Tech Tip: Pop Goes the Mustang

Tech Tip: Pop Goes the Mustang

Some 2005 Mustang vehicles may exhibit an intermittent popping noise from the front of the vehicle while turning left or right. The noise will typically occur during low speed maneuvers and may occur multiple times while turning. On both sides of the vehicle, install a revised upper strut bearing assembly. If the vehicle was ....

By Tom Purser, ALLDATA editor and Jeff Webster, ALLDATA technical writer

Some 2005 Mustang vehicles may exhibit an intermittent popping noise from the front of the vehicle while turning left or right. The noise will typically occur during low speed maneuvers and may occur multiple times while turning.

Applicable Model
2005 Mustang

Parts Information
PART NUMBER — PART NAME
8R3Z-18183-B — Upper Strut Mount Assembly (Coupe)
5R3Z-18183-A — Upper Strut Mount Assembly (Convertible)
5R3Z-5L302-A — Spring Isolator
W520112-S440 — Strut Upper Mount Nut
W520215-S440 — Strut Rod Nut and Washer
W709870-S439 — Strut-To-Wheel Spindle Bolt
W711091-S900 — Strut-To-Wheel Spindle Flag Nut
N807144-S440 — Stabilizer Bar Link Upper Nut

Action
On both sides of the vehicle, install a revised upper strut bearing assembly. If the vehicle was built before February 2005, it may also be necessary to install a lower spring seat isolator if one is not already present. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

Service Procedure
Review safety procedures in ALLDATA Repair before beginning.

1. Remove the strut and spring assembly.
2. Disassemble the strut and spring assembly.
3. If the springs do not have a rubber isolator on the bottom spring coil, install isolators. Clean off any dirt prior to installing the isolator. The isolator should be installed 4" (100 mm) from the end of the coil (Figure 1).
4. Reassemble the strut and spring. During reassembly, make sure the lower spring coil is butted up against the lower spring seat on the strut and the upper spring coil is butted up against the upper bearing assembly.

NOTE:
Install all new fasteners during reassembly.
Vehicles alignment is not required after this repair.

Written by ALLDATA Editor, Tom Purser and Technical/Marketing Writer Jeff Webster.

Tom has 17 years of dealership and independent shop experience as a shop manager, service consultant, shop foreman and ASE Certified Technician. He has been an active participant in numerous industry organizations. Jeff has 20 years of experience as a writer/editor.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

For additional information, visit www.alldata.com.

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