A/T - ATX Whine on Deceleration

Article No.
96-13-4

06/17/96

TRANSAXLE - ATX - "WHINE" NOISE FROM TRANSAXLE ON DECELERATION (COAST DOWN) - VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 10/95

FORD:
1995-96 ESCORT

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995-96 TRACER

ISSUE:
There may be a "whine" noise coming from the transaxle on deceleration (coast down) on some vehicles. This may be caused by not-to-specification machining of the idler gear teeth.

ACTION:
Replace the idler gear inside the transaxle. The replacement idler has been revised to reduce the possibility of noise. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Verify the noise exists at 80 km/h (50 mph) during coast down with the transaxle in "D" range. If noise is present, remove the speedometer cable at the speed sensor. Test drive the vehicle with the speedometer cable disconnected. The noise should decrease or completely go away.

NOTE:
COMPLETE ATX TRANSAXLE

DISASSEMBLY IS NOT NECESSARY.

1. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle as outlined in the appropriate Escort/Tracer Service Manual.





2. Remove the torque converter and then remove the converter turbine shaft seal from the turbine shaft located on the converter side of the transaxle (Figure 1).

3. Turn the transaxle so that the oil pump is facing down. Remove the thirteen (13) bolts that retain the housing.





4. Tap the housing lightly with a plastic hammer to separate the housings (Figure 2).

5. Remove the converter housing and set aside face down on a clean work surface.





6. Remove the roll pin which retains the idler shaft (Figure 3).





7. Remove the bearing housing bolts (Figure 4).





8. Remove the bearing housing by tapping lightly with a plastic hammer (Figure 5).





9. Remove the bearing housing and idler gear (Figure 6).

10. Install the replacement idler gear (F4CZ-7F475-A) and output gear as an assembly by lightly tapping with a plastic hammer.

11. Install the bearing housing bolts and torque to 19-25 N-m (14-18 lb-ft).

12. Align the groove on the idler shaft with the mark on the bearing housing and tap the roll pin in with a punch.

13. Install the thirteen (13) housing bolts and torque to 37-52 N.m (27-38 lb-ft).

14. Install a new turbine shaft seal on the turbine shaft.

15. Install the torque converter and reinstall the transaxle as outlined in the appropriate Escort/Tracer Service Manual.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

F4CZ-7F475-A Idler Gear

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

961304A Replace Idler Gear - 1.9L 4.3 Hrs.

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7F475 56

OASIS CODES: 504000, 597997