Ford Mustang Service Manual: Inspection and Verification
Inspection and Verification
Certain axle noise or vibration symptoms are also common to the engine, transmission, wheel bearings, tires, and other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, be sure that the cause of the trouble is in the axle before disassembling, adjusting or repairing the axle. Certain driveshaft vibration symptoms are common to the front engine accessory drive (FEAD), the engine, transmission or tires. Be sure the cause of the concern is the driveshaft before repairing or installing a new driveshaft. Certain symptoms may be caused by Traction-Lok differentials (4026). Check the vehicle certification label and axle identification tag to determine the type of differential.
Noise Acceptability
NOTE: A gear-driven unit will produce a certain amount of noise. Some noise is acceptable and audible at certain speeds or under various driving conditions such as a newly paved blacktop road.
Slight noise is not detrimental to the operation of the axle and is considered normal.
With the Traction-Lok differential axle, slight chatter noise on slow turns after extended highway driving is considered acceptable and has no detrimental effect on the locking axle function.
Universal Joint (U-Joint) Inspection
Place the vehicle on a frame hoist and rotate the driveshaft (4602) by hand. Check for rough operation or seized U-joints. Install a new U-joint if it shows signs of seizure, excessive wear, or incorrect seating.
Analysis of Leakage
Clean up the leaking area enough to identify the exact source. An axle leak can be caused by the following.
- Axle lubricant level is too high.
- Worn or damaged axle shaft seals or differential seals.
- Differential housing is cracked.
- Flange yoke seat is worn or damaged.
- Pinion flange is scored or damaged.
- Axle cover is not sealed.
- Vent is plugged.
Repair the axle as necessary. Make sure the axle lubricant is at the correct level. Refer to Specifications in this section.
Axle Vent
NOTE: If a plugged vent cannot be cleared, install a new one.
A plugged vent will cause excessive seal lip wear due to internal pressure buildup. If a leak occurs, check the vent. Make sure the vent hose is not kinked. Remove the hose from the vent nipple and clear the hose of any foreign material. While the hose is removed, pass a length of mechanics wire in and out of the vent to clean it. Connect the hose when done.
Flange Yoke Seal
Leaks at the axle drive pinion seal originate for the following reasons:
- Seal was not correctly installed.
- Poor quality seal journal surface.
Any damage to the seal bore (dings, dents, gouges, or other imperfections) will distort the seal casing and allow leakage past the outer edge of the axle drive pinion seal.
The axle drive pinion seal can be torn, cut, or gouged if it is not installed carefully. The spring that holds the axle drive pinion seal against the pinion flange may be knocked out and allow leakage past the lip.
The rubber lips can occasionally become hard (like plastic) with cracks at the oil lip contact point. The contact point on the pinion flange may blacken, indicating excessive heat. Marks, nicks, gouges, or rough surface texture on the seal journal of the pinion flange will also cause leaks.
When a seal leak occurs, install a new seal and check the vent and the vent hose to make sure they are clean and free of foreign material.
Axle Shaft Seals
Axle shaft oil seals are susceptible to the same kinds of damage as axle drive pinion seals if incorrectly installed. The seal bore must be clean and the lip handled carefully to avoid cutting or tearing it. The axle shaft journal surface must be free of nicks, gouges, and rough surface texture.
Driveline System
Driveline System
Special Tool(s)
Clamp Plate
205-320 (T92L-4851-C)
Clutch Housing Alignment
Adapter
308-021 (T75L-4201-A)
Companion Flange Holding
Tool
205 ...
Analysis of Vibration
Inspection and Verification
Certain axle noise or vibration symptoms are also common to the engine,
transmission, wheel
bearings, tires, and other parts of the vehicle. For this reason, be sure that ...
Other materials:
Adjusting the headlamps
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident, an authorized dealer should check the
alignment of your headlamps.
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or ...
Tire Wear Chart
Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) (Description and Operation)
Noise is any undesirable sound, usually unpleasant in nature. Vibration is
any motion, shaking or
trembling, that can be felt or seen when an object moves back and forth or up
and down. Harshne ...
Disassembly
Disassembly
1. Remove the driveshaft (4602). For additional information, refer to
Driveshaft in this section.
2. CAUTION: Under no circumstances is the driveshaft assembly to be
clamped in the
jaws of a vise or similar holding fixture. Denting or localizing ...