suspension FORD MUSTANG 2003 Workshop Manual

The axle ratio is:
zX5 — 3.8L, non- ABS, 3.27 ratio
z Z5 — 3.8L, ABS, 3.27 ratio
z ME — 4.6L, Mach One, 3.55 ratio
z LE — 4.6L, VX, 3.27 ratio
z TE — 3.55 locker (with independent rear suspension) — Cobra
Transmission Codes
The transmission code is:
z5— Five- speed manual (T5OD/TR3150) — base
z B—Six- speed manual (T56), Cobra
z K—Five-speed manual (TR3650), GT
z U— Four- speed automatic (AODE/4R70W) Spring Codes Klj . 11 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Jacking
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, such as when changing a
tire. The wheel still on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
CAUTION: The jack (17080) provided with the vehicle is intended to be used in an
emergency for changing a deflated tire. To avoid damage to the vehicle, never use the jack to
lift the vehicle for any other purpose. Refer to the Owner Guide when using the jack supplied
with the vehicle.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should the vehicle ever be lifted by the suspension
arm brackets, rear stabilizer or differential housing or convertible cross brace. Severe damage
to the vehicle could result.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to use jack pressure on either the front bumper (17757) or the
rear bumper (17906) of any vehicle. Damage to the bumper covers will occur.
Lift the vehicle using the Jacking Points procedure in this section.
Jacking Points
To lift the front or either side of the front end, position the floor jack under the front frame lift points. SECTION 100-
02: Jacking and Lifting 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Lifting
CAUTION: Do not allow the lift adapters to contact the steering linkage, suspension arms,
stabilizer arms, or to compress the lower suspension arm stabilizer bar insulator (5493).
Damage to the suspension, exhaust and steering linkage components may occur if care is not
exercised when positioning the hoist adapters prior to lifting the vehicle.
CAUTION: Never use the differential housing as a lift point. Damage to the differential
housing and cover may occur.
CAUTION: Do not lift vehicle on rocker panel pinch flange or convertible cross brace.
Body damage may occur.
Lift the vehicle using the Lifting Points procedure in this section.
Lifting Points—Drive On Lift
CAUTION: To prevent possible damage to the underbody, do not drive the vehicle onto
the drive on lift without first checking for possible interference.
Check for interference between the upright flanges of the hoist rails and the underbody.
If an interference exists, modify the hoist flanges or build up the approach ramps as necessary to
provide clearance. Lifting Points — Frame Contact Lift, Single Post Lift, Two Post Lift SECTION 100-
02: Jacking and Lifting 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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z
If equipped, inspect automatic transmission fluid level with dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
32,000 Km (20,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
40,000 Km (25,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
48,000 Km (30,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N,
4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick on all other vehicles, if
equipped.
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however,
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Natural gas and propane vehicles also require checking the fuel tanks and installing a new filter
(propane vehicles). 56,000 Km (35,000 Miles) Klj . 4 ba
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z
Change engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
64,000 Km (40,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
72,000 Km (45,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick, if equipped.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with green engine coolant, change coolant.
80,000 Km (50,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
88,000 Km (55,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
96,000 Km (60,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N,
4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick on all other vehicles, if Klj . 5 ba
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equipped.
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however,
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Additional checks for natural gas and propane vehicles at this interval include inspecting fuel tanks, as
well as draining coalescent fuel filter and installing a new filter.
104,000 Km (65,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
112,000 Km (70,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
120,000 Km (75,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new cabin air filter.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
z Change green engine coolant, if equipped.
128,000 Km (80,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
136,000 Km (85,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
144,000 Km (90,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system. Klj . 6 ba
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z
Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter.
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N,
4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick on all other vehicles, if
equipped.
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
Additional services for natural gas and propane vehicles include inspecting fuel tanks, as well as
draining coalescent fuel filter bowl and installing a new filter.
