Suspension System
Preliminary Inspection
1. Road test the vehicle: If any suspension alignment or ride height concerns are present, REFER to Symptom Chart: Suspension System. Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are present, REFER to Symptom Chart: NVH.
2. Inspect the tires: Check the tire pressures with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. REFER to the VC label. Verify that all tires are sized to specification. REFER to the VC label. Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage. INSTALL new tires as necessary.
3. Inspect the chassis and underbody: Remove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and underbody. Front or rear suspension components. Suspension fastener(s). Incorrect spring usage Spring(s). Shock absorber(s). Strut(s). Suspension bushing(s). Steering system components. Wheel bearing and wheel hub(s).
4. Inspect for aftermarket equipment: Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, and wheel and tire components (such as competition or heavy duty). The specifications shown in this manual do not apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.
Symptom Chart: Suspension System
Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation). REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
Vehicle drifts/pulls | Refer to the Diagnostic Routine. | GO to Pinpoint Test A |
Wander | Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
Ball joint(s) | INSPECT ball joints. INSTALL new control arm(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation). or REFER to: Rear Lower Arm (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation). | |
Damaged or missing front strut mount bearing(s) | INSTALL a new front strut mount bearing(s) as necessary. REFER to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation). |
2016 Mustang workshop publication supplied to Mustang Atlas. Original technical text and illustrations; HTML formatting by Mustang Atlas. Source page numbering is retained for traceability. Follow the configuration, revision, warnings, and cross-references in the material. About this edition.