Drivetrain - Metallic/Flutter Noise On Light Low Speed Tip In
TSB 12-7-507/19/12
METALLIC OR FLUTTER - TYPE NOISE ON LIGHT
TIP-IN AT LOW VEHICLE SPEED - 34 KM/H (21
MPH) - BUILT ON OR BEFORE 2/23/2012
FORD:
2012 Flex
LINCOLN:
2012 MKT
ISSUE
Some 2012 Flex and MKT vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) and built on or before 2/23/2012 may exhibit a metallic ratcheting or flutter-type noise during light to moderate tip-in at low vehicle speeds at approximately 34 Km/h (21 MPH). The noise may be perceived as originating from the center console area. This condition may be due to one or both of the bolts, attaching the driveshaft bearing support to the front driveshaft bracket base, not being fully seated.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Lift the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 100-02.
2. Inspect the two (2) front center bearing bracket inner bolts.Are both bolts fully seated? (Figure 1)
a. Yes - this article does not apply. Refer to WSM, Section 100-04 for normal diagnostics.
b. No - bolt(s) may be cross threaded, proceed to Step 3.
3. Remove the two (2) front center bearing bracket outer bolts and the two (2) front center bearing bracket inner bolts. Discard the bolt(s) which was not fully seated.
4. Using a 8 mm x 1.125 mm thread tap, clean the threads for the attachment bolt. (Figure 2)
5. Install the front center bearing bracket.
6. Apply threadlock to the new bolt(s) and install using hand tools only to tighten the fasteners.
a. Torque the center bearing bracket outer bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb-ft)
b. Torque the center bearing bracket inner bolts to 20 N.m (177 lb-in)
Parts Block
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
120705A 2012 Flex And MKT AWD: 0.4 Hr.
Inspect And Clean The
Threads Of The Center
Bearing Attaching Bolt
Holes (Do Not Use With
Any Other Labor
Operations)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
4B403 24
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