Sooo, ive got a 2012 Mustang GT auto, no premium package or anything. Ive owned it for about 3 months now and i love the car. I take care of it, as though its my own flesh and blood (i like to think it is). About a week ago when my car was on the lift for an oil change (it had 4000 miles on it) I noticed that my pinion seal was leaking. I took it to Ford and they fixed it free of charge. That had already ticked me off, the fact that, that part was already failing.... After picking up the car i drove it off the lot and noticed that once i hit about 43 mph and took my foot completely off the pedal there was a VERY loud whirring sound coming from the back. Im taking in the car tmrw so that i can test drive it with the tech and tell him to fix whatever is making that noise. About 30 minutes ago i was at a parking lot, and i drove over a bump and my front suspension started to make this sort of scraping sound. It wasn't really a sound, but you could feel that something wasn't articulating properly. This is my first Mustang, and I really truly enjoy the car and think its THE best American muscle car out their for its price, excluding the higher models of the mustang. Im looking into lemon law, but needed a few opinions. If someone can tell me what the problems are maybe i can get em fixed but if anyone has a better idea please share. The car is only 3 months old, it has just about 4500 miles on it, its a buy. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE SOME INPUT

 

Front end noise is probably your LCA, there should be a TSB on that. As for the whirring noise, I'm going to assume that's related to whatever work they did previously and will need addressed by the dealership.

 

Yea i went to the dealership today test drove the car with the tech, and he thinks its either a bearing or the pinion. and what is the LCA and a TSB?

 

TSB = Technical Service Bulletin

LCA = Lower Control Arm

TSB's are used by automotive technicians for problems that are covered only during the warranty period, unlike a safety recall which is required to be corrected regardless of warranty status.

 

A TSB is something sent out to dealers to let them know about common problems and fixes on a car. It has nothing to do with warranty although most are fixed while the car is still under warranty.

 

The '05 - '09s have a laundry list of TSB's. Expect the 11's+ to have a few, too. It's a Ford, not a Ferrari.

 

Yes and no on the highlighted area... While I agree TSBs are for common problems and outline the proper fix for that problem (much like a recall), a dealership will only perform the work at no expense to the owner during the warranty period. Outside the warranty period, yes the dealership can still fix the common problem, but it would be on the owner's dime. Recalls are required to be fixed regardless of warranty status... that's all I was trying to say. Guess I failed at conveying that message.

Don

 

Yep. Thats right. I love the look on customer's faces when you tell them that too.

 

So you guys think my front end noise is my LCA? I know i would be having these problems if i lowered the car which i was considering, but i have not done anything to the car at all. The only thing i have changed is my speakers inside the cab, and 2 10 inch subs in the back with a custom box for it to sit flush.


Any opinions?

 

From what I can tell these cars have a hydraulic rear control arm bushing. Basically a rubber bushing filled with fluid. I work at Honda and the Pilots have the same thing. They are bad to crack and leak the fluid out and will cause noise, steering shimmy, and vibrations. Its for comfort but I personally think its a stupid idea.

Depending on the mileage, age, and surroundings the bushings may be shot.

I do not know if Ford's control arm problem is the same as Honda's but Im just going off what I know. Ive seen Pilots with less than 20K miles on them have shot bushings but that is a much bigger vehicle with bigger tires than a mustang.