TSB for 03 Axle Failure

[babbage]

Can someone please post the actual TSB number and description for the 03 Axle failure?

My Door code says 7/2002 I'm pretty sure I have this option.

Article No. 05-5-5: Rear axle shaft and or axle bearing premature wear - vehicles produced before 1/1/2003. Service kit 3W1Z-4A109-AA.

I DO HAVE an additional 3/36,000 mile powertrain extended warranty AND the Axles are covered. I don't hear any noise yet, but want to be pro-active and get it replaced under warranty. I have to pay a $100 deductible.

Again what I need is the TSB if anyone actually has it!
:thanks:

[fastblackmerc]

Can someone please post the actual TSB number and description for the 03 Axle failure?

My Door code says 7/2002 I'm pretty sure I have this option.

Article No. 05-5-5: Rear axle shaft and or axle bearing premature wear - vehicles produced before 1/1/2003. Service kit 3W1Z-4A109-AA.

I DO HAVE an additional 3/36,000 mile powertrain extended warranty AND the Axles are covered. I don't hear any noise yet, but want to be pro-active and get it replaced under warranty. I have to pay a $100 deductible.

Again what I need is the TSB if anyone actually has it!
:thanks:

Use the search function.........

[justbob]

I do believe you answered your own question.

BTW, You can get the axle kit for $295.00 from any dealer.

[RoyLPita]

Correction: it is 03-05-05.

[babbage]

Found it (on the web NOT here) also does not specifically say Marauder.



TSB on 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis

Article No.

03-5-5

 AXLE - REAR AXLE SHAFT AND/OR AXLE BEARING PREMATURE WEAR - VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 1/1/2003 ONLY
Publication Date: February 28, 2003

FORD:


2003 CROWN VICTORIA
LINCOLN:


2003 TOWN CAR
MERCURY:


2003 GRAND MARQUIS

Article 02-25-3 is being republished in its entirety to update the model line coverage. ISSUE:

Some 2003 Town Car (except Limo and Hearse chassis), Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis vehicles produced before 1/1/2003, may exhibit rear axle shaft and/or axle bearing premature wear. This is caused by excessive load, temperature, and inadequate lubrication.

ACTION:

To service, install Rear Axle Bearing Service Kit, Part Number 3W1Z-4A109-AA. Refer to the instruction sheet included with the service kit.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
3W1Z-4A109-AA Rear Axle Bearing Service Kit

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:

NONE

SUPERSEDES:

02-25-3

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
030505A Install Axle Bearing Service Kit 1.5 Hrs.

DEALER CODING

BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
4234 42

OASIS CODES:

509000, 510000, 703200, 703300

[RF Overlord]

babbage, a TSB is not a recall or warranty notice. It's simply a bulletin to techs to assist troubleshooting and repair. Just because there's a TSB on something doesn't mean the work involved will be covered. If you aren't having any noise, but you want to replace the axles for peace of mind, go for it...but I doubt any warranty will cover doing the work if there's nothing actually wrong with them. Unfortunately, given the lack of symptoms, the only way to see if there's a problem is to pull it apart.

[babbage]

Yes I know that. I'm still going to try and get it done under warranty. If I let it fail perhaps it will take the ring and pinon with it and cost Ford even more money.

I am going to try and get the Ford service manager to order the kit, and have it installed under my extended warranty.

[NOMARQUIS]

Any luck getting it covered? My dealer basically told me to "pound sand" since my axles are still quiet. I figure my axles will take a dump once my ESP expires. Or the dealer would gladly install them if I didn't have ESP.

[JimmyXR7]

Yes I know that. I'm still going to try and get it done under warranty. If I let it fail perhaps it will take the ring and pinon with it and cost Ford even more money.

I am going to try and get the Ford service manager to order the kit, and have it installed under my extended warranty.

I would not replace a unit that is not broken, as manufacturing varabilities and processing may have your axles properly made.

I would recommend you keep your warranty up to date, as the axles appear to go in other MM vehicles at or before 60,000 miles and you only have 35K. My MM was made 12/2/2002 so I changed the differential gear oil at 45K and it was already dirty brown with clutch particles in it, but no metal on a inspection magnet. The TSB mentions poor lubrication as a possible contribuitor to the axle problem. I have 60K on my MM without any axle problem and I am hoping for the best.

Jim

[RF Overlord]

The TSB mentions poor lubrication as a possible contribuitor to the axle problem. Which may be why the kit includes 3 bottles of 75W-140 synthetic and the little tag for the cover. Perhaps they concluded that the factory-fill 80W-90 conventional lube was inadequate.

[justbob]

I would not replace a unit that is not broken, as manufacturing varabilities and processing may have your axles properly made.

I would recommend you keep your warranty up to date, as the axles appear to go in other MM vehicles at or before 60,000 miles and you only have 35K. My MM was made 12/2/2002 so I changed the differential gear oil at 45K and it was already dirty brown with clutch particles in it, but no metal on a inspection magnet. The TSB mentions poor lubrication as a possible contribuitor to the axle problem. I have 60K on my MM without any axle problem and I am hoping for the best.

