vibration

[Sbosserman]

I work for a ford dealer,bought an 03.This is the most awesome car Ive ever owned!I only have 500 miles on the car.Driven to 130mph so far.Yup Ive also got the vibration.My build date is 08/02/02.I placed my order the end of May,finally delivered in September long after promised delivery date. No one could tell me where my car was.Ford finally said mine among others that was held for a routine quality check.They said the cars are taken around the test track.I guess they didnt notice the vib.There is now a ssm#16341 If the vib is felt at 45mph and increases in intensity as speed increases replace rear axle assy.IF vib is felt driving 65mph and increases in intensity as speed increases replace drive shaft #2r3z-4602-ba. If the vib is felt driving at least 65mph and does not increase in intensity, but is constant as speed increases,neutralize the exhaust system.Im going to turn my original driveshaft 180 degrees and go on from there.I don have any of the engine noise Ive been reading about but Ford also has a ssm#16354,Its not pretty.Problems with oil press. to the heads,tensioners sprockets,missing spacers behind sprockets and debris under cam ladder bosses.I hate to take any thing apart on my own vehicles if possible so I sure hope I dont start hearing engine noise.

[ox03]

> I work for a ford dealer, bought an 03.

A Ford tech...Perfect! What are the latest SSMs and TSBs? Anything involving a resolution for intermittent stalls on deceleration? Aside from: 16293 2003 MUSTANG COBRA - STALL ON DECEL

[Sbosserman]

I ran through all the ssms & tsbs for 03 cobras.There isnt much info other than the ssm to update the pcm for the stalling concern.The only other ssm is the one concerning the vibration.I just checked last week.Mine never stalled but I ran the update anyway. Sometimes the update changes other parameters which may help the engine perform better.Ill keep checking.I neutralized the engine & trans & replaced the driveshaft no more vibration.:) ;) :tmb:

[Rocket]

Hey SBosserman,
I too have the vibration, originally really
bad at 80-85 mph, had the driveshaft replaced,
cured the major vibration, but I still
have a vibration from 45-50mph around 2,100rpm.
And again at 85 mph 6th gear 2100-2400rpm
5th gear same speed higher rpm, funny thing though
the vibe at 45-50 is most noticeable during acceleration
the 80-85 is still pretty bad on acceleration but most
noticed when I let off the gas. I can match RPM and
push in the clutch and the vibe goes away. Before I had the
driveshaft replaced I couldn't do this, maybe I
had more than one problem. Any ideas, sorry so long.:cool:
Does yours have the "ticking noise" at idle? Mine
does, I've seen a few that do, just concerns me as I dont
buy the "it's just the injectors bit. " :cbra:

[Sbosserman]

Hi Rocket. I agree you may have more than one problem. Here are a few ideas. First get the car to operating temp,loosen the trans crossmember to body bolts and the two large nuts on the motor mounts.Start engine power brake in 1st gear then same thing in reverse then rev engine several times Now retighten everything. next get engine hot and loosen all exhaust bolts from manifolds back and retighten. Drive and see if anything has changed.The drive shaft at the diff can be turned to 8 different positions.Mark original location and turn to next location.Drive and see if vib has changed.Turn to next position and drive again.You get 8 tries.A lot of work But one of these may help.Let me know what happens . The dealer should do this for you if you have a decent dealer who will listen.:cbra:

[Rocket]

Thanks Sbosserman, I'll give that a try if I can't
get my dealer to do it. Isn't there a TSB on the
procedures you mentioned? My dealer initially ckecked
the torque of all the bolts, not loosening them etc.
Hope this helps, makes sense. I just posted a dyno
graph I got yesterday totally stock 376hp 373tq :cbra:

[Sbosserman]

Hey Rocket. The dealer should have tightened all diff mount bolts and pretty much everything related to the diff. Thats all Ford is reccomending at this time.So I doubt anything else was done.About your engine noise. Fords not saying much specificly. Get a long scredriver around 3 feet long let the engine idle put your ear against the handle and place the other end at various engine locations see if you can isolate noise. I would change the oil and cut the filter open to check for metal. If its clean at least you can have a little peace of mind.Your HP specs sound great. I wish I had access to a dyno. Later. :cbra:

