What criteria does a problem have to meet before a TSB is put out?

 

Not all TSBs are for problems. Some tell what fluids to use where. Some give tips on easier ways to make repairs. Some are easier diagnostic procedures.

 

Ok. I was trying to be vague with my question so it wouldn’t get kicked to a specialized forum. I have a 2000 F350 Super Duty, Super Cab, Turbo Diesel, dual rear wheel 4X4 with a 6spd manual trans. The truck has 67K EASY miles on it. I just replaced the clutch (pressure plate, disc, flywheel, throw out & pilot bearings) because the clutch fork broke. Ford knows there is a problem, they’ve redesigned a replacement fork as well as the complete clutch. I’ve heard some clutches have spit out springs, bent diaphragms due to heat, etc.

So my question, as you’ve probably guessed, is why is there no TSB on this potentially dangerous & EXPENCIVE problem? What does it take, an accident followed by a lawsuit?

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A friend down the street had basically the same truck as mine that had cab bushings that squeaked. He said there was a TSB on this & he had a dealer replace them, twice. How does this problem get a TSB & not the sudden loss of a clutch?

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Also, I took my truck to the dealership where I purchased it, to get a few problems fixed under warranty just before the warranty expired. At this time I asked about the cab bushing TSB. I was told that it didn’t come up when he entered my VIN #. Was my truck made after that problem was fixed? From the way the cab shifts forward or backward when I change directions I’d have to say no. So what gives? Why is it so difficult to even find these elusive TSBs? I know I can purchase them from a company that makes factory manuals, but that’s bunk, having to pay to find out problems.

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I hope that’s specific enough. Sorry about all the questions. Thanks.

 

Taking it to the dealer is the best way to find TSB's for your vehicle and it is FREE. You can look thru the available TSB database above but that is time consuming (but also free). If you want specific TSB information you have to pay for it. If a problem does not come up often enough or is relatively straight forward like a broken clutch fork (a no-brainer) it won't get a TSB. Unless a problem is deemed a safety hazard by the NTSB it is not issued a recall.

 

Sometimes there are what is called a service recall, it doesn't ever get called in, but when you have a problem and bring it in to the dealer, they fix it under warranty. If you were to take it somewhere other than the dealer, then you get to pay someone for it, with no recourse to get it covered by the warranty. They don't have these out in the public, so you only find out when you bring it in to a dealer. I got lucky on a few of these, had a head gasket replaced on a Grand Am once at 86,000 miles, surprised me.
TSB's cover a wide range of things, like stated before. These cover problems that the field techs have found regularly, and then submit to the company for distributing to the field. It can be as simple as a little screw making a water leak into the car or as serious as engine failure from not following a set path to repair. Safety recalls are notified in the mail, most other major recalls are more voluntary to save face, but many failures, if not as common, and seem more regular type wear get listed in the service recalls. It is possible that Ford would have fixed it if you had gone to their shop to get it fixed. Sucks that way I know, but it is how the game is played..