Tech Tip: Howl At Highway Speeds In The Cold Tech Tip: Howl At Highway Speeds In The ColdTech Tip: Howl At Highway Speeds In The Cold

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Tech Tip: Howl At Highway Speeds In The Cold

Some 2007-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ vehicles equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems and built on or before 8/13/2010 may exhibit a driveline vibration or a howl at highway speeds in cold temperatures.

Brake and Front End Staff
By Brake and Front End Staff
Published:

Models:
2007-’11 Ford Fusion
2007-’11 Lincoln MKZ
2007-’11 Mercury Milan

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Problem:
Some 2007-’11 Fusion, Milan and MKZ vehicles equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems and built on or before 8/13/2010 may exhibit a driveline vibration or a howl at highway speeds in cold temperatures.

Action:
1. Place the vehicle in neutral on a lift.
2. Index-mark both the driveshaft flanges at the power transfer unit (PTU) and rear differential unit (RDU).
3. Disconnect the rear driveshaft from the PTU and from the RDU assembly. Leave the driveshaft attached to the vehicle.
4. Rotate the driveshaft by hand, and check for any roughness feel to both the front and rear driveshaft bearings.
a. If no roughness is felt from either bearing, do not continue with this procedure and re-index the driveshaft.
b. If any roughness is felt from either bearing, replace the driveshaft assembly.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

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AWD is always engaged and with the ABS brake modulator, can perform like systems with limited-slip differentials.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected].
Published:

Many AWD systems came onto the market in the 1990s. Unlike 4x4 truck systems of the day, these systems were always engaged. Many of the early systems used electro-mechanical ways to manage the distribution of power to thefour wheels. 

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