[Rocket]

Hey Sbosserman.
Thanks for the reply, yep the dealer just checked the torque on
the whole driveline, There were some TSB's on the national TSB
site that refered to isolating the exhaust etc, just like you previously mentioned, loosening the bolts etc. Did you use
the "E" brake for the fwd and reverse after you loosened the bolts? I'll do what I can. As far as the ticking goes, I've had it on
a lift and it's definately comming from around the drivers side
next to where the bell housing bolts up to the block, next to the drivers side exhaust collector. Had some conversations with some
driveline folks, could be pressureplate, throwout brg or flywheel,
who knows. Thanks again.
:cbra:
Oh yea, almost forgot, on the shutdown issue you've had,
I had mine do it twice but I figured out that with the trac-loc
on and going pretty qwik into a corner, if the trac-loc kicks in
it dumps the rpms, kinda spooky, 65 mph downshifted to make a turn got halfway through the turn and seemed like everything
shutdown, actually dropped from about 6000rpm to about 2000.
Whew!!:tmb:

[Sbosserman]

Hi Rocket. I hope you have some luck with your vibration I know its frustrating. If your still having problems as time goes by I'm sure Ford will come out with more info. Another possibility is to take your Cobra to a dealer and ask them to call Ford hotline.These guys get new info before anyone. Yes use your E-brake and then rock the engine. Sorry to hear about your engine noise. I dont have that problem, knock on wood. I only have 600 miles on mine. I have read of some flywheel problems on svtperformance.com, but nothing from Ford yet. Trac-Loc ,what a joke it's as bad as the upshift lite. Like anyone with a Cobra is worried about gas mileage. When I first got mine if I goosed it a little around a corner it would cut out . Then I snapped it's the Trac-Loc duh. I thought it had to be engaged each time the car was started not the other way around. I'm trying to find a way to keep it off. My problem now is the noisey trans. Ford says it's normal. I'm going to wait awhile then I'm putting in an additive I've been reading about. Anyway this is still the most awesome car I've ever owned and I wouldnt trade it for the world! GOOD LUCK. :cool: :cbra:

[counihan]

Noticed same upon "delivery". Noticeable at low speed, 40+mph, but looses it, probably due to overall noise, at well "choose not to say the mph". Definitly rotational. Can the basic SVT Ford Dealer correct it??? Tom

[bhartman]

Ordered my Cobra in February. It was built in May. Ford lost it until August. It arrived with a busted console, body scratches, a chipped wheel, a nasty vibration and 41 unexplainable miles! The Regional Sales manager told me to just be thankful I received the car.

The vibration was so bad, that at 80 mph I could not see out the rearview mirror! I returned it to the dealer. After keeping it for 2 weeks, they ended up changing out the driveshaft and a bushing.

I still have a minor vibration at around 40 mph and again at 80 mph. It's worse during acceleration. The dealer told me this was normal for the car.

I LOVE the car, but so far I'm VERY UNHAPPY with Ford's attitude.

Reading the threads, it appears that Ford is finally acknowledging that there are vibration problems. Unfortuneately, my Cobra is garage-bound until the Spring thaw. I suspect by Spring thaw, there will be a whole list if items that the dealer will have to check for. Is there a web-site that lists all of the Cobra's Ford Acknowledged Problems?

[Sbosserman]

Hey bhartman.Wow you have had the worst experience I've heard of. It really sucks. If possible I'd suggest trying another dealer. Some are way better than others. I dont believe any vib. is acceptable and I don't think Ford would disagree. I'm not aware of a web site the public can access. Does anyone out there know of one? The only things Ford has addressed so far is the stall returning to idle, driveline vib. and engine noise. I'll keep checking. Small world I was born in York PA.:cbra:

[davideast]

Sbosserman,

How about posting those TSB/SSM for 03 cobra so the rest of us can use them to get our dealers to act. It seems my dealer doesn't know mustangs much less cobras. Maybe we can start a new thread "TSB/SSM" for 03 Cobra. Or is there a way to view them for the average Jo. I've check-out Alldata with no luck.

