint has play, hold the link firmly against the sway bar and shake the sway bar link and lever arm vertically. This also helps in determining if the sway bar link joint is loose, or the attaching fastener is loose. If any movement is evident in the link joint, install new sway bar links as outlined in the appropriate year Continental or Taurus/Sable Service Manual, Page 04-01-13. Retorque any loose fasteners to the required torque specifications.

     
    NOTE: THE SWAY BAR LINK ATTACHING NUTS SHOULD BE DISCARDED AND REPLACED WHENEVER A LINK IS SERVICED.

     


PART NUMBER PART NAME
F7OZ-5K484-AA Sway Bar Link - RH Hand Side
F7OZ-5K483-AA Sway Bar Link - LH Hand Side
W520214-S60 Stabilizer Bar Nut
N807144-S60 Shock Strut Nut And Washer Assembly

 

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:

NONE

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
970205AT Replace Sway Bar Links - Both Sides 0.6 Hr.
970205A Replace Sway Bar Link - One Side 0.4 Hr.

DEALER CODING

BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
5K483 30

OASIS CODES:

304000, 702100


 

 


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