Engine Mount/Frame - Vibration/Shake
Article No.00-4-2
VIBRATION/SHAKE - AT STEADY SPEED APPROXIMATELY 100 KM/H (62 MPH) - VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINE AND CONVERTIBLE TOP
FORD:
1996-1998 MUSTANG
ISSUE
A vibration/shake while driving at a steady speed of approximately 100 km/h (62 mph) on smooth roads may occur on some vehicles. This may be due to the interaction between the body and suspension modes.
ACTION
Perform Steps 1-7 of the Service Procedure to insure the vibration is not due to any common cause condition. If vibration is still unacceptable, install the components listed in this TSB article to reduce the vehicle's sensitivity to vibration. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Verify the tires are not flat spotted, out of round, or excessively worn and the rims are not damaged or untrue.
2. Set all tire pressures to the pressure recommended on the vehicle label.
3. Verify that the lateral and radial runout of the wheel is less than 1.14 mm (0.045"), then check to make sure the tires are properly balanced on a calibrated tire balancer.
4. Normalize engine and transmission mounts to eliminate possible stressed or bound up conditions.
5. Check for loose suspension fasteners, control arms, steering rack, engine mounts, crossmember, etc.
6. Replace any worn suspension or steering components.
7. Re-evaluate the vehicle. If OK, return to the customer. Some Mustang convertibles may be more sensitive to vibration than others. If unacceptable vibration is still detectable, perform the remaining Steps of this TSB.
8. If this vehicle is a model year 1998 with 16" tires and automatic transmission, set the tire pressure to 207 kPa (30 psi) and obtain a new Vehicle Tire Pressure label by contacting Renkim Corporation at (800) 207-2444 or (734) 374-8684, 7:3O AM-7:3O PM Eastern Time. Ask for Mustang label, part number F8ZC-1532-EA. All other vehicle applications, proceed with remaining Steps.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
10. Replace the engine mounts with a new set of Engine Mounts (XR3Z-6038-DA - RH and XR3Z-6038-DB - LH) (these are stiffer mounts). Refer to the 1998 Mustang Workshop Manual, Page 303-01B-83, for replacement procedure.
11. Install a set of Underbody Rails (XR3Z-76101W09-AA - Left and XR3Z-76101W08-AA - Right). Refer to Figure 1 to determine where to place the rails to the underbody. The underbody rails will need to be welded to the underbody of the vehicle, referring to the following:
^ A Mig welder and standard body Gas Metal Arc Welding repair procedure should be used. Remove the paint in the welding area, underbody and rails, for better weld penetration.
^ The welds should have a minimum 5 mm (0.25") weld bead and a minimum total length of 75 mm (3") on both sides of the rail (Figure 2).
^ Upon completion, the welded area should be treated for corrosion using Super Seal Anti-Corrosion Compound (F3AZ-19515-SA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M7C54-A).
^ If this vehicle has an automatic transmission, transfer the attaching shift cable retainer from the body to the bracket that is located on the underbody rails. This is important to ensure the shifter cable does not hang down.
12. Reconnect the battery.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
XR3Z-76101W09-AA Underbody Rail - Left
XR3Z-76101W08-AA Underbody Rail - Right
XR3Z-6038-DA Engine Mount - RH
XR3Z-6038-DB Engine Mount - LH
F3AZ-19515-SA Super Seal Anti-Corrosion Compound
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
000402A Check Tire 1.3 Hrs.
Condition/Pressure/Balance,
Normalize Mounts, Inspect
For Loose Fasteners, And
Road Test
000402B Install/Weld Underbody 2.0 Hrs.
Rails And Replace Engine
Mounts
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
76101W09 07
OASIS CODES: 303000, 703000, 703300