Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Vibrate Software

Vibrate Software (Rotunda tool number 215-00003) is a diagnostic aid which will assist in pinpointing the source of unacceptable vibrations. The engine's crankshaft is the point of reference for vibration diagnosis. Every rotating component will have an angular velocity that is faster, slower, or the same as the engine's crankshaft. Vibrate Software calculates the angular velocity of each component and graphically represents these velocities on a computer screen and on a printed vibration worksheet.

The following steps outline how Vibrate Software helps diagnose a vibration concern:

• Enter the vehicle information. Vibrate will do all the calculations and display a graph showing tire, driveshaft and engine vibrations.
• Print a Vibration Worksheet graph. The printed graph is to be used during the road test.
• Road test the vehicle at the speed where the vibration is most noticeable. Record the vibration frequency (rpm) and the engine rpm on the worksheet graph. The point on the graph where the vibration frequency (rpm) reading and the engine rpm reading intersect indicates the specific component group causing the concern.

• An EVA or equivalent tool capable of measuring vibration frequency and engine rpm will be needed.

• Provide pictures of diagnostic procedures to aid in testing components.

Combination EngineEAR/ChassisEAR

An electronic listening device used to quickly identify noise and the location under the chassis while the vehicle is being road tested. The ChassisEARs can identify the noise and location of damaged/worn wheel bearings, CV joints, brakes, springs, axle bearings or driveshaft carrier bearings.

EngineEAR Basic Unit

An electronic listening device used to detect even the faintest noises. The EngineEARs can detect the noise of damaged/worn bearings in generators, water pumps, A/C compressors and power steering pumps. They are also used to identify noisy lifters, exhaust manifold leaks, chipped gear teeth and for detecting wind noise. The EngineEAR has a sensing tip, amplifier, and headphones. The directional sensing tip is used to listen to the various components. Point the sensing tip at the suspect component and adjust the volume with the amplifier. Placing the tip in direct contact with a component will reveal structure-borne noise and vibrations, generated by or passing through, the component. Various volume levels can reveal different sounds.

Ultrasonic Leak Detector

The Ultrasonic Leak Detector is used to detect wind noises caused by leaks and gaps in areas where there is weather-stripping or other sealing material. It is also used to identify A/C leaks, vacuum leaks and evaporative emission noises. The Ultrasonic Leak Detector includes a multi-directional transmitter (operating in the ultrasonic range) and a hand-held detector. The transmitter is placed inside the vehicle. On the outside of the vehicle, the hand-held detector is used to sweep the area of the suspected leak. As the source of the leak is approached, a beeping sound is produced which increases in both speed and frequency.

Squeak and Rattle Repair Kit

The squeak and rattle repair kit (Rotunda tool number 164-R4900) contains lubricants and selfadhesive materials that can be used to eliminate interior and exterior squeaks and rattles. The kit consists of the following materials:

• PVC (soft foam) tape
• Urethane (hard foam) tape
• Flocked (black fuzzy) tape
• UHMW (frosted) tape
• Squeak and rattle oil tube
• Squeak and rattle grease tube