[GapBoyPCS]

2001 ZTS,May 17 2004, 07:52 AM Wrote:How do I diagnose? Pure speculation! It is making the same sound as when a CV joint went on my old car. As GabpBoy can attest I have a whole world of different creaks and groans. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and drop it off at Ford. My instructions will be diagnose only as if any parts are worn I'll source aftermarket replacements.

After driving your car on Dyno Day, I'm not sure what your issue(s) lie.

I should have driven it on the highway to double check on the halfshaft. That's when mine was really prominent. You have to shut the a/c fan OFF and have all other toys in the car off (i.e. no radio). A slight drone would seem like it's a wheel bearing noise...but it seems like it's coming from the centre dash.

As for your creaks and groans, I don't know why you have so many. I know your end-links are WAY different than the ones on mine (even when I had the originals on). I wasn't able to see the rubber sleeve coming off the top strut/spring locale...unless it already came off. After I drove your car, I swear it's a totally different car compared to mine. Unless there was an unknown suspension change in 2002, our cars should be identical. Either that, or wifey has been doin' some major cruisin' with the green machine.

What I would do is just DIY on the end-links. I believe it's not that hard to do...as long as the car is on jack stands. If it's the rubber sleeve, then that's a major repair as you need to take the strut off the car.

PS> As for TSBs, a lot of other car companies have them. It's just with major domestic manufacturers, people tend to have looser lips and the word gets out on them.