No recall on the GEN 3s. There is a TSB dealing with the nuts spinning and replacement similar to the Gen 1-2 recall. TSB Printable View (31 KB)
Article No.
97-25-2 SUBFRAME - FRONT AND REAR RETENTION NUTS SPIN DURING REMOVAL
Publication Date: DECEMBER 8, 1997
FORD: 1996-98 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1995-98 CONTINENTAL
1996-98 SABLE
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to update the model year coverage and the service parts list.
ISSUE:
The subframe front and rear retention nuts may spin if removal is required or the subframe bolt may break due to the excessive force required to break the bond from the adhesive on the bolt.
ACTION:
If it becomes necessary to remove the subframe attaching bolts and the retention nuts spin during the removal procedure, replace the front retention nuts by referring to the following Service Procedure. Replace the rear retention nuts located in the unibody by referring to the instructions listed in the repair kit. The repair kit will repair one (1) subframe attachment.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE: USE THIS PROCEDURE ONLY IF THE RETAINING NUTS SPIN AND THE BOLTS CANNOT BE REMOVED.
NOTE: BEFORE STARTING THIS PROCEDURE, MAKE SURE THAT THE SUBFRAME IS SUPPORTED PROPERLY.
Use the following procedure to replace the plate nut at the subframe-to-body FRONT attachment location.
From under the vehicle, cut the head off the subframe body mount bolt with a metal cutting saw. This will allow for the removal of the subframe/engine assembly from the vehicle.
CAUTION: THE LOWER ABSORBER IS COMPRESSED AND WILL EXPAND ONCE THE BOLT HEAD IS CUT THROUGH. EXERCISE CARE TO AVOID INJURY.
Locate the 51mm (2") square hole on the inside wall of the front rail near the lower body mounts. It will be necessary to remove the anti-lock hydraulic control unit to access this hole on the LH side (Figure 1).
Figure 1 - Article 97-25-2
Through this access hole, bend the existing cage top plate upright and remove the plate nut and bolt (Figure 1).
Position the new Plate Nut (F7DZ-5410158-A) in place and bend the tab down to retain the plate nut.
Remount the subframe, driving the new Bolt (N804442-S426, Taurus/Sable or W705311-S426, Continental) at a higher torque of 103 N-m (76 lb-ft).
NOTE: ONLY THE REPAIRED LOCATION SHOULD BE DRIVEN AT THE NEW TORQUE; ALL OTHER SUBFRAME MOUNTS SHOULD BE REPAIRED USING THE NORMAL TORQUE OF 90 N-m (66 LB-FT).
Use the Instruction Sheet contained in the Subframe Nut Service Kit (F8DZ-AA) to replace the plate nut at the subframe-to-body REAR attachment position.
The Subframe Nut Service Kit (F8DZ-AA) consists of the following:
Four (4) Rivets
One (1) Nut
One (1) Panel Cover
One (1) Instruction Sheet
NOTE: THE SUBFRAME NUT SERVICE KIT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE BOLT NEEDED. ORDER THE BOLT AS LISTED IN THE FOLLOWING PARTS BLOCK.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
F8DZ-54200A40-AA Subframe Nut Service Kit, Right Side, Rear Only
F8DZ-54200A41-AA Subframe Nut Service Kit, Left Side, Rear Only
F7DZ-5410158-A Plate Nut
N804442-S426 M12x1.75x112 Hex Bolt (Taurus/Sable)
W705311-S426 M12x1.75x112 Hex Bolt (Continental)
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES:
NONE
SUPERSEDES:
97-19-3
WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
972502AT Replace Subframe Retention Nuts - Both Front 0.6 Hr.
972502A Replace Subframe Retention Nut - One Front 0.3 Hr.
972502BT Replace Subframe Retention Nuts - Both Rear 1.0 Hr.
972502B Replace Subframe Retention Nut - One Rear 0.6 Hr.
972502C Additional Time If Equipped With ABS - Continental (To Be Used Only If Front Left Retention Nut Is Replaced) 1.5 Hrs.
972502D Additional Time If Equipped With ABS - Taurus/Sable (To Be Used Only If Front Left Retention Nut Is Replaced) 1.8 Hrs.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
54200A40 16
OASIS CODES:
111000, 304000, 305000, 702000, 702100, 702300
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97-25-2
