wheel alignment FORD FESTIVA 1991 User Guide

SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC SUSPENSION TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
article
Shroud or housing looseTighten holding screws
Lock plate retaining ring not seatedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Loose sight shieldTighten holding screws
High Steering Shaft Effort
Co l u mn assemb l y misal ign edSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Tight steering universal jointSee STEERING COLUMN
article
High Shift Effort
Column is out of alignmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improperly installed dust shieldAdjust or replace
Seals or bearings not lubricatedSee STEERING COLUMNS
article
Mounting bracket screws too longReplace with new shorter
screws
Burrs on shift tubeRemove burrs or replace tube
Lower bowl bearing assembled wrongSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Shift tube bent or brokenReplace as necessary
Improper adjustment of shift leversSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper Trans. Shifting
Sheared shift tube jointReplace as necessary
Sheared lower shaft leverReplace as necessary
Improper shift lever adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Improper gate plate adjustmentSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Excess Play in Column
Instrument panel bracket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Broken weld nut on jacketSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Instrument bracket capsule shearedSee STEERING COLUMN
article
Column bracket/jacket bolts looseTighten bolts and check
bracket
Steering Locks in Gear
Release lever mechanismSee STEERING COLUMN
article
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Front End Noise
Loose or worn wheelSee Wheel Bearing
Adjustment in SUSPENSION
Worn shocks or shock mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Worn struts or strut mountingsReplace struts or strut
mo u n t in gs
Loose or worn lower control armSee SUSPENSION
Loose steering gear-to-frame boltsSee STEERING
Worn control arm bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Ball joints not lubricatedLubricate ball joints & see
Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Front Wheel Shake, Shimmy, or Vibration
Tires or wheels out of balanceCheck tire balance
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Drive shaft unbalancedCheck drive shaft balance
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Loose or worn tie rod endsSee SUSPENSION
Page 34 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING
BASIC WHEEL ALIGNMENT TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART
Worn upper ball jointsSee Ball Joint Checking in
SUSPENSION
Worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Worn strut bushingsReplace strut bushings
Car Pulls to One Side
Mismatched or uneven tiresCheck tire condition
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn strut bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Improper wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper rear axle alignmentCheck rear axle alignment
Power steering gear unbalancedSee STEERING
Front brakes draggingSee BRAKES
Abnormal Tire Wear
Unbalanced tiresCheck tire balance & rotation
Sagging or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Incorrect front end alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Faulty shock absorbersReplace chock absorbers
Scuffed Tires
Toe-In incorrectSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Suspension arm bent or twistedSee appropriate
SUSPENSION article
Springs Bottom or Sag
Bent or broken springsSee SUSPENSION
Leaking or worn shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
Frame misalignmentCheck frame for damage
Spring Noises
Lo o se "U" Bo l t sSee SUSPENSION
Loose or worn bushingsSee SUSPENSION
Worn or missing interlinersSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorber Noise
Loose shock mountingsCheck & tighten mountings
Worn bushingsReplace bushings
Air in systemBleed air from system
Undercoating on shocksRemove undercoating
Car Leans or Sways on Corners
Loose stabilizer barSee SUSPENSION
Faulty shocks or mountingsReplace shocks or mountings
Broken or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION
Shock Absorbers Leaking
Worn seals or reservoir tube crimpedSee SUSPENSION
Broken Springs
Lo o se "U" b o l t sSee SUSPENSION
Inoperative shock absorbersReplace shock absorbers
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. T he purpose of this T rouble Shooting inform ation is to provide a list
of com m on causes to problem sym ptom s. For m odel-specific T rouble Shooting, refer to SUBJECT ,
DIAGNOST IC, or T EST ING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
CONDITION & POSSIBLE CAUSECORRECTION
Premature Tire Wear
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Front alignment out of toleranceSee ALIGNMENT SPECS in
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Suspension components wornSee SUSPENSION section
Steering system components wornSee STEERING section
Improper standing heightSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Uneven or sagging springsSee SUSPENSION section
Bent wheelSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Improper torsion bar adjustmentSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Worn or defective shockReplace shock absorbers
Tires out of balanceCheck tire balance
Pulls to One Side
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Brake draggingSee BRAKE section
