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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1979 (Noise, Vibration And Harshness) >> Diagnostic Tests >> Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) >> Pinpoint Tests >> Pinpoint Test F: Front Suspension Noise

Pinpoint Test F: Front Suspension Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. F1 ROAD TEST THE VEHICLE 
    • Test drive the vehicle.
      • NOTE: An assistant will be needed for this road test.
    • During the road test, drive the vehicle over a rough road. Using ChassisEARs, determine from which area/component the noise is originating.
    • Is there a squeak, creak or rattle noise? 
    1. YES  : Go to  F2.
    2. NO  : The suspension system is OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.
  2. F2 INSPECT THE STEERING SYSTEM 
    • With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
    • Check the steering system for wear or damage. Carry out a steering linkage test. Refer to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.
    • Inspect the tire wear pattern. Refer to the Tire Wear Patterns chart.
    • Are the steering components worn or damaged? 
    1. YES  : REPAIR the steering system. INSTALL new components as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.
    2. NO  : Go to  F3.
  3. F3 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER/STRUT CHECK 
    • Check the front shock absorbers/strut mounts for loose bolts or nuts.
    • Check the front shock absorbers/struts for wear or damage. Carry out a bounce test.
    • Are the front shock absorbers/struts loose or damaged? 
    1. YES  : TIGHTEN to specifications if loose. INSTALL new front shock absorbers/struts if damaged. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article. TEST the system for normal operation.
    2. NO  : Go to  F4.
  4. F4 CHECK THE FRONT SPRINGS 
    • Check the front springs and front spring mounts/brackets for wear or damage.
    • Are the front springs or spring mounts/brackets worn or damaged? 
    1. YES  : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article. TEST the system for normal operation.
    2. NO  : Go to  F5.
  5. F5 CHECK THE CONTROL ARMS/RADIUS ARMS 
    • Inspect the control arm bushings for wear or damage.
    • Inspect for a twisted or bent control arm/radius arm.
    • Are the control arm/radius arms damaged or worn? 
    1. YES  : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article. TEST the system for normal operation.
    2. NO  : Go to  F6.
  6. F6 CHECK THE STABILIZER BAR/TRACK BAR 
    • Check the stabilizer bar/track bar bushings and links for damage or wear.
    • Check the stabilizer bar/track bar for damage.
    • Check for loose or damaged stabilizer bar isolators or brackets.
    • Are the stabilizer bar/track bar components loose, worn or damaged? 
    1. YES  : REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article. TEST the system for normal operation.
    2. NO  : Suspension system OK. CONDUCT a diagnosis of other suspect systems.
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