BTW, its great to have a Ford technician amongst us.

PS do ya think the dealer will notice the new pully on the SC if I ever take it in?

Thanks

[Sbosserman]

Hi Dave. I really doubt any dealer would notice a pulley change,unless you are having a problem with the supercharger. I do know that if you put in an aftermarket chip it sets a code in the PCM that cant be erased. So if you have a PCM failure and remove the chip Ford will still know. I've been in the buisness 30 years and there are some really excellent dealers but there are a lot more marginal dealers. If possible I'd suggest asking around to find a better dealer. I'm going on vacation tomorrow for three weeks. After the 6th of Jan. I will print out all TSBs and SSMs. Sorry I can't help sooner. :cbra:

[davideast]

Sbosserman,
Sounds great. thanks for the advice. I 'll check back after the new year.
Later

[Cobra40]

Rocket & all,

My '03 is in the shop now for engine ticking. It's continuous and increases in frequency with rpms. You hear it best from the driver side from behind the front wheel.

I'll let yall know what comes out in the wash. I'll mention to the tech ssm#16354 mentioned above to see what activity that generates.

The tranny "gear chatter". Got it. All say it's normal due to the size of the gears and thin fluid. Adding an additive could thicken the fluid defeating the purpose of the thinner fluid for the T56 tranny. Ask a gear-head for why the thinner fluid with this tranny.

Later on results of the ticking...

[ox03]

"SVT Engineers have said the tick is coming from excessive lifter bore tolerance and the fix is a cylinder head swap. This has to be confirmed using a stethoscope by the tech and then approved by an SVT Engineer." - 03DOHC

[krman68]

I just got my 03 and I'm looking out for the problems that others have had.

Did the vibration problem surface from day one or did it develop over time as you drove it? So far I have 1100 miles on mine, have had it up to 100 and it seems stable - no vibration.

Any info would be great. Thanks

Jack

[bhartman]

krman68,

My vibrations problems started from minute 1!

[krman68]

OK. Thanks for the info.

I hope it can be resolved if it hasn't already

[ox03]

> I hope it can be resolved if it hasn't already

The problem with driveshaft vibration is a known issue with a known resolution.

[Rocket]

Cobra40,
I've had the ticking from day 1 also, the vibe at 80-85
took me 500-1000 miles or better to find or feel, "break in
time for me". My dealer replaced the driveshaft and that helped some. I still have the vibe at 85 though. The vibe at 45-50 too.
Unfortunately when I called my dealer the same day I got my car
back, the response was "I drove it and it was smooth, no
vibes". B.S.
So, one more civilized try with my dealer, then off to another :confused: Love the car, just have had numerous experiences with dealerships and the reluctance to work on SVT's i.e. warranty issues, due to the time it takes, the newer problems/new vehicle. The techs get hammered on the actual time
it takes to troubleshoot and repair, most only get a pre-determined rate for warranty work, which is seldomly close to the
real hours spent on trouble shooting and repairing the SVT's, let alone the cost of the replacement parts. Gee, if I go to sea for a while you think Ford will take my car and use it as a guinea pig
to find the problems/resolutions. Hell, I'd even settle for a loner till
they get my car fixed. I know some people will say hey qwit whinin, it's a pony car, similar to the SVT enthusiast article "Department of Cant Please Everyone", my opinion "they don't have any of the problems!" But I Love my car, Slightly Obsessed with Fords and SVT's, just look at my sig.
Just want the thing to run like it should, is there really something wrong with that?
:cbra:

[krman68]

Rocket,

Is there a lemon law in California? I went that route with my 94 GT convert. I worked through the dealer and Ford's zone office. I gave them ample time to correct it but they couldn't. It takes awhile but Ford made good on their promise and replaced my 94 with a 95 GT convert.

Good luck

Happy Holidays.

[Rocket]

krman68,
Yes California has the lemon law.
Painfull process though. Guess I may attempt to
go that route. I don't intend to get another car, but if these
things aren't resolved, "this will be my 3rd visit same issues"
I really don't have much choice.