Page 35 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Mismatched tiresSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Broken or sagging springSee SUSPENSION section
Broken torsion barSee SUSPENSION section
Power steering valve not centeredSee STEERING section
Front alignment out of toleranceSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Defective wheel bearingSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Uneven sway bar linksSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck for frame damage
Steering system bushing wornSee STEERING section
Hard Steering
Idler arm bushing too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Ball joint tight or seizedSee SUSPENSION section
Steering linkage too tightSee STEERING LINKAGE in
STEERING section
Power steering fluid lowAdd proper amount of fluid
Power steering drive belt looseSee STEERING section
Power steering pump defectiveSee STEERING section
Steering gear out of adjustmentSee STEERING section
Incorrect wheel alignmentSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Damaged steering gearSee STEERING section
Damaged suspensionSee SUSPENSION section
Bent steering knuckle or supportsSee SUSPENSION section
Vehicle "Wanders"
Strut rod or control arm bushing wornSee SUSPENSION section
Loose or worn wheel bearingsSee WHEEL BEARINGS in
SUSPENSION section
Improper tire inflationCheck tire pressure
Stabilizer bar missing or defectiveSee SUSPENSION section
Wheel alignment out of toleranceSee Adjustment in WHEEL
ALIGNMENT section
Broken springSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorberReplace shock absorbers
Worn steering & suspension componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Front End Shimmy
Tire out of balance/roundCheck tire balance
Excessive wheel runoutSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Insufficient or improper casterSee WHEEL ALIGNMENT
section
Worn suspension or steering componentsSee SUSPENSION section
Defective shock absorbersReplace shock absorber
Wheel bearings worn or looseSee WHEEL BEARING ADJ.
in SUSPENSION section
Power steering reaction Bracket looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear box (rack) mounting looseSee STEERING section
Steering gear adjustment looseSee STEERING section
Worn spherical jointsSee SUSPENSION section
Toe-In Not Adjustable
Lower control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Camber Not Adjustable
Control arm bentSee SUSPENSION section
Frame bentCheck frame for damage
Hub & bearing not seated properlySee SUSPENSION section
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00027342
Page 36 of 36 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Trouble Shooting - Basic Procedures
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Back To Article
GENERAL INFORMATION
Clutch Trouble Shooting
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
ALL MODELS
CLUTCH TROUBLE SHOOTING NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
Problem & Possible CauseAction
Clutch Chatters/Grabs
Incorrect Pedal AdjustmentAdjust Free Play
Worn Input Shaft SplineReplace Input Shaft
Binding Pressure PlateReplace Pressure Plate
Binding Throw-Out LeverCheck Throw-Out Lever,
Check Throw-Out
Bearing, Check Bearing
Retainer
Uneven Pressure Plate Contact With FlywheelAlign/Replace Worn Parts
Transmission MisalignedAlign Transmission
Worn Pressure PlateReplace Clutch Assembly
Oil-Saturated DiscReplace Clutch Assembly,
Repair Oil Leak
Loose Engine MountsReplace Engine Mounts
Clutch Pedal Sticks Down
Clutch Cable BindingReplace Clutch Cable
Weak Pressure Plate SpringsReplace Clutch Assembly
Binding Clutch LinkageLubricate Linkage
Broken Clutch Pedal Return SpringReplace Return Spring
Clutch Will Not Release
Oil-Saturated DiscReplace Clutch Assembly,
Repair Oil Leak
Defective Disc FaceReplace Clutch Assembly
Disc Sticking on Input Shaft SplinesReplace Disc/Input Shaft
Binding Pilot BearingReplace Pilot Bearing
Faulty Clutch Master CylinderReplace Master Cylinder
Faulty Clutch Slave CylinderReplace Slave Cylinder
Blown Clutch HoseReplace Hose
Sticky Throw-Out Bearing SleeveClean/Lube Sleeve
Clutch Cable BindingReplace Clutch Cable
Broken/Loose BellhousingCheck Bellhousing
Rattling/Squeaking
Broken Throw-Out Lever Return SpringReplace Return Spring
Faulty Throw-Out BearingReplace Throw-Out
Bearing
Faulty Clutch DiscReplace Clutch Disc
Faulty Pilot BearingReplace Pilot Bearing
Worn Throw-Out BearingReplace Throw-Out
Bearing
Dry Bearing Retainer Slide For Throw-Out Bearing SleeveLubricate Slide
Slipping
Faulty Pressure PlateReplace Clutch Assembly
Worn Clutch DiscReplace Clutch Assembly
Incorrect AlignmentRealign Clutch Assembly
Faulty Clutch Slave CylinderReplace Slave Cylinder
No Pedal Pressure
Leaky Hydraulic SystemCheck Clutch Master
Cylinder, Check Clutch
Slave Cylinder
Check Clutch Hose
Broken Clutch CableReplace Clutch Cable
Faulty Throw-Out LeverReplace Throw-Out Lever
Broken Clutch LinkageRepair Clutch Linkage
Page 1 of 2 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Clutch Trouble Shooting
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Back To Article
GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignm ent T heory & Operation
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style, equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial and axial runout is
not excessive. Inflation should be at manufacturer's specifications.
Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must not be
sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not have excessive play. See Fig. 1
.

Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage

Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk. Bounce front and rear end
of vehicle several times. Confirm vehicle is at normal riding height.
Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen
opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See Fig. 2
.
Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster
and toe-in using this sequence. Follow instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer. NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
CAUT ION: DO NOT attem pt to correct alignm ent by straightening parts. Dam aged parts MUST be replaced.
Page 1 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 2: Adjusting Tie Rod Sleeves (Top View)

ADJUSTMENTS
CAMBER
1. Camber is the tilting of the wheel, outward at either top or bottom, as viewed from front of vehicle. See Fig. 3
.
2. When wheels tilts outward at the top (from centerline of vehicle), camber is positive. When wheels tilt inward at top, camber is negative.
Amount of tilt is measured in degrees from vertical.

Fig. 3: Determining Camber Angle

CASTER
1. Caster is tilting of front steering axis either forward or backward from vertical, as viewed from side of vehicle. See Fig. 4
.
2. When axis is tilted backward from vertical, caster is positive. This creates a trailing action on front wheels. When axis is tilted forward,
caster is negative, causing a leading action on front wheels.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
Page 2 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 4: Determining Caster Angle

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT
Toe-in is the width measured at the rear of the tires subtracted by the width measured at the front of the tires at about spindle height. A
positive figure would indicate toe-in and a negative figure would indicate toe-out. If the distance between the front and rear of the tires is the
same, toe measurement would be zero. To adjust:
1) Measure toe-in with front wheels in straight ahead position and steering wheel centered. To adjust toe-in, loosen clamps and turn adjusting
sleeve or adjustable end on right and left tie rods. See Fig. 2
and Fig. 5 .
2) Turn equally and in opposite directions to maintain steering wheel in centered position. Face of tie rod end must be parallel with machined
surface of steering rod end to prevent binding.
3) When tightening clamps, make certain that clamp bolts are positioned so there will be no interference with other parts throughout the entire
travel of linkage.

Fig. 5: Wheel Toe
-In (Dimension A Less Dimension B)
TOE-OUT ON TURNS
1. Toe-out on turns (turning radius) is a check for bent or damaged parts, and not a service adjustment. With caster, camber, and toe-in
properly adjusted, check toe-out with weight of vehicle on wheels.
2. Use a full floating turntable under each wheel, repeating test with each wheel positioned for right and left turns. Incorrect toe-out
generally indicates a bent steering arm. Replace arm, if necessary, and recheck wheel alignment.
Page 3 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
1. Steering axis inclination is a check for bent or damaged parts, and not a service adjustment. Vehicle must be level and camber should be
properly adjusted. See Fig. 6
.
2. If camber cannot be brought within limits and steering axis inclination is correct, steering knuckle is bent. If camber and steering axis
inclination are both incorrect by approximately the same amount, the upper and lower control arms are bent.

