Suspension System - Ford 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual

SECTION 204-00: Suspension System — General Information
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

Suspension System

Inspection and Verification
1. Road test.
Verify the customer's concern by performing a road test on a smooth road.
2. Inspect tires.
Check the tire pressure with all normal loads in the vehicle and the tires cold. For
additional information, refer to the vehicle certification (VC) label.
Verify that all tires are sized to specification.
Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage.
3. Inspect chassis and underbody.
Remove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and
underbody.
4. Inspect for aftermarket equipment.
Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, wheel and tire components
(such as competition, heavy duty, etc.) The specifications shown in this manual do not
apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment.
5. Inspect shock absorbers.
All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized hydraulic shock absorbers. These shock
absorbers are not adjustable or refillable and cannot be repaired.
Oil Leak: A light film of oil (weepage) on the upper portion of the shock absorber is
permissible and is a result or correct shock lubrication. Weepage is a condition in which a
film of oil accumulates on the thin tube (body) and is normally noticed due to the
collection of dust in this area. If shock absorbers exhibit this weepage condition, they are
functional units and new shock absorbers should not be installed. Leakage is a condition
in which the entire shock absorber body is covered with oil and the oil will drip from the
shock absorber onto the pavement. If condition exists:
Make sure fluid observed is not from sources other than the shock absorber.
Install a new shock absorber, if necessary.
Vehicle Sag: Many times new shock absorbers are installed in an effort to solve a vehicle
sag concern. Shock absorbers by design are hydraulic damping units only and, unlike
suspension springs, do not support any suspension loads. Therefore, installing a new
shock absorber will not correct a vehicle sag concern.
Installment in Pairs: In the past it was recommended that new shock absorbers be
installed in pairs if one unit became unrepairable. New shock absorbers no longer need
to be installed in pairs when only one unit is not repairable.
Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical
2003 Mustang Workshop Manual