[Sbosserman]

Hi Dave. I have 2 pages of SSM's. Nothing new. Now I need to figure out how to transfer documents to you.:cbra: :huh:

[bhartman]

Sbosserman,

I would also love to get copies of the '03 Cobra SSM's. I have numerous ways to post the docs if you can get them to me. What format do you have them in? Paper? If they are in paper, do you have access to a fax machine? I have eFax (208-979-2123). This will send them to my e-mail account. I can then convert them to a .pdf file and post them. How does this sound?

[Sbosserman]

Hey bhartman, thanks for the help. I sent 2 documents to your eFAX. Let me know if you recieve them. It would be great if you could post them. I'm not very computer literate, any help would be appreciated. Thanks. :cbra:

[Rocket]

Hey Sbosserman,
Finally got some info on the "vibe".
Took the svc mngr for a ride and he could feel it. Waiting on a rear
end assy. Hope this works:p
I really like the car, just frustrating at times. Dealers very positive
and willing to work with me that's a plus. Thanks for the assist.
I'd be interested in seeing some of the TSB's hope they can get posted. One other qwik question, ever had anyones shut down?
Going home today in stop and go traffic cruizing 2nd gear 2,000rpm, car completely shut down, restart ran a second or to
shut down again, luckily got it off the hwy. Had a high pitched constant whine coming from the fenderwell pssngr side by the mass air mtr when the car was shut down. Noticed that the "Theft Light" was blinking very rapidly when turning ignition on trying to start, in the off position it had the steady blink "normal" the car would not start . :huh:
So I set the alarm off, reset i,t and the alarm w/ignition on had
the steady blink again and started right up. Hmmm, sorry so long.
Guess I'll take it in. Don't mean to have you TS my car via the net

:D Just curious if you've heard this happening. The cars still completely stock.

[bhartman]

Sbosserman,

Got the faxes. Thanks. I'm off to Singapore, from Egypt, today. Will post from Singapore tomorrow. Sorry for the delay.

Cheers!

[Sbosserman]

Rocket. bhartman said he will post SSM's tomorrow. I checked Ford ' there are 2 new SSM's that may help. Is there any way I can FAX to you? When you take the Cobra in for the diff change they can hook up to WDS and pull codes.There is an update flash for the PCM. SSM no. 16469 sounds a lot like what your describing.Let me know if I can fax, too much to type.The first thing a good tech should do is run oasis for SSM's on your concern. Thats what I just did. 16469 Intermittant loss of power or no crank no start-poss Pats lamp flashing. Hope this helps. Let me know. :cbra:

[Rocket]

Sbosserman,
You've got PM and email, with my fax #.
Thanx. :cbra:

[Sbosserman]

Rocket SSM's on the way. Glad to help:cbra:

[Rocket]

Got Em! :D
Thanks they'll definately be some help.
:cbra:

[bhartman]

"PLEASE DELETE THIS POST"

[bhartman]

"PLEASE DELETE THIS POST"

[Sbosserman]

Hey Bhartman. Thanks for posting. Greatly appreciated. I just sent a new SSM on a loss of power concern.:cbra:

[bhartman]

sbosserman,

Got it! Posted it to the new SSMS Thread I started. Thanks! If you get anything else like this you want posted, just sent it.

Again, thanks for sharing.

[Rocket]

Thanx A Bunch:D :cbra:
I'm that much closer to having an 03 Cobra the
way it was intended to be.:cool:

[BSKINNER]