Fig. 6: Checking Steering Axis Inclination

Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00060716
Page 4 of 4 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Wheel Alignment Theory & Operation
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Back To Article
GENERAL INFORMATION
Manual Transmission Trouble Shooting
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
INTRODUCTION
There are many times when the transmission is incorrectly blamed for shifting problems or noises that are actually caused by other reasons.
Shift difficulties are frequently caused by conditions outside of the transmission or transaxle. Typical conditions include: shift linkage, shift
cables, alignment of engine to transmission, worn engine mounts or clutch problems. Drive train noises may come from many sources such as
tires, road surfaces, wheel bearings, differentials, engine or exhaust system. Repairing or overhauling transmission will not cure these
problems.
No manufacturer makes a perfectly quiet transmission. Gear rollover noise is present in most constant mesh transmissions and will tend to
disappear when the clutch is disengaged or transmission is placed in gear. If clutch is properly adjusted, clutch release bearing noise will
disappear when release bearing is moved enough to slide release bearing away from pressure plate.
Trouble shooting can be helped by driving vehicle on a smooth level road to help eliminate tire and body noise. Note whether noise occurs on
acceleration, coasting, deceleration or steady driving conditions. Some problems may only occur when transmission is either hot or cold. Gear
lubricant that is too thick can cause hard shifting on cold mornings before engine is warm and vehicle has been driven.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE TROUBLE SHOOTING NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
ConditionPossible Cause
Noisy In Forward GearsLow Gear Oil Level, Loose Bellhousing Bolts, Worn Bearings Or
Gears
Clunk On Deceleration (FWD Only)Loose Engine Mounts, Worn Inboard CV Joints, Worn Differential
Pinion Shaft, Oversized Side Gear Hub Counterbore in Case
Gear Clash When Shifting Forward GearsClutch Out Of Alignment, Shift Linkage Damaged Or Out Of
Adjustment, Gears Or Synchronizers Damaged, Low Gear Oil
Level
Transmission Noisy When Moving (RWD Only); Quiet In Neutral
With Clutch EngagedWorn Rear Output Shaft Bearing
Gear RattleWorn Bearings, Worn Gear Oil, Low Gear Oil, Worn Gears
Steady Ticking At Idle (Increases With RPM)Broken Tooth On A Gear
Gear Clash When Shifting Forward GearsWorn Or Broken Synchronizers, Faulty Clutch
Loud Whine In ReverseNormal Condition (1)
Noise When Stepping On ClutchFaulty Release Bearing, Worn Pilot Bearing
Ticking Or Screeching As Clutch Is EngagedFaulty Release Bearing, Uneven Pressure Plate Fingers
Click Or Snap When Clutch Is EngagedWorn Clutch Fork, Worn Pivot Ball, Worn Or Broken Front
Bearing Retainer
Transmission Shifts HardClutch Not Releasing, Incorrect Gear Oil, Shift Mechanism
Binding, Clutch Installed Backward
Will Not Shift Into One Gear, Shifts Into All OthersBent Shift Fork, Worn Detent Balls
Locked Into Gear, Cannot ShiftClutch Adjustment, Worn Detent Balls
Transmission Jumps Out Of GearPilot Bearing Worn, Bent Shift Fork, Worn Gear Teeth Or Face,
Excessive Gear Train End Play, Worn Synchronizers, Missing
Detent Ball Spring, Shift Mechanism Worn Or Out Of Adjustment,
Engine Or Transmission Mount Bolts Loose, Transmission Not
Aligned
Shift Lever RattleWorn Detents Or Shift Lever, Worn Shift Fork, Worn
Synchronizer Sleeves
Shift Lever Hops Under AccelerationWorn Engine Or Transmission Mounts
(1)Most units use spur cut gears in Reverse and are naturally noisy.
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00010942
Page 1 of 1 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - GENERAL INFORMATION Manual Transmission Trouble Shooting
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...

Fig. 3: Engine Service Point Locations (1989
-93 1.3L EFI)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 4: Jacking & Hoisting Points

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ALIGNING CAMSHAFT TIMING MARKS
NOTE:For m ore inform ation regarding vehicle lifting refer to the JACKING & HOISTING article in the WHEEL
ALIGNMENT section.
Page 3 of 9 MITCHELL 1 ARTICLE - MAINTENANCE INFORMATION 1988-93 MAINTENANCE Ford Motor Co. Maintenance Inform...
3/10/2009 http://www.eautorepair.net/app/PrintItems.asp?S0=2097152&S1=0&SG=%7B9B990D68%2D660A%2D45E9%2D8F46%2DE
...