Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Component Tests

Ball Joint Inspection

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

2. Prior to performing any inspection of the ball joints, inspect the wheel bearings.

3. Position a safety stand beneath the front suspension lower arm (3079) to be tested.

Ball Joint Inspection

4. While an assistant pulls and pushes the bottom of the tire, observe the relative movement between the lower spindle arm and the front suspension lower arm ball joint. Any movement at or exceeding the specification indicates a worn or damaged lower ball joint. Install a new front suspension lower arm.

Wheel Bearing Inspection

1. Raise the vehicle until the tire is off the floor.

2. NOTE: Make sure the wheel rotates freely and the brake pads are retracted sufficiently to allow movement of the tire and wheel assembly.

Grasp each tire at the top and bottom and move the wheel inward and outward while lifting the weight of the tire off the wheel bearing.

3. If the tire and wheel (hub) is loose on the wheel spindle or does not rotate freely, install a new front wheel hub (1104) as necessary.

    Symptom Chart
    Condition Possible Sources Action Dogtracking Excessive rear thrust angle. Front or rear suspension components. Drive axle damaged. ...

    Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front
    All vehicles 1. Remove the rivet. Loosen the nuts and bolt. Vehicles requiring camber adjustment 2. Move the front suspension camber adjusting plate (3B391) to the required camber setting. Vehicl ...

    Other materials:

    Cleaning the alloy wheels
    Note: Do not use chrome cleaner, metal cleaner or polish on wheels and wheel covers. A clearcoat paint finish coats aluminum wheels and wheel covers. In order to maintain their condition: • Clean weekly with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner. Use a sponge ...

    Removal
    WARNING: Do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related components. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury ...

    Door Alignment
    NOTE: The door should be adjusted for even and parallel fit with the body opening and surrounding panels as well as making sure that the anti-chuck pin is not binding on convertible models. 1. Mark the position of the front door hinges to the front ...