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:

    Air Conditioning (A/C) System Flushing
    Special Tool(s) A/C Flush and Purge Machine 219-00022 (part of 219-00023) or equivalent A/C Flush and Purge Fitting Kit 219-00024 (part of 219-00023) or equivalent WARNING: Use extreme care and observe all safety and service ...

    Driveline Angle Inspection
    Special Tool(s) Anglemaster II Driveline Inclinometer 164-R2402 or equivalent NOTE: An incorrect driveline angle can cause a vibration or shudder. 1. Check the vehicle for evidence or overload or sagging. Check for specified air pressures in ...

    Final disassembly
    32. If not done previously, remove the bolts. 33. CAUTION: Do not damage the bolt hole threads. If not done previously, insert a punch in the bolt holes and drive off the differential ring gear. 34. Using the special tools, remove the differential bearin ...