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:

    Installation
    1. CAUTION: Make sure the hardened washer is installed between the lower suspension arm and bushing and the shock absorber. Failure to do so can result in damage and failure of the lower suspension arm and bushing. NOTE: The toe link bolt and nuts are of a ...

    Wheel
    Removal and Installation 1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301) and wait at least one minute to allow the depletion of the restraint system backup power supply. 2. Turn the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position and the ignition switch to ...

    Fuel quality
    Note: Use of any fuel other than those recommended may cause powertrain damage and a loss of vehicle performance; repairs may not be covered under warranty. Choosing the Right Fuel Use only unleaded fuel or unleaded fuel blended with a maximum of 15% ethanol. ...