engine moving around!
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engine moving around!
Hi,
I have a 1990 Ford Taurus GL 3.0 Automatic. When I was checking the level of the power steering fluid I moved the steering wheel left to right to get any bubbles out of the system. While I was doing this my buddy was looking under the hood, he noticed that the whole engine moves an inch or two in the direction I am turning the wheel!
Is this normal? If not what should I look for as the cause?
Thanks very much,
Daragh
I have a 1990 Ford Taurus GL 3.0 Automatic. When I was checking the level of the power steering fluid I moved the steering wheel left to right to get any bubbles out of the system. While I was doing this my buddy was looking under the hood, he noticed that the whole engine moves an inch or two in the direction I am turning the wheel!
Is this normal? If not what should I look for as the cause?
Thanks very much,
Daragh
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Chicagoland
I would guess the SubFrame Bushings. The rack is mounted to the subframe, but the suspension is attached to the Unibody. If the SFB's are bad, the whole subframe will move when the wheel is turned.
If it is the engine mounts, the engine will move separate from the rack. Does the rack move with the engine, or are they separate?
If it is the engine mounts, the engine will move separate from the rack. Does the rack move with the engine, or are they separate?
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Hey Guys,
I havn't had a chance to get under the taurus to take a look at what you suggested yet (I will get to do that tomorrow) but something just occured to me - I noticed the last time I was changing the oil that one of the subframe bolts is missing - I have been trying to find a replacement. I also notice that when I drive over bumps there is a clunk from the underneath of the car...
Do you think this is related?
Also - can anyone give me the spec of that bolt that needs to be replaced? I can't seem to get the other one out to have a look at it.
Thanks dudes!
Daragh
I havn't had a chance to get under the taurus to take a look at what you suggested yet (I will get to do that tomorrow) but something just occured to me - I noticed the last time I was changing the oil that one of the subframe bolts is missing - I have been trying to find a replacement. I also notice that when I drive over bumps there is a clunk from the underneath of the car...
Do you think this is related?
Also - can anyone give me the spec of that bolt that needs to be replaced? I can't seem to get the other one out to have a look at it.
Thanks dudes!
Daragh
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2003
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It could be. You definitely want to replace it as soon as possible. The whole subframe and engine mounts should be rock solid with all their bolts tight. The engine mounts do give a little to absorb engine vibration, but not let things move around as much as you've described. You may be able to find the bolt at a auto parts store or even a junkyard.
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1) So on Saturday I took a look at replacing the subframe bolt. I did a bit of research and figured out the spec of the bolt:
M12 X 1.5 by 100mm long, grade 10.9 (http://www.shotimes.com/SHO4solidsfb.html)
The taurus is not an sho but the grade at the back of the remaining sub frame bolt has the 10.9 grade on it also.
2) I also found a recall for the body mounts for the rear corners of the subframe: (http://www.recalldata.org/1989/3416.shtml)
The symptoms and the year perfectly match the condition of the subframe so I am going to hit Ford for this issue.
3) I also took a look at the motor mounts - they appeared to be attached to the subframe - I think once the subframe bolt/mounts are fixed this may resolve the issue...
I will report back as soon as I know more - Thanks for all the help
Daragh
M12 X 1.5 by 100mm long, grade 10.9 (http://www.shotimes.com/SHO4solidsfb.html)
The taurus is not an sho but the grade at the back of the remaining sub frame bolt has the 10.9 grade on it also.
2) I also found a recall for the body mounts for the rear corners of the subframe: (http://www.recalldata.org/1989/3416.shtml)
The symptoms and the year perfectly match the condition of the subframe so I am going to hit Ford for this issue.
3) I also took a look at the motor mounts - they appeared to be attached to the subframe - I think once the subframe bolt/mounts are fixed this may resolve the issue...
I will report back as soon as I know more - Thanks for all the help
Daragh
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Just Called Ford and they told me that my VIN is not covered with the Recall 
Ah well - suppose I will just have to do it myself
I have another question however, I can see where the subframe bolt goes, but I think I need to put a nut or a retaining plate or something up into where the subframe is attached - has anyone done this before? There are two small holes either side of the bolt hole but that is all I can find - any help here would be really appreciated....
Daragh
Ah well - suppose I will just have to do it myself
I have another question however, I can see where the subframe bolt goes, but I think I need to put a nut or a retaining plate or something up into where the subframe is attached - has anyone done this before? There are two small holes either side of the bolt hole but that is all I can find - any help here would be really appreciated....
Daragh
