Tires - Slapping Or Beating Noise Above 45 MPH

TSB 12-12-13

12/31/12

CONTINENTAL TIRE - NOISE / VIBRATION

FORD:
2013 Focus, Escape

ISSUE
Some 2013 Escape and Focus vehicles equipped with Continental tires may exhibit concerns with tire noise or vibration may be caused by excessive rubber flashing in the grooves between the treads from the tire manufacturing process. The thickness of the flashing will be between 0.5 mm to 2 mm (1/32" to 3/32") and run perpendicular to grooves in the tread pattern. The excessive flashing causes a slapping or beating noise above 72 Kp/h (45 MPH). This noise has been perceived as a vibration concern to some customers.

ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. To repair, examine all four (4) tires for the excessive flash condition. Ensure that all 360 degrees of tread is inspected for this concern. (Figure 1)

2. If flashing is identified,

a. Use pliers to grab and tear the rubber flashing out of the grooves between the tread. Typically if flashing is located, check 180 degrees from that location for additional flashing.

b. If flashing was not found, this procedure does not apply.

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool.

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

121213A. 2013 Escape And Focus: 0.3 Hr.
Inspect And Remove
Rubber Flashing From All
Four Tires If Necessary
(Do Not Use With Any
Other Labor Operations)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
TIRE D4





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