Rear Axle - Moan or Slow Beating Noise At 55 MPH

Article No.
93-3-12

February 3, 1993

^ NOISE - "MOAN" OR "SLOW BEATING" NOISE FROM AXLE

^ AXLE - "MOAN" OR "SLOW BEATING" NOISE WHILE DRIVING 55 M.P.H. (88 KM/H) OR OVER



FORD: 1989-92 THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1989-92 COUGAR


ISSUE:
A "moan" or "slow beating" noise may be heard near the axle, while driving 55 m.p.h. (88 KM/H) or over, due to the axle ring and pinion gears. This condition can occur with the transmission in either Drive (D) or Overdrive (OD).

ACTION:
Use the following service procedure to check and, if necessary, replace the axle isolator bushings.


SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Test drive the vehicle. At a speed of 55 m.p.h. (88 KM/H) or over, shift the transmission from Overdrive (OD) to Drive (D).

2. If the "moan" or "slow beating" noise is still heard, replace the axle isolator bushings (F3SZ-4B424-A or F3SZ-4B431-B). Refer to the 1992 Thunderbird/Cougar Service Manual, Section 02-01, for removal and installation procedures.

NOTE:
THE DESIGN OF THE NEW AXLE ISOLATOR BUSHINGS MOAN ELIMINATE OR REDUCE THE "MOAN" NOISE, BUT IT WILL NOT CHANGE OR REDUCE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY THE DRIVESHAFT OR TIRES.



PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

F3SZ-4B424-A Upper Axle Isolator Bushing (2 C
Required)
F3SZ-4B431-B Lower Axle Isolator Bushing (2 C
Required)

WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage For 1991 And Prior Models. Eligible Under Bumper To Bumper Coverage For 1992 Models.

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
930312A Replace Rear Axle Insulator 1.5 Hrs.
Bushings

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
4209 56

OASIS CODES:
509000, 597997, 702000, 702300