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| FORD: | 1995-2002 WINDSTAR |
Some vehicles may exhibit a grunt/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.
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:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Remove both front strut assemblies.
- 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.
- 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 .
- Reinstall the front strut assemblies with spacer.
Figure 1
NOTE: ALL FASTENERS LISTED MUST BE REPLACED WITH NEW FASTENERS. BEFORE INSTALLING THE THREE NUT/WASHERS AT THE STRUT MOUNT BRACKET, APPLY LOCTITE EOAZ-19554-AA (CXC-76 FOR CANADA) TO THE THREE STUDS ON EACH STRUT MOUNT (18183).
| PART NUMBER | PART NAME |
|---|---|
| 2F2Z-18A027-BA | Strut Spacer |
| N803826-S150 | Nut and Washer – Strut Mounting |
| EOAZ-19554-AA | Loctite – United States |
| CXC-76 | Loctite – Canada |
