I've been away from the forum for several weeks. Any progress on getting a TSB issued for the front end thunk?

 

nope.

 

That's not entirely true. Take you car back into the dealer and have them order part # 8R3Z-18183-B. This is a redesigned strut mount to eliminate the "chuckle" concern. There are two issues with the S197 suspension, a "popping" and a "chuckle". The "popping" was taken care of with a TSB and service part 5R3Z-18183-A. The "popping" condition only occurrs in early built 2005's. The "chuckle" occurs in all 2005-2007 Mustangs. There won't be a TSB because the repair is straight forward. There won't be a recall because even though it's noisy, it's not hurting anything and it's not unsafe.

The 8R3Z-18183-B is in the service catalog now, so that is the part they will use for all 2005-2008 Mustang coupes if you take it in for service.

 

well, if you say so!!!! certainly nobody on the thunking thread heard anything about it, not that they know everything the second it happens, but i'll certainly let them know!!! thanks.

ps: are you a ford employee or something? certainly sounds like it, or that you're quoting the "not a safety issue" language ford has been repeating.

 

Hey, wasn't BASCO a drink mix once long ago? ;-)
I just got off the phone with the parts guy at my dealer. I had him look up PN- 8R3Z-18183-B. It IS indeed a brand new part number. Guess what Ford calls our upper strut mounts?
A BRACKET! Geesh!
The current correct and true data is this:
8R3Z-18183-B is a brand new part number.
Ford shows the part as:
NOT IN PRODUCTION
NO STOCK
BACK ORDERED
NO PRICE LISTED

The parts guy said that they do that as it's internal information on their system anyway and it's just part of their setting things up in anticipation of releasing the part and price of the part very soon!
I suspect that it's the part that is related to our up coming TSB!
I sure hope the F*CK so!

Regarding what basco said about the other part number being a TSB solution for the popping noise. This is incorrect!
PN-5R3Z-18183-A is also a BRACKET and it is the same POS stock strut mount that came stock in our coupes! Obviously it doesn't solve spit! In fact it serves to AGGRIVATE the **** out of all of us! Nowain't the truth!?

There was a TSB issued to correct the popping noise during turning eons ago that is a simple rubber sleve that wraps around both ends of the spring. That's way old news and all of our cars beyond mid-2006have them as far as I know. Mine certainly does. What a mickey mouse fix though! Anyway, it works but for how long I don't know. I guess as long as the sleves don't rot and fall off we'll be okay there.

Knowing the basic geometry of the strut assembly and how it moves and twists against the spring cups, especially the stockcheapo piece of crap plastic strut mounts, and changes the caster angle of the wheels, one would think Ford should have issued a new 'bracket' way back then and that should have done away with needing the sleves in the first place!

So once again, I am here to bring calm and sanity back to all!
Looks like we're getting VERY close to a FACTORY funded fix though! That makes me feel a little bit better. I hope it helps you guys feel a bit better too

Wolfey2k
2007 MustangFront End Thunking Noise Thread Originator

 

Thanks Bascho!

 

Yes, I work for Ford. Yes, the 5R3Z-18183-A was the fix for the "popping" issue. The OE design was 5R3Z-18183-AA. Don't worry about the name "bracket"....those names are tied to the engineering base used. In this case the base 18183 is always tied to thedescription"bracket".

Many people confuse the "popping" and "chuckle" issues. The "popping" only occurred on the very first 2005 models built.Nearly every Mustangthat had the popping issue has been repaired. If you currently have noise then it's the "chuckle" issue that the8R3Z-18183-B is going to fix.

The parts department does not have stock and does not have a price because I just released this part 2 weeks ago. I only told you guys about it because I am a member of this community. I hope you won't beatme over the headwith this part becauseI took a chance telling you guys about it before it was really ready to go. I know the "thunking" is a sore spot for the owners so I'm going to tell you guys whateverinfo I have.

Please don't make me regret it.

P.S. I didn't add thisnote to the other thread becauseof the "mood" of that thread. If I were to post that Ford isn't going to write a new TSB for the chuckle then everyone would be pissedoff.....mostly because they're not really aware of what a TSB is. I assure you that if you take your car into the dealer that they will order the 8R3Z-18183-B and it will correct the noise. A TSB is not needed as the repair is straight forward.

 

Thanks for the info. Should a fella wait a few weeks before taking it into the dealer for this new part?

 

Definitely wait a few weeks. I show that the supplier shipped 1313 parts to the packager. From the packager they will go into the distribution center. Then from the distribution center they'll be delivered to dealers with orders in the system.

I would say that dealers could get this part on daily basis from Fordby late June. Remember, there is no rush. The 'chuckle' condition is not unsafe or bad for the car.

 

To me,this is the best part of the post.I don't thunk yet, but if I didit wouldn't be damaging my car.