152,000 Km (95,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
160,000 Km (100,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install new spark plugs.
z If filled with yellow coolant, change coolant or at 5 years, whichever comes first.
z Install a new PCV on all cars and light trucks under 6,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
168,000 Km (105,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect automatic transmission fluid level if equipped with dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine coolant system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with green engine coolant, change coolant. 176,000 Km (110,000 Miles) Klj . 7 ba
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z
Change engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
184,000 Km (115,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
192,000 Km (120,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z Install new accessory drive belt(s) (Escort).
z Install a new PCV valve on all cars and light trucks over 6,000 Gross Vehicle Weight.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid on all vehicles equipped with AX4S, 4F50N,
4R100, 4F27E. Inspect automatic transmission fluid level using dipstick on all other vehicles, if
equipped.
z Install a new camshaft belt on all 2.0L, 4- cylinder engines (Escort, Focus, ZX2 and Escape).
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Additional services for natural gas and propane vehicles include
inspecting fuel tanks, as well as draining coalescent fuel filter bowl and installing a new filter.
200,000 Km (125,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
z Drain coalescent fuel filter and replace filter (NGV).
208,000 Km (130,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
216,000 Km (135,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter. Klj . 8 ba
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z
If equipped, inspect automatic transmission fluid level with dipstick.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with green engine coolant, change coolant.
224,000 Km (140,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
232,000 Km (145,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect tires for wear. Rotation recommended for optimal tire life.
240,000 Km (150,000 Miles)
zChange engine oil and install a new oil filter.
z Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake lines, hoses and parking brake system.
z Inspect wheel ends for end play and noise.
z Inspect engine cooling system and hoses.
z Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
z Inspect steering linkage, suspension and (if equipped) driveshaft and ball joints.
z Rotate tires and inspect for wear.
z Install a new engine air filter.
z Install a new fuel filter. (See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below.)
z If equipped, install a new cabin air filter.
z If filled with yellow engine coolant, change coolant or at 8 years, whichever comes first.
z Change automatic transmission/transaxle fluid and filter.
z Change rear axle lubricant on all rear wheel (RWD) vehicles.
z Install a new accessory drive belt(s) (if a new belt has not been installed within the last 100,000
miles).
z If equipped, install new climate controlled seat filters (Navigator, Lincoln LS and Aviator).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has determined that failure to install a new fuel filter at this interval will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to completion of the vehicle's useful life. It is, however
recommended that maintenance checks be carried out and recorded at the indicated intervals.
Additional checks for natural gas and propane vehicles include inspecting fuel tanks, as well as
draining and installing a new filter. Klj . 9 ba
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DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Noise is any undesirable sound, usually unpleasant in nature. Vibration is any motion, shaking or
trembling, that can be felt or seen when an object moves back and forth or up and down. Harshness is
a ride quality issue where the vehicle's response to the road transmits sharply to the customer.
Harshness normally describes a firmer than usual response from the suspension system. Noise,
vibration and harshness (NVH) is a term used to describe these conditions, which result in varying
degrees of dissatisfaction. Although, a certain level of NVH caused by road and environmental
conditions is normal. This section is designed to aid in the diagnosis, testing and repair of NVH
concerns.
Acceptable Noise, Vibration and Harshness
All internal combustion engines and drivelines produce some noise and vibration; operating in a real
world environment adds noise that is not subject to control. Vibration isolators, mufflers and dampers
reduce these to acceptable levels. A driver who is unfamiliar with a vehicle can think that some sounds
are abnormal when actually the sounds are normal for the vehicle type. For example, Traction-
Lok®
differentials produce a slight noise on slow turns after extended highway driving. This is acceptable
and has no detrimental effect on the locking axle function. As a technician, it is very important to be
familiar with vehicle features and know how they relate to NVH concerns and their diagnosis. For
example, if the vehicle has automatic overdrive, it is important to test drive the vehicle both in and out
of overdrive mode.
Diagnostic Theory
The shortest route to an accurate diagnosis results from:
zsystem knowledge, including comparison with a known good system.
z system history, including repair history and usage patterns.
z condition history, especially any relationship to repairs or sudden change.
z knowledge of possible sources.
z using a systematic diagnostic method that divides the system into related areas.
The diagnosis and correction of noise, vibration and harshness concerns requires:
za road or system test to determine the exact nature of the concern.
z an analysis of the possible causes.
z testing to verify the cause.
z repairing any concerns found.
z a road test or system test to make sure the concern has been corrected or brought back to
within an acceptable range.
Glossary of Terms SECTION 100-
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