The Vibration
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Sparks MD
Originally Posted by mike95762
I had a vibration problem also, a little different though. It was a suspension "rebounce" problem. And I got the same runaround that your getting. They told me it was a inherient condition of the vehicle an live with it. I filed a Lemon Law lawsuit and won. Every penny including insurance was refunded to me. Dont hesitate to use that tool if thy cant or wont fix the problem.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 154
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This may or may not make some of you feel any better, but here is a link to the Acura TL website where many of the people there are suffering serious vibration issues with their new cars. Interesting reading if nothing else.
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96617
http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96617
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: Bonney Lake, Washington
Just got this info from a guy at the dealer today....
Just got this info from a guy at the dealer today....
Special Service Message 18161 Referred to TSB-04-0303
TSB-04-0303
Check to make sure Tires do not have flat spots
Check for Tire Runout
Check Wheel Balance
Make sure Front End Suspension Items Inspected
If none of the above works, install Dampner Kit.
Wish I could look at both of these in person... Also, what is the dampner kit I wonder????
Hope this is interesting,
Dave
Special Service Message 18161 Referred to TSB-04-0303
TSB-04-0303
Check to make sure Tires do not have flat spots
Check for Tire Runout
Check Wheel Balance
Make sure Front End Suspension Items Inspected
If none of the above works, install Dampner Kit.
Wish I could look at both of these in person... Also, what is the dampner kit I wonder????
Hope this is interesting,
Dave
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Fighting with Ford too
I bought my 2004 F-150 Supercrew 4x4 on July 20th. The Ford dealer has had it longer then I have. I have a rythmic vibrration in the steering wheel at highway speeds. I have taken the truck back numerous times. They replaced all the wheels and tires (only one brand of tire for the new size on these trucks, General), replaced driveshaft, installed a steering damper, replaced the front hubs. This truck has been Road Forced 3 or 4 times and the last time the vibration was the worst it has ever been. Since they replaced the out of spec front hub the problem has been minimized a little but is still very bothersome and is slowly getting worse again They can't tell me the truck is safe so they are keeping it until I meet with the Ford field service engineer next Wednesday. A new vehicle shouldn't do this. Now they have replaced so many parts on this truck, it is not the vehicle I purchased. I'm tired of this crap. I have been so patient trying to get a new truck. At this point, I just want my money back and to never buy a Ford again.
Last edited by zeusdog; Oct 16, 2004 at 07:07 AM. Reason: need to add something
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I talked with the service manager today, he said that there is a 8 page service procedure regarding the vibration issues, this involves using a tester that measures the frequency of the vibration, and the fix is based on the frequency of the vibration, different frequency's require different measures,
he was suppossed to have already e-mailed it to me, but that didn't happen, if I had it I'd post it..
he was suppossed to have already e-mailed it to me, but that didn't happen, if I had it I'd post it..
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
This actually makes sense to me. I've been dealing with this issue for way too long and believe this is exactly what the problem is. I feel like I'm driving a tuning fork and every little fart causes a reverberation through the frame. I'm shocked this was not realized or tested prior to mass production. I'd sure like to see more info on that TSB when you get it. I've got 18,000 miles on the truck and the problem is getting worse....even with the damn "vibration dapening" kit installed.
Please keep us posted!
Thanks!
Please keep us posted!
Thanks!
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Sparks MD
Here is TSB 40303
•
WHEELS/SUSPENSION—VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY Article No.
SPEEDS—SERVICE TIPS 04-3-3
•
VIBRATION—VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS—
SERVICE TIPS
•
TRANSMISSION/DRIVESHAFT/AXLE—VIBRATION AT
HIGHWAY SPEEDS—SERVICE TIPS
FORD:
2004 F-150
SERVICE PROCEDURE (Refer To Figure 1)
ISSUE
Some 2004 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a vibration
FIRST ORDER TIRE/WHEEL DIAGNOSTIC
at highway speeds. The vibrations will typically be
PROCEDURE 10-12 HZ, 88-105 KM/H (55-65
felt through the seat and/or floorpan.
MPH)
ACTION
NOTE
The purpose of this TSB is to simplify the process
FOR 4X2 VEHICLES GO DIRECTLY TO STEP 2.
for diagnosing vehicle vibration and avoid
1. Check the integrated wheel end (IWE) on 4X4 unnecessary repairs. Refer to (Figure 1) and select
units. Raise the front of the vehicle (wheels off the symptom and speed that matches the customer
the ground), engine running, vehicle in 2WD description of the condition and perform only those
mode. The front half shafts should not turn diagnostics steps.
when wheels are rotated by hand. If the IWE is
NOTE
functioning correctly proceed to Step 2. If not,
BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PROCEDURE,
refer to the Workshop Manual Section 308-07
ENSURE THAT THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE FLAT
to repair IWE first. Then proceed to Step 2.
SPOTS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DRIVE THE
2. If road force measurement equipment (Hunter
VEHICLE FOR UP TO 30 MILES TO ELIMINATE
GSP9700/9712, or equivalent) is available,
THIS CONDITION. IF THE VEHICLE’S CONDITION
proceed to Step 3. If not, mark the original
IS CORRECTED AFTER DRIVING, THEN RETURN
tire/wheel location on each tire. (i.e. LF, LR,
THE VEHICLE TO THE CUSTOMER. NO
RF, RR) and remove from the vehicle. Check
FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS ARE REQUIRED.
wheel balance, and rebalance as required to
NOTE
achieve less than 0.25 oz. (7g) of imbalance.
