Suspension (Front) - Grunting/Popping Noise on Turns
Article No.02-13-2
07/08/02
^ SUSPENSION - GRUNTING/POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING
^ NOISE - GRUNTING/POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING
FORD:
1995-2002 WINDSTAR
ISSUE
Some vehicles may exhibit a grunting/popping noise coming from the front suspension at speeds below 20 MPH (32 KM/H) when turning. This may be caused by contact between the rubber coated outer rim of the upper spring seat bearing and seal assembly at the underside of the shock tower sheet metal. Colder weather could result in this rubbing noise being more noticeable.
ACTION
Install 2F2Z-18A027-BA spacers between the front strut assembly mounting bracket and the strut tower. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Perform normal diagnostics per the Workshop Manual. If this does not locate the cause of the noise, proceed with the following Service Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove both front strut assemblies as detailed in the Workshop Manual Section 04-01.
3. Inspect the strut assemblies to make sure that all components are properly fitted together, especially the upper spring seat/bearing/seal and the upper strut mount.
4. Place the upper strut mount spacer (18A027) over the three mount studs prior to reinstalling the strut assembly so the spacer is positioned between the underside of the shock tower and the upper strut mount. This procedure must be performed on the right and left strut assemblies. Refer to Figure 1.
5. Reinstall the front strut assemblies with spacer according to the applicable Workshop Manual Section 04-01.
NOTE
ALL FASTENERS LISTED MUST BE REPLACED WITH NEW FASTENERS. BEFORE INSTALLING THE THREE NUT/WASHERS AT THE STRUT MOUNT BRACKET, APPLY LOCTITE E0AZ-19554-AA (CXC-76 FOR CANADA) TO THE THREE STUDS ON EACH STRUT MOUNT (18183).
Parts Block
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 97-26-14
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
021302A Install Spacer Between 1.0 Hr.
Front Strut Assembly And
The Strut Tower Both
Sides (Includes Time To
Remove And Install Both
Front Struts)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
18A027 16
OASIS CODES: 303000, 304000, 702000, 702100