FORD MUSTANG 2003 Workshop Manual

GENERAL PROCEDURES
Powertrain/Drivetrain Mount Neutralizing
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to
hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off
the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the
air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Loosen, but do not remove, the powertrain/drivetrain mount fasteners.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. CAUTION: Do not twist or strain the powertrain/drivetrain mounts.
Move the vehicle in forward and reverse 0.6- 1.2 meters (2-4 ft).
5. Raise and support the vehicle.
6. Tighten the powertrain/drivetrain mount fasteners.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Test the system for normal operation.
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Exhaust System Neutralizing
WARNING: Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is harmful to health and
potentially lethal. Repair exhaust system leaks immediately. Never operate the engine in an
enclosed area.
WARNING: Exhaust system components are hot.
NOTE: Neutralize the exhaust system to relieve strain on mounts which can be sufficiently bound up to
transmit vibration as if grounded.
1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior
to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by
turning off the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation
or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these
operations.
CAUTION: Make sure the system is warmed up to normal operating temperature, as
thermal expansion can be the cause of a strain problem.
Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Loosen all exhaust hanger attachments and reposition the hangers until they hang free and straight.
3. Loosen all exhaust flange joints.
4. Place a stand to support the muffler parallel to the vehicle frame with the muffler pipe bracket free of stress.
5. Tighten the muffler connection.
6. Tighten all the exhaust hanger clamps and flanges (tighten the exhaust manifold flange joint last).
zVerify there is adequate clearance to prevent grounding at any point in the system. Make
sure that the catalytic converter and heat shield do not contact the frame rails.
z After neutralization, the rubber in the exhaust hangers should show some flexibility when
movement is applied to the exhaust system.
z With the exhaust system installed securely and cooled, the rear hanger should be angled
forward.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Test the exhaust system for normal operation.
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Wheel Bearing Check
1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior
to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by
turning off the air suspension switch. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation
or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these
operations.
Raise the vehicle until the front tires are off the floor.
zMake sure the wheels are in a straight forward position.
2. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely and that the brake pads are retraced sufficiently to
allow free movement of the tire and wheel assembly.
Spin the tire by hand to check the wheel bearings for roughness.
3. Grip each front tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward while lifting the weight of the tire off the front wheel bearing.
4. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the spindle, does not rotate freely, or has a rough feeling when spun, carry out one of the following:
1. On vehicles with inner and outer bearings, inspect the bearings and cups for wear or damage. Adjust or install new bearings and cups as necessary.
2. On vehicles with one sealed bearing, install a new wheel hub.
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Alignment Specifications
Item LH RH Total/Split
Front
Caster 3.2° ± 0.75° 3.2° ± 0.75° 0° ±
0.75° Camber—
GT and Base -
0.50° ± 0.75° -
0.50° ± 0.75° 0° ±
0.75° Camber—
Cobra -
0.90° ± 0.40° -
0.90° ± 0.40° 0° ±
0.40° Toe (positive value is toe-in, negative value is toe-
out) — — 0.25° ± 0.25°
Rear, Cobra
Caster — — —
Camber -0.8° ± 0.2° -
0.8° ± 0.2° 0° ±
0.50° Toe (positive value is toe-in, negative value is toe-
out) — — 0.20° ± 0.15°
General Specifications Item Specification
Front Ride Height
Front 4 mm ±
7.6 mm (0.2 in. ± 0.3 in.) Rear Ride Height
Rear —
GT and Base 128 mm (5 in.)
Rear — Cobra 18 mm ±
7.6 mm (1.4 in. ± 0.3 in.) Vehicle Lean (Side-
to-Side Differences) Front —
maximum 13 mm
(0.5 in.) Rear —
maximum 13 mm
(0.5 in.) Dogtracking
Maximum 13 mm (0.5 in.)
Clear vision (negative value is counterclockwise) -
2° ± 3° Ball Joint End Play
Lower ball joint —
maximum 0.8 mm
(1/32 in.)
Torque Specifications Klj . 1 ba
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Description Nm lb-
ft Front suspension camber adjustment plate bolt 40 30
Front suspension camber adjustment plate nuts 40 30
Rear camber adjustment nut 90 66
Toe link jam nuts 55 41
Tie-
rod jam nuts 55 41 Klj . 2 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Wheel Alignment Angles
Camber and toe are adjustable on the front suspension systems. Front camber is adjusted by moving
the top of the strut and spring assembly. Rear camber is adjusted by means of eccentric cams on the
rear upper arms. Caster is preset at the factory and should only be adjusted after all other possible
sources have been inspected and corrected as necessary. Front toe is adjusted by the use of the front
wheel spindle tie rod (3280).
Camber
Negative and Positive Camber
Camber is the vertical tilt of the wheel (1007) when viewed from the front. Camber can be positive or
negative and has a direct effect on tire wear.
Caster
Caster is the deviation from vertical of an imaginary line drawn through the ball joints when viewed
from the side. Caster specifications in this section will give the vehicle the best directional stability
characteristics when loaded and driven. Caster setting is not related to tire wear.
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Item Part Number Description
1 — Positive caster
2 — True vertical
3 — Steering axis Klj . 1 ba
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Toe
Positive Toe (Toe In)
Negative Toe (Toe Out)
The vehicle toe setting affects tire wear and directional stability.
Ride Height
Front Ride Height Measurement Klj . 2 ba
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Rear Ride Height Measurement —
GT and Base Item Description
1 Ride height = B -
A 2 Measurement A
3 Measurement B Klj . 3 ba
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