soft thump thump thump sound
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Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 9
From: Wisconsin
I checked my idler arm and it is solid. I have ordered some Goodyear Fortera's and will have the front end alignment checked by the Ford dealer that did my last two trucks.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 0
From: kinston nc
Dont jump the gun on the idler arm thing. We have customers come in all the time thinking that because they can wiggle it, that its bad. The warranty replacement went so high that ford had to put a stop to unneccesary replacement in a TSB as follows:
ISSUE:
A high number of Idler Arms are being replaced as a result of routine inspections or of complaints of tire wear and looseness being felt in the steering system. There may be a misunderstanding about how much Idler Arm movement/play is acceptable - because there is no movement/free-play specification published in the Workshop Manual or any other dealer Service Information documents.
ACTION:
Use proper inspection practices referred to in the following Service Procedure for measuring Idler Arm freeplay. The maximum allowable freeplay is 5 mm (0.200"). Refer to the following Service Procedure for the correct Idler Arm inspection details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Place the vehicle on a drive-on hoist.
Obtain a dial indicator and holding fixture similar to that referenced in the Figures shown (a magnetic-base dial indicator is also acceptable - provided it mounts securely).
Clean off the area on the Center Link next to the Idler Arm mount.
Install and zero-out the dial indicator on the Center Link.
While grasping the Center Link, and attempting to move it up and down; observe the dial indicator reading.
If the reading is 5 mm (0.200") or less, the Idler Arm movement is acceptable, and the Idler Arm should not be replaced.
If the reading is greater than 5 mm (0.200"), replace the Idler Arm.
Check and adjust toe-in as necessary if the Idler Arm is replaced.
ISSUE:
A high number of Idler Arms are being replaced as a result of routine inspections or of complaints of tire wear and looseness being felt in the steering system. There may be a misunderstanding about how much Idler Arm movement/play is acceptable - because there is no movement/free-play specification published in the Workshop Manual or any other dealer Service Information documents.
ACTION:
Use proper inspection practices referred to in the following Service Procedure for measuring Idler Arm freeplay. The maximum allowable freeplay is 5 mm (0.200"). Refer to the following Service Procedure for the correct Idler Arm inspection details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Place the vehicle on a drive-on hoist.
Obtain a dial indicator and holding fixture similar to that referenced in the Figures shown (a magnetic-base dial indicator is also acceptable - provided it mounts securely).
Clean off the area on the Center Link next to the Idler Arm mount.
Install and zero-out the dial indicator on the Center Link.
While grasping the Center Link, and attempting to move it up and down; observe the dial indicator reading.
If the reading is 5 mm (0.200") or less, the Idler Arm movement is acceptable, and the Idler Arm should not be replaced.
If the reading is greater than 5 mm (0.200"), replace the Idler Arm.
Check and adjust toe-in as necessary if the Idler Arm is replaced.
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: sherwood,wisconsin
Idler arm
Well gee, I wonder where the new feeling went as we wander all over the road.. Good solution to to many claims. As the bullitin on rear end howl at 50 - 60 mph says, its a characteristic of the f150.. I have found keeping the idler greased every couple thousand miles has helped the loose feeling. I am waiting for Moog to release an improved part and I will put on an afftermarket Idler.