Been reading past posts here in regard to Cambolts. I have an '03 L and am wondering if before 12,000 miles I should go to the dealer and get them to do the cambolt install and an alignment under warranty. So, what do you recommend and waht do I tell the dealer in regard to symptoms, etc. to get the Service Department to do an alignment and the cambolts??
Thanks in advance for your input.

 

You only need cambolts if you lower the front end or install slotted washers on the lower driver side A-arm.

 

Or if you ever need to re-align the front ...

 

Well, you know I will eventually need an alignment...........
So, what do you recommend and what do I tell the dealer in regard to symptoms, etc. to get the Service Department to do an alignment and the cambolts??

 

If you take the truck to the dealer and tell them that something is wrong, or that it is doing something that it actually isn't, they will not do the work. First they will test drive it, then they will put it on the alignment rack and check the alignment. If it is within spec, they will not do anything to it. You could try to talk to the alignment tech and see if you could pay him a little something on the side to do the work. Most techs will do it, some will not. Give it a shot.

 

Ford will not install cam bolts under warrantee. (Cheap bustards). Even if you demonstrate that the alignment is off I don't think it is a warranteeable condition, they can always claim you hit a pothole. Ford had a TSB for the front end clunk, with the star washers, but that doesn't work, either. You need to bite the bullet and get some Herb's washers and a cam bolt kit. It may cost you a couple of hundred bucks, but it will save a lot more than that over the long run. This kind of penny pinching ***** is why I will never buy another Ford.

 

I believe the statement "Ford will not install cam bolts under warrantee" is incorrect. IF you have a new vehicle and under say 12,000miles (I think that is the #) indeed the dealer will do under warranty an alignment IF the vehicle does not fall within alignment specs. IF they do an alignment it is my understanding they need to install cam bolts in order to do the alignment.
I am in hopes I might be able to talk to my very reasonable service manager and get him to ok the cam bolts and alignemt tweaking. As I get a bit over 10,000 miles I will talk candidly to the service manager.
As to someones comment about the tech at a dealership. I have always had very positive dealings with techs at dealerships. I'm one to slip them a few bucks for say being upfront on what they did or did not do on my ride, telling me what and how and answering my questions, etc.. respecting my ride.. I found out long ago the tech is the key as he can make you or break you so to speak. Lets face it, the tech is really the heart of the service department. He can snitch you off or work with you.. He is the man I guess you would say. His/her abilities are what you really depend on.
I've had many that ended up doing work for me from their home garage saving me lots of $ and getting them additional $. Oh, don't tell the dealership.... 8-)

Oh, about Ford being tight, terrible or whatever. ALL of them are the same. Businesses try to keep as many $ in their pocket as they can. Hmmmm, don't we all...