I CANT BELIEVE WHAT IM READING!!!!!!!!! YOU PEOPLE ACT LIKE YOUR LACK OF SATISFACTION IS SOMETHING YOU JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH! LET ME EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO ALL OF YOU JUST SO YOU WILL KNOW THE REAL DEAL! FIRST OF ALL I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU NOT TO PUT THE FIRST WRENCH ON YOUR VEHICLE IN AN EFFORT TO SOLVE A WARRANTY PROBLEM. IF A DEALER SUSPECTS YOU HAVE TAMPERED WITH YOUR VEHICLE THEY CAN TURN IT AROUND ON YOU AND MAKE THE PROBLEM YOUR FAULT. SECONDLY, YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW A SERIOUS FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE. A DEALERSHIP CAN BE GREATLY AFFECTED BY ITS SERVICE SCORES. HOW DOES A DEALERSHIP GET SERVICE SCORES YOU MIGHT ASK? WHENEVER YOU TAKE YOUR COBRA IN FOR WARRANTY WORK THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS TO SUBMIT THE REPAIR ORDER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN ORDER TO GET PAID FOR THE WORK THEY DID ON YOUR CAR. WELL, WHEN THAT HAPPENS FORD RANDOMLY GENERATES CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEYS TO MAKE SURE YOU WERE SATISFIED WITH THE WORK DONE ON YOUR VEHICLE. YOUR DEALERSHIP EITHER DOES ONE OF TWO THINGS. THEY EITHER PLAY DOWN THE EFFECTS OF THIS SURVEY OR THEY SWEAT OVER IT LIKE A WHORE ON QAURTER NIGHT. THAT SURVEY GREATLY AFFECTS THE DEALERSHIP AS A WHOLE. RIGHT DOWN TO HOW MUCH THEY PAY FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR THE CARS THEY BUY FROM THEM THAT SIT ON THEIR LOTS THAT ARE SOLD TO YOU. IF YOU WANNA GET THEIR ATTENTION, SLAUGHTER THEM ON THE SURVEY AND WATCH WHAT HAPPENS. ONCE A MONTH, THE REGIONAL REP. FOR FORD COMES TO THESE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT THESE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY GO OVER SERVICE SCORES, CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS, COMPLAINTS FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ITSELF AND COMPLAINT OR CONCERNS FROM TECHNICIANS THEMSELVES. ITS AT THIS TIME THAT THE NEGATIVE FEED BACK FROM CUSTOMERS LIKE YOU BECOME AN ISSUE WITH FORD. TRUST ME YOUR CONCERNS WILL BE ADDRESSED BY THIS REGIONAL REP. .............OH YEAH AND ONE OTHER THING IN CASE SOME OF YOU DIDNT KNOW S.V.T. IS A SUBSIDIARARY OF FORD AND ONLY CONTRACTS OUT TO SELECT DEALERSHIPS TO SELL THESE CARS YOUR BUYING. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK COLLETTI WOULD PUT UP WITH LACK OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BEFORE HE STARTS ASKING QUESTIONS. #1 RULE IF THE DEALERSHIP YOU TAKE YOUR CAR TO IS NOT AN S.V.T. DEALER " DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TAKE YOUR S.V.T. CAR TO THEM FOR SERVICE" THEIR TECHs PROBABLY ARE NOT TRAINED TO WORK ON YOUR CAR. SO TAKING ALL OF THAT INTO CONSIDERATION GO TO YOUR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND RAISE "HELL"!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bash:

[Sbosserman]

This is not a lack of satisfaction issue. These guys are all saying they love their cobras. Most are frustrated over serious concerns that obviously aren't getting repaired by their dealers. I supplied information so these guys would be better equipped to open a dialog with their dealer. Guess what there are a lot of great techs at non SVT dealers and they are very capable of repairing cobras. All Ford dealers have access to the same info SVT or not. Lots of dealers dropped the SVT liscense years ago when Ford required them to also sell SVT trucks. They took a bath on the trucks which they were forced to sell. By the way if you "raise hell" with the dealer all you get is attitude from service dept. It goes something like oh **** here comes so and so wonder whats wrong now. No one is going out of their way for this guy.This is the reality like it or not. Any time you want to debate Ford's policies let me know. I have seen it all after 30 years! :wtf: :cbra:

[BSKINNER]

