M/T - Clunking/Rattling Noise/Premature Clutch Wear
TSB 04-21-1911/01/04
TRANSAXLE NOISE AT IDLE IN NEUTRAL WITH
CLUTCH PEDAL RELEASED - PREMATURE CLUTCH
WEAR
FORD:
2002-2004 Focus
This article supersedes TSB 04-12-02 to update the service procedure.
ISSUE
Some 2002-2004 SVT Focus vehicles may exhibit premature clutch wear, or a clunking and raffling noise in the transaxle, mainly at idle in neutral. The noise can typically be reduced by fully depressing the clutch pedal. The premature clutch wear or noise may be caused by the dual mass flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate or by transaxle alignment.
ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Check transaxle fluid level. If low, fill to correct level and retest for noise and proper clutch operation. If noise is still present or clutch is not operating properly proceed to Step 2.
2. Remove the transaxle. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-03C: Manual Transaxle/Transmission - MT285; Removal.
3. Inspect the clutch slave cylinder assembly as follows:
a. Inspect for leaks.
b. Rotate the outer race, while applying pressure and check for roughness.
c. Inspect for any surface scoring or burrs that may impede the sliding motion of the clutch release hub and bearing. Scoring or burrs should be polished off with a fine grade of emery paper.
d. Replace the clutch slave cylinder if necessary. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-02B: Clutch Controls - MT285/MTX75 Transaxle - Clutch Slave Cylinder.
4. Inspect the transaxle input shaft for damage, spline wear, burrs or rough surfaces. Scoring or burrs should be polished off with a fine grade of emery paper. Replace the transaxle if the input shaft is damaged and cannot be repaired.
NOTE
IT IS NORMAL FOR THE INPUT SHAFT TO APPEAR POLISHED WHERE THE CLUTCH HUB SEATS, NO ACTION IS REQUIRED UNLESS THE SPLINES ARE DAMAGED OR WORN.
5. Remove the clutch disc, pressure plate and flywheel. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 308-01C; Clutch - MT285 Transaxle - Removal and Installation - Clutch Disc and Pressure Plate.
6. Inspect the rear face of the engine block as follows:
a. Ensure that the two (2) required engine dowel pins are installed and are not damaged. If the dowel pins are missing or damaged replace as required (Figure 1).
b. Inspect the corresponding dowel pin holes on the transaxle. It is acceptable for the dowel pin holes to bear slight witness marks from a tight fitting dowel. However, if the holes are elongated then they must be measured. If elongation is greater than 0.040" (1.02 mm) out-of-round replace the transaxle.
c. Inspect the upper and lower separator plates for damage or warping. Replace if needed (Figure 1).
d. Inspect the crankshaft flange and flywheel mating surface for residual thread locking compound or rust. Clean as necessary (Figure 1).
7. Install the following new revised components:
NOTE
THE REVISED FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH DISC AND PRESSURE PLATE ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PRODUCTION LEVEL CLUTCH COMPONENTS. DO NOT INTERCHANGE OR MIX.
^ Revised dual mass flywheel and new flywheel retaining bolts. Torque bolts in sequence to 83 lb-ft (112 N.m) (Figure 2).
^ Revised pressure plate and clutch disc, and new clutch pressure plate retaining bolts. Ensure the clutch disc is properly installed with "TRANS SIDE" label facing the pressure plate. Tighten pressure plate bolts two (2) turns at a time in sequence and torque to 21 lb-ft (29 N.m) (Figure 3).
8. Install transaxle. Torque the transaxle bolts in sequence to 35 lb-ft (48 N.m) to ensure proper transaxle to engine block alignment (Figure 4). Refer to the appropriate model year Workshop Manual Section 308-03C; Manual Transaxle/Transmission - MT285 - Installation.
NOTE
THE TRANSAXLE BOLTS COME IN FOUR (4) UNIQUE LENGTHS AND WILL FIT INTO ANY OF THE THROUGH HOLES OF THE TRANSAXLE TO ENGINE BLOCK. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE PROPER LENGTH BOLT IS INSTALLED INTO ITS PROPER MATING HOLE (FIGURE 5).
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7563 D4
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