RCW

Fellow GT Owners. The following is to inform you of the results of the warranty repair on my baby, just in case your car develops the same problem. I took my baby to the dealer for excessive front end noise at low speeds in the front suspension when going over small bumps and roadway defects. (Not the strut popping issue). 10 days, 53 test drive miles and after a Ford Engineer looked at the problem, I picked her up and it appears the problem is solved. Following is the list of work performed and diagnoses from the work order / receipt:
"Diagnose noise, coming from the left front, replace left front sway bar end link, noise still there, replace strut due to minor fluid leak, noise still present, install chassis ears out to vehicle, noise loud in strut and control arm, replace left front lower control arm, replace upper strut mount, inspect front brakes, caliper mounts and slide pins, lube pins, still noisy, hear noise in strut, control arm, body rack, remove sway bar end links to isolate noise, loosen sub-frame and inspect mounting surfaces, no unusual items found, replace lower control arm, noise still present, found noise in rack area, inspect rack mounts and inspect rack left front inner tie rod end, has excessive end play in rack, replace rack, purge air and check front end alignment and set toe only." Boy am I glad it all was under warranty.

Clem

That's quite a list, R.C.! Sounds like they went the extra mile for you. But, is it fixed? You say they found noise and replaced the rack, but do you still hear it? I'm guessing based on your that you don't.

You see, I ask because I have a noisy front end also. Many have complained of popping noises, but you are the first to explain the noise the way I would. I have no popping, it just sounds like something loose is clunking around up there at low speeds. It wouldn't be a real shocker as my rear sway bar was only attached on one side when I took delivery in January. Right side bracket was missing!

As strange as this sounds, mine is noisiest in the first couple of miles of driving. Is this possible or am I just more sensitive to it at first? I dunno. After I'm on the road for a while it seems to be less pronounced (but still too loud). It's the only thing about my car (other than a little gear whine) the really isn't great. My noise seems to be from the front right, but I could be wrong. I did take the service Tech for a ride but of course it was quiet as a church mouse during that time.

Rondosa

Here - it's a common problem and a fix is in the works by Ford.

http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=636881

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=536240

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=19613

hawgman

RCW clearly pointed out that it was not the strut popping issue that everyone else is having.

Rondosa

RCW clearly pointed out that it was not the strut popping issue that everyone else is having.
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My apologies... :cop:

hawgman

Deleting this because it double posted

adrenalin

I added that to my list of "if this happens to my car". Save the techs some time. Thanks for the detailed info.

Rondosa

RCW clearly pointed out that it was not the strut popping issue that everyone else is having.
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I know! And I said I'm sorry - what's with the double post?

hawgman

The double posts is strange. I didn't do it!

Just went and deleted the 2nd post

RCW

[quote=Clem,April 27, 2005, 5:31 AM]
That's quite a list, R.C.! Sounds like they went the extra mile for you. But, is it fixed? You say they found noise and replaced the rack, but do you still hear it? I'm guessing based on your that you don't.

Thanks Clem.

It has been two days since the repair. It appears they have solved the problem. BTW I also have the popping sound in the struts. The service writer was well aware of the popping strut problem, he advised Ford should have a fix in a "month or two." We can only hope.....

RCW

sodaman

Well so what fixed the problem. All the things they replaced , states didnt fix problem. Which was the final fix, if you dont mind.

RCW

The final diagnosis was that the noise was in the steering rack. It was replaced and has been quiet ever since.

RCW