Exhaust/Driveshaft - Rubbing Noise On R/H Turns

Article No.
00-8-3

DATE:
04/17/2000

NOISE - "RUBBING" FROM REAR OF VEHICLE DURING RIGHT HAND TURNS - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.0 L ENGINE BUILT THROUGH 1/5/2000

FORD: 1996-2000 EXPLORER
MERCURY: 1996-2000 MOUNTAINEER

ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with 5.OL engine may exhibit a rubbing noise during right hand turns from the rear of the vehicle. This may be due to insufficient clearance between the muffler hanger rod and the rear driveshaft This condition generally occurs when the muffler inlet pipe slip joint does not completely slide over the converter outlet pipe and causes the muffler assembly to pull inboard during assembly.

ACTION
Replace the muffler assembly and hanger bracket. The revised muffler assembly (YL2Z-5230-AA) has hanger rods that have been re-oriented 90 degrees which when used with the new hanger bracket (F57Z-5A246-A) allows the system to swing fore-aft (same as the 4.OL OHV system) and prevents the potential contact with the rear driveshaft. Refer to section 309-00 of the appropriate model year Workshop Manual for standard exhaust system repair procedures.

NOTE: When the new muffler assembly (YL2Z-5230-AA) is installed, the new hanger bracket (F57Z-5A246-A) must also be used.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

YL2Z-5230-AA Muffler Assembly
F57Z-5A246-A Hanger Bracket

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 403000, 597997, 702000, 702200,702300