No Love For Sterling Axle Plant
#1
No Love For Sterling Axle Plant
My 2012 GT A6 has been in the dealership for a total of 4 weeks trying to cure a rear end noise. I first took it in for what sounded like a bearing going bad. Service guy said no problem it will be fixed under warranty. Two R&P, two carriers, new bearings, housing and drive shaft later. Still not fixed. The disturbing thing is after the housing replacement a different noise occurred. The rear end has never "sang". The new noise only happens on decel from about 50 to 10 mph.
Next week the Ford Engineer Rep will look at it. He lives in Atlanta. Makes me wonder if I should have bought the Cadillac CTS-V instead of the Mustang.
This is really putting a crimp on my blower install.
Next week the Ford Engineer Rep will look at it. He lives in Atlanta. Makes me wonder if I should have bought the Cadillac CTS-V instead of the Mustang.
This is really putting a crimp on my blower install.
#2
It appears that this new noise is coming from the left rear tire area. I put the car up on stands and had my wife bring the speed up. The noise is definitely coming from that area. I took the tire off to see if the noise changed. Still there. The dealer replaced the axle bearing in an attempt to cure the new noise. Of course the housing came with new bearings anyway. No luck. Still makes noise. I don't understand why Ford does not offer a complete rear end assembly. I am tempted to just go to a salvage yard and buy a lightly used assembly and be done with it.
#3
My car is up on the rack as I type this. Ford rep is looking and listening. I see folks posting as to how badly they are treated by their dealership. This dealership has bent over backwards trying to fix my GT. Yes, I could be riding in a rental car on their nickel, no need as we own several cars. They are only about 7 miles from our house. Once again they have treated me very well.
#4
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Most ford dealerships are relatively good. Once in a while you find a stellar dealership like Ray Skilman.
On the flip, you will also run into a crap dealer. I can vouch for that.
Personally, I think it has a lot to do with the work ethic of the service manager. Remember, the fish stinks most at the head.
On the flip, you will also run into a crap dealer. I can vouch for that.
Personally, I think it has a lot to do with the work ethic of the service manager. Remember, the fish stinks most at the head.
#5
The Ford Rep, Shop Manager, Operations Manager and mechanic all were under the car while it was on the rack with wheels turning. Conclusion - replace left axle. It will be here Wednesday from Atlanta. Once again I can't speak highly enough about Long-Lewis Ford Hoover.
#6
Still no luck. Went by yesterday at noon. The new left axle has been installed. Shop Manager got in car while on rack and brought the wheel speed up to about 40 and let it coast down. Decel noise is still present. I am starting to wonder if the new housing, that was installed a couple of weeks ago, is the culprit. Everything from the transmission back is brand new. I am a retired Mechanical Engineer with a Six Sigma Black Belt. Needless to say this has been very vexing to me. I have a Ford Racing/Whipple supercharger in a "Cart" just waiting for me to hit the "Buy" Button.
#8
Dave, I really like this one. I have zero desire to own a 2015. Drove one and did not like the IRS. Terrible for drag strip use. Just watch on YouTube what happened to the American Muscle '15 first time they added power and slicks. Broken half shaft. That car's rear end bobs up and down every time they shift. I am confident LL Ford will get it fixed. There is no other Ford dealership around Bham that could do a better job.
#9
It is a darn shame that Ford no longer offers a complete rear end assembly. One would have cost Ford a LOT less money. Figure what all the parts, freight and mechanics pay have cost Ford.
#12
Robert, after conferring with folks at the Mustang assembly plant, instructed the dealership to replace everything inside the housing. Their theory is small pieces of metal from the ring gear have contaminated all the bearings. Evidently some gear sets had small burrs that could break off. When the parts get in early next week the empty housing will be flushed several times then hand wiped. New gears will be closely inspected and hand stoned to remove any burrs.
#17
The one in it now is the second housing. Looks like it will be Monday before I take it in to have everything replaced. The beat goes on. The dealership is going to provide me with an office soon. LOL
#19
Looks like it is finally fixed. There is a very slight gear whine from 60-62 mph on acceleration. I can live with that. Long Lewis Ford has really bent over backwards trying to fix the problem I had.
#20
CDJ thank you for starting this thread. I just replaced my 2006 axle bearings and seals. It is really quite now. On my new 2014 Gt track I have always had a singing in the rear after 50 MPH. I thought this was normal and after reading this thread it looks like it is time for me to bring it in to have it looked at.
Hope everything goes well for you. I really don't understand why Ford does not have an entire dif for replacement. Ford racing has several of them.
Hope everything goes well for you. I really don't understand why Ford does not have an entire dif for replacement. Ford racing has several of them.