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:

    Exhaust System Neutralizing
    WARNING: Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is harmful to health and potentially lethal. Repair exhaust system leaks immediately. Never operate the engine in an enclosed area. WARNING: Exhaust system components are hot. NOTE: Neutralize the exhau ...

    Supercharger Cooling System Flushing
    1. WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot cool ...

    Assembly
    1. NOTE: Universal joint kits are to be installed as complete assemblies only. Do not mix components from other U-joint kits. Install the spider. 1. Start a new bearing cup into the driveshaft yoke. Check the needle bearings for correct positioning. ...