colin-s

Greetings: I have jyust purchased a May 2000 AUII with 43K on the clock: I love it! But, a few niggles that I need to get over before warrantly tuns out May next year. You may be able to help.
1. Engine cold, rev it, on the down side of the acceleration (stationary) there is a disctict rattle that to me , being an old fart, sounds like tappets. Very distinct on driver side near the front door hinges. NOT on the acceleration, but when I back off the pedal.
2. I have the horrid occasional 'clunk' : sounds like the upper control arm ball joints from other group chats. Thanks.
3. Both steering locks, at about quarter turn, slow as in parking speed, a slight (how do I describe this?) shudder in the steering wheel.

Any and all comments and ideas greatly appreciated from the illustrius group.

russellw

Welcome to the forums. I am sure someone will have a solution for you.

Cheers
Russ

XR_Strider_GuY

Hi colin-s and welcome to Fordforums.

About your 3 queries, it's obviously hard to pine point the problem, but here are my guess of what the problems are:

1. With 43k I would highly doubt the sound is from the tappets (correctly speaking hydraulic lifters). Especially since you mentioned that it's on the decellerating part when you give the engine a rev. Does the engine do it when it's warm or at operating temperature?

2. That clunk you described is definitly from the ball joints, go to ford and demand a new set of ball joints with the right grease in them. Apparently early build AUII's had the wrong grease in the ball joints causing them to breakup in hot temperatures hence the knocks. I would guess if these knocks have been going on for a while the ball joint would be worn as well.

3. I would check that the steering rack bolts are secure, they tend to come loose on these models.

Like i've mentioned these are only my suggestions from your description so i may not be 100% correct.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Motor May 2001 Quote: "Believe it or not, there are actually a bunch of weirdos out there who reckon a six cylinder is the dux gutz. Bugger it: I'm one of them" :s5

AUII Late Ed XR6 HP T5 Venom- Full Tickford Body Kit, 17in Wheels, Herrod Bi-plane Spoiler, Momo Steer/Gear, T-Series Interior Options, Premium Stereo and a very light-tuned 4.0L I6

(FPV-Tickford Club of NSW Member and Co-Founding Member of 3FB Inc, Ford Forums Food Bandits)

cArSiK

Is it an engine with VCT because all VCT's ive heard (incl mine) makes a sound like you describe....

__________________
Oversteer Scares The Passengers , Understeer Scares The Driver.......
2001 AUII XR6 VCT -Auto, white,clear indicators,K&N filter,tint - - - - Let The Mods Begin!!!!!!!!

colin-s

Well, what can I say except that I am overwhelmed at the responses and the quality of these replies. I thank you all. What a great place!
Just booked the car for its 45K service, and will use the info you have all given me.
Again, it's a pleasure.