I KNOW ALL ABOUT FORD POLICIES AND SERVICE DEPT ATTITUDES I WAS A SERVICE ADVISOR FOR ONE OF THE LARGEST FORD DEALERS IN NORTH LOUISIANA BEFOR I GOT TIRED OF THE **** AND GOT INTO POLICING. I KNOW HOW SERVICE DEPT. LIKE TO MAKE EXCUSES FOR PROBLEMS THEY DONT KNOW THE ANSWERS TO. AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO AND CAN APPRECIATE IT BUT YOUVE OBVIOUSLY TAKEN MY LAST POSTING AS AN ATTACK ON YOUR PARTY ON THIS THREAD BUT THATS NOT WHAT I INTENDED IT TO BE. I JUST DONT SEE THE SENSE IN GETTING YOUR BRAND NEW 35 TO 40,000 PLUS DOLLAR COBRA MUSTANG ON A LIFT AND START TURNING WRENCHES WHEN IN ALL REALITY ITS FORDS RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS CONCERNS "NOT THE CUSTOMERS". I APPRECIATE YOU POSTING THOSE T.S.B.s ON THIS THREAD BECAUSE NOW I KNOW I KNOW WHERE TO TURN WHEN MY CAR STARTS ACTING UP.
I APOLOGIZE IF YOU WERE OFFENDED THAT WAS TRULY NOT MY INTENTION :allhail:

[Sbosserman]

Hey BSKINNER ,point taken. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Perhaps I jumped the gun. I'll check to make sure your out of tickets before I drive through Louisiana.:cbra:

[Rocket]

Hey Sbosserman:D
Well put. Tact, respect, professionalism.
Just got my 03 back. Had the info you provided.
Although frustration can be a character defect "a club in which I am a regular member:D " patience and all, They put the new
241L in AND found the ground wire loose that was causing the shutdowns. So my patience, and time have paid off. Credibility and all. The tech knew I was straight with him, didn't have any reason not to be, so far the 241L feels great 45 is real smooth. Too much traffic this evening to check out the upper end, but if it's gone at 45 I'm sure it'll be gone at 85. Funny thing in the short drive home, noticed a little gear whine "very little" only in 3rd @ 3krpm. So far feels greatly improved :tmb: I'll post tommorow after I do the 80 mile round trip to work. Thanx again
:cbra:

[03SNAKERUSH]

someones computer is on CAPS LOCK.......:bash: I thank god I'm a tech at a dealership and not a service advisor. But then again those who can do...those who can't, write service...:fryem:

[2003SVT]

Hi Guys,

I've experienced both the vibration and stalling problems. At first I dismissed it but after reading all this I'll have to think twice. I also read in Blue Oval News online that 2003 Cobra production was temporarily halted to address quality concerns but it did not specify what they were. Thanks for all the usefull info.

[davideast]

Thanks Sbosserman and bhartman for your posts. I plan to take her in on Monday. Just got back from El Paso and San Diego and I just read your posts. I was helping the Marines get ready if you know what I mean.

This will be a different dealer than the one I bought the car from. They seem pretty eager to help. The first dealer didn't impress me and I did give them a bad grade when the survey came out.

I hope I can work with the tech and not just the service writer.

Sbosserman, is there a way Ford can measure the A/F ratio. I believe I'm running rich, even with a K&N and smaller pulley. I have a whole list of things I want them to check for. I'll let you know how it goes.

Later

PS I removed the pulley just in case.

[Sbosserman]

HI Davideast.Lets see first of all if you find a tech to talk to thats half the battle. Feel him out a little before you consider mentioning pulley change. If you reinstalled original pulley I'm sure A-F will be ok. The dealer wont ck fuel mix under warranty unless your ck engine light is on. If you want to pay they can check it for you but they would probably wonder why. An indepent shop could run emission test and at least give you info rich or lean with your smaller pulley. If they have latest test equiptment they should be able to give you A-F numbers. Try calling some independent shops. You have one oxygen sensor in front of the cats and one behind. The pcm monitors fuel mix before and after the cats and tailors fuel mix accordingly. If your ck engine lite isnt on your probably ok. You be ok taking your car to the dealer with orignal pulley. If in the future you have an engine or supercharger problem Ford will know the pully was messed with. They look for trace marks on bolts ,retainers ,shaft etc . Same thing with chips they log codes only the factory can check. If you have any more questions let me know. Hope this helps.