WHEN EVALUATING THE CONDITION IT IS
Reinstall wheels and road test vehicle. If the
RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE
condition is corrected return the vehicle to the
OPERATED ON A FLAT SMOOTH-SURFACED
customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
ROAD THAT HAS MINIMAL OR PREFERABLY
3. If road force measurement equipment is
NO EXPANSION JOINTS, SUCH AS ASPHALT.
available (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent),
ROUGH ROAD SURFACES MAY MASK THE
measure the tire road force variation on all four
CONDITION OR GIVE A FALSE FEELING OF
(4) tires, following the manufacturer’s
VIBRATION.
instructions and
TSB 03-20-8. If any wheel
assembly measures more than the values listed
below for R1H or R2H then proceed to Step 4.
If not proceed to Step 5.
NOTE:
The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do
the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper
vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a
Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation
determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article.The information in this Technical Service Bulletin
(TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates.The most recent information is
available through Ford Motor Company’s on-line technical resources.
Copyright
ã 2004 Ford Motor Company PAGE 1
Article No. 04-3-3 Cont’d.
Tire Types:
b. If the vibration is eliminated, the source of
vibration is either transmission or rear axle • P Metric Tires, (R1H 26 lbs.) (R2H 18 lbs.)
related. Proceed to Step 3.
• LT Tires, (R1H 39 lbs.) (R2H 27 lbs.)
NOTE
4. Using the tire road force measurement
IF POSSIBLE, PERFORM STEPS 3 & 4 WHILE
machine, determine the low spot of the wheel
GOING UP A SLIGHT GRADE TO INCREASE
run out. Match high point force variation on the
LOAD ON ENGINE.
tire with the low spot of wheel run out. Re-test
the wheel assembly force variation. If the wheel 3. Achieve peak vehicle vibration and set vehicle
assembly is now acceptable, rebalance and Speed Control.
road test vehicle. If the condition is corrected
4. Unlock transmission torque converter by hitting return the vehicle to the customer. If not,
overdrive cancel button. replace the tire and re-check, then rebalance
and road test vehicle. If the condition is
a. If vibration remains with transmission torque corrected return the vehicle to the customer. If
converter unlocked, source of vibration is not, proceed to Step 5.
most likely the rear axle. Replace rear axle
and re-evaluate. 5. Condition is due to vehicle sensitivity. Obtain
Damper Kit 4L3Z-5D008-AA and refer to the
b. If the vibration is eliminated, the source of instruction sheet included in the kit for
the vibration is most likely transmission installation.
related. Refer to the Workshop Manual
Section 307-01, Diagnosis By Symptom,
NOTE
Other Concerns: Noise/Vibration in Forward
THE DAMPER KIT WILL NOT HELP STEERING
or Reverse for continued diagnosis. Repair
WHEEL NIBBLE CONDITIONS.
as required and re-evaluate.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Sparks MD
I found this on Ford's Motorcraft Site I had to pay for it. I think it was 10 bucks. You should be able to find it here http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdi...il/default.asp
The TSB I downloaded did not have a date on it but I'm pretty sure this one came out in April 2004. But I'm not sure. If you purchase it from the site above it does tell you when it was issued.
The TSB I downloaded did not have a date on it but I'm pretty sure this one came out in April 2004. But I'm not sure. If you purchase it from the site above it does tell you when it was issued.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 558
Likes: 1
From: Bonney Lake, Washington
JUst asked my dealer for copies of Recalls and TSB's on my truck
JUst asked my dealer for copies of Recalls and TSB's on my truck, they told me they cannot give me copies of them. When did this change?
Thanks,
Dave
Thanks,
Dave
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tksmitty
I found this on Ford's Motorcraft Site I had to pay for it. I think it was 10 bucks. You should be able to find it here http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/retail/default.asp
The TSB I downloaded did not have a date on it but I'm pretty sure this one came out in April 2004. But I'm not sure. If you purchase it from the site above it does tell you when it was issued.
The TSB I downloaded did not have a date on it but I'm pretty sure this one came out in April 2004. But I'm not sure. If you purchase it from the site above it does tell you when it was issued.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Thanks for the TSB
My truck is in the shop for the 3rd time in almost 1 month. I've almost owned it 1 month 
I think they have already went through most of the steps described in the TSB ....they just really don't have a clue how to fix this vibration....I am just sick about it...I am driving my third loaner truck from the dealership all of them F-150's and all of them with some degree of vibration. I keep checking the forums just in case someone here finds someone who knows how to fix it..... guess will see if/when I get my truck out of the shop AGAIN! I think one more puts it on the road to qualifying as a LEMON. Don't really want that but refuse to drive a fixer-upper for too much longer 
I think they have already went through most of the steps described in the TSB ....they just really don't have a clue how to fix this vibration....I am just sick about it...I am driving my third loaner truck from the dealership all of them F-150's and all of them with some degree of vibration. I keep checking the forums just in case someone here finds someone who knows how to fix it..... guess will see if/when I get my truck out of the shop AGAIN! I think one more puts it on the road to qualifying as a LEMON. Don't really want that but refuse to drive a fixer-upper for too much longer