Jim
Yep mine went at 55,000.

Which may be why the kit includes 3 bottles of 75W-140 synthetic and the little tag for the cover. Perhaps they concluded that the factory-fill 80W-90 conventional lube was inadequate.
This is exactly what they explained to me when i asked why the change.

[BODYMAN]

WELL ad me to the group of the axle problem heard a very slight bearing noise on my way to work the other day. So I drove it to work today and put it up on a lift and ran it in drive noise coming from rt rear axle. I cant decide if I want to put oem axles back in or go w/ the 31 splines? what do you guys think!

[Marauderjack]

OEM's are fine....mine went 177,000 miles.....93,000 with the BLOWER!!!!:beer::bows:

[BODYMAN]

OEM's are fine....mine went 177,000 miles.....93,000 with the BLOWER!!!!:beer::bows:

Thanks for the input

[Paul T. Casey]

08-02 build date, 170+K, hard driven until mine failed. I did swap out the diff. oil at 20K then 50K and every 25K after that.

[mpearce]

I have a set of OEM 28 Spline axles with 12,000 miles on them. I upgraded to the forged 31 splines because of the blower install.

What are they worth to you?

[justbob]

WELL ad me to the group of the axle problem heard a very slight bearing noise on my way to work the other day. So I drove it to work today and put it up on a lift and ran it in drive noise coming from lft rear axle. I cant decide if I want to put oem axles back in or go w/ the 31 splines? what do you guys think!
I thought most of these failed on the right side?:dunno:

[ledzilla]

Mine went somewhere shortly past 60K. They went after I started hearing gear noise in the back (and yes, I did have it re-lubed when I started hearing the noise). I didn't realize what the issue was until I started seeing gear oil leaking out the end of the axle. I tell you, it is NOT easy cleaning gear oil off the insides of those wheels. It just didn't want to come off. My local shop installed axle-saver bearings and fresh synthetic gear oil. It's been nice and quiet ever since.

[BODYMAN]

I thought most of these failed on the right side?:dunno:

yep my rt side is Chewed did not leak any lube until shortly after noise started!

[justbob]

I never leaked any lube, but you should've heard the noise after the 1,100 mile trip I took at 75-80mph knowing when I left they were starting to go.:eek:

[BODYMAN]

I never leaked any lube, but you should've heard the noise after the 1,100 mile trip I took at 75-80mph knowing when I left they were starting to go.:eek:

JustBob, the fluid leakage on mine was VERY minimal only notice when wheel removed but like you staed the NOISE!! horrible thats what got my attention. I have the parts and will fix this weekend. I was gonna go with the 31 spline aftermarket but opted not to as I have other plans for a rear end down the road and did not want to drop that much$ in to this one. When this Tranny go's wich might be a while as it is built. Iam going to go to a 400trbo trans with a modified 9inch these aod trans I have never liked!

[justbob]

Just remember to loosen the ABS sensor and tap it back 1/8 inch so you can get the clearance needed for the c clips.

P.S. Thanks Zack!!!! for helping me on that one!

Other than that it was a walk in the park.

[BODYMAN]

Just remember to loosen the ABS sensor and tap it back 1/8 inch so you can get the clearance needed for the c clips.

P.S. Thanks Zack!!!! for helping me on that one!

Other than that it was a walk in the park.


Yeah it wont be a problem I rebuilt the rear end in a CVPI for a buddy last year I just wasnt planning on dropping 280.00 this week as I have other expenses. But hea I just sold My 91 Stang LX so atleast it is not gonna hurt me to bad considering I got good coin for that one and 1 less car on my insurance!

[Drewstang]

Add me to the list of axle failure. My right rear seal started leaking badly over the weekend. I pulled the axles and found the driver's side is worn badly and the passenger is starting to wear. Kind of odd since the opposite side was leaking. This could not have happened at a worse time, as I was laid off Friday.

[Glockafella]

I just had my axles and diff gears changed @ 76K miles, the rear end was making some howling noises at higher speeds.

[GreekGod]

...When this Tranny go's wich might be a while as it is built. Iam going to go to a 400trbo trans with a modified 9inch these aod trans I have never liked!

I was told a 9" won't work with the Watts linkage. If you find a way to make it work, please let me know!

____________________________

[Glockafella]

My axles were replaced @ 75K miles...They were howling at 60+ MPH. Went with the 31 spine axles and have had no issues.

[cruzer]

When my dealer said he couldn't find anything wrong, I brought my auto stethescope in and we took a listen to the rear bearings--sounded like a cement mixer--full replacement under warranty--when they pulled them , they had just started to scour--give it a try--it wouldn't hurt

[CBT]

Add me to the list of axle failure. My right rear seal started leaking badly over the weekend. I pulled the axles and found the driver's side is worn badly and the passenger is starting to wear. Kind of odd since the opposite side was leaking. This could not have happened at a worse time, as I was laid off Friday.

Hate to hear that, brother.:(