[rallen]

More quesions on vibe.

Had mine in twice. First trip replaced driveshaft - corrected the major vibration.

Still had/have a lighter vibe that starts at 65-70. Dealer replaced axle assembly - still there. Dealer nuetualized it and balanced tires and I took it home. Got it out on the Interstate yesterday and vibration is still there.

Feels and sounds like a rumble only in 6th gear, gets loud at 80 and stays constant until I let off gass or put in clutch.

I've used this forum to keep advised before I go in, any advise on where to go from here?

[bhartman]

Rallen,

I'm kinda where you're at now. I had a nasty vibration starting aroung 80. Had drive staft replaced. Still have vibration, but is reduced. Unfortunately, my baby is wrapped up for the winter, waiting for spring thaw. So, I can't help you, but I'd like to hear how you eventually fair.

Cheers!

[davideast]

Rocket,

Did the new 241L fix the vibration problem? How does it feel at 100mph? Look in the mirror, any vibration?

Mines in for the second time. First they replaced the drive line. Better, but not cured. Hopefully the 241L will be it. Still need to fix the pull. I wish they didn't have to test drive it so much. To many miles on it :mad:

Later
Dave

[Mongoose]

I've only seen 100 mph so far and haven't had any vibration problems. Only 295 miles on car till Spring.

[Rocket]

Dave in Bama,
Sorry tooso long to reply, I was underwater
for a few weeks:)
As far as the vibration, I had the driveshaft
replaced, took care of the major vibes, then I still
had this vibe you could actually feel in your head
low freq vibe inner ear kind of stuff, best way I can explain it,
and yes I could feel it too. I had the 241L installed and
the vibes I had seem to be gone or shifted in frequency.
The car is much smoother and for now I'll just chalk up the
feeling of the car as just that, some cars are really smooth,
my 96 Mystic was like a sewing machine, my 94 had it's own
qwirks at high speed, a little vibe too, 99 Lightning same. I'm
new to the IRS and guess some of the "feelings" of this beast
are just inherent with the 03. I do still have a slight vibe
but it's liveable, no more at 45-50, none at 80-85
or 85-90 as before, a little gear whine in the new set up but
10 times better than before. I dont know if they indexed
the new driveshaft with the new rear there's a few possibilities,
Sorry so long, but the cars great, I haven't drove it much
since the fix. Thanx especially to Sbosserman, and
Bhartman for the assist, they found the loose ground wire
in the TSB I got from you guys too. Now I gotta go have some fun
:bna :tmb: :bna :tmb: :cbra:

[Sbosserman]

Rocket, sounds like you have a handle on it. Glad to be of assistance. If there is anything else you need just let me know. Now go out and drive it like you stole it! Have fun & be safe. :spinem: :cbra:

[rallen]

What's 241L? I've looked around for the SSM, but can't find. Can someone please give me a description of what the fix is so I can point my dealer in the right direction.

Thanks,
Robbie

[Rocket]

Hey Rallen,
The 1st look could be a new driveshaft.
If that doesn't do it, the 241L
is the rearend assembly.
Hope this helps:cbra:

[03 Sonic Blue]

Originally posted by rallen
What's 241L? I've looked around for the SSM, but can't find. Can someone please give me a description of what the fix is so I can point my dealer in the right direction.

Thanks,
Robbie

The 1st and some 2nd run built cars have the 241K rear axle in them and many of these cars have the vibe. The later cars have the 241L rear axle. You can look under your car at the small metal tag which is attached to one of the bolts holding the cover on the axle. On the tag it will say 241K or 241L. Have your dealer run an OASIS on your car with the vibe problem and it should tell them what to look for on your car.

[03 Sonic Blue]

Originally posted by 03 Sonic Blue
The 1st and some 2nd run built cars have the 241K rear axle in them and many of these cars have the vibe. The later cars have the 241L rear axle. You can look under your car at the small metal tag which is attached to one of the bolts holding the cover on the axle. On the tag it will say 241K or 241L. Have your dealer run an OASIS on your car with the vibe problem and it should tell them what to look for on your car.

I just noticed that your dealer already replaced the rear pumpkin so it should have the 241L rear pumpkin.

[rallen]

Yep, I took a look and I have the 241L. After reading all the post it looks like some have gotten rid of the vibe other haven't.

I've talked to some owners that are chosing to live with the problem, but I live in the sticks and have to make a highway run to get to the 'stop lights' in the cities - can't stay under 70mph and don't like rev'ing along in 5th.

Read in one post where a certified 0 balance driveshaft fixed it (had mine replaced once and fixed 80% of the problem). Should I take this route or does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Sbosserman]

Ford in their infinite wisdom made 8 holes in the diff flange. If you can get the dealer to do it, they should mark the present driveshaft to flange location then disconnect drive shaft and rotate to next position, drive car and check for vibe. You get 7 tries but very time consuming. The new driveshafts are indexed to the pinion flange with a yellow stripe. First thing to do is check to see if the dealer lined up the marks when the driveshaft was replaced. :cbra:

[Waltman]

Wow guys, I think this looks like a major recall. I hope Ford comes to its senses. Mine doesn't have any vibes (knocking on wood)

[Sbosserman]

If theyweren't there from day one you have nothing to worry about. Lucky guy.:cbra:

[goodquest]

Originally posted by Sbosserman
Ford in their infinite wisdom made 8 holes in the diff flange. If you can get the dealer to do it, they should mark the present driveshaft to flange location then disconnect drive shaft and rotate to next position, drive car and check for vibe. You get 7 tries but very time consuming. The new driveshafts are indexed to the pinion flange with a yellow stripe. First thing to do is check to see if the dealer lined up the marks when the driveshaft was replaced. :cbra:


I was wondering what that hunk of metal with a yellow stripe hanging on my rear end was:confused: I was just about to post that as a question

thanks:D

[dkumashiro]

Mine seems to be without vibration problems.

I do get a clunking type of noise from underneath the car at low rpm and changing gears, but it sounded like from other threads that this is common?

[Sbosserman]

Yeah the clunk is normal according to Ford. It's just the play in the driveline. :cbra:

[dkumashiro]

Cool, thanks for the verification on that.

[Mongoose]

I posted earlier that I had no vibration at 100 mph. Looked today and I have the 241L rear. Must be somethin to it :huh:

[venomizd03]

Picked mine up in February. It has vibrated (80mph and up) since day one. Also have the ticking from the engine compartment as well. Putting it in the shop tomorrow.

[TI BRIN]

I sbosseman I have a vib issue at 80 mph like a um um , my dealer changed my ds 3times but the um um at that speed is always there is it possible that the irs suspension is in fault or irs bushing? or i have the 241L

also my dealer neutralize the exaust systeme.
I send a ds to a ds master and he said that the drive shaft is perfect

do you have an advice for me? thank. :guns:






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I work for a ford dealer,bought an 03.This is the most awesome car Ive ever owned!I only have 500 miles on the car.Driven to 130mph so far.Yup Ive also got the vibration.My build date is 08/02/02.I placed my order the end of May,finally delivered in September long after promised delivery date. No one could tell me where my car was.Ford finally said mine among others that was held for a routine quality check.They said the cars are taken around the test track.I guess they didnt notice the vib.There is now a ssm#16341 If the vib is felt at 45mph and increases in intensity as speed increases replace rear axle assy.IF vib is felt driving 65mph and increases in intensity as speed increases replace drive shaft #2r3z-4602-ba. If the vib is felt driving at least 65mph and does not increase in intensity, but is constant as speed increases,neutralize the exhaust system.Im going to turn my original driveshaft 180 degrees and go on from there.I don have any of the engine noise Ive been reading about but Ford also has a ssm#16354,Its not pretty.Problems with oil press. to the heads,tensioners sprockets,missing spacers behind sprockets and debris under cam ladder bosses.I hate to take any thing apart on my own vehicles if possible so I sure hope I dont start hearing engine noise.