Ya know when you have a dealership over the coals when they don't call you back in two weeks after 2 other phone calls.
Everyone knows about the rear tires cupping crap...such a pain in my ass. So I had been calling Casco Bay Ford to see about TSB 03-13-5 which is a Suspension-Rear Tire Inner Edge Wear TSB. Apparently when your rear camber is -2.3º or less on a sedan/zx3/5 they are supposed to replace your upper control arms with revised upper control arms that are +1.0º to help fix that problem. Well, I called to ask if it was covered under my extended bumper 2 bumper warranty, nobody ever returned my call. So I called today, and went straight to the VP, Controller for Customer Relations, this is the person that is way above the Service Manager (whom conveniently wasn't calling me back). I started bitching her out, when I got done...she said, what is it that you want us to do for you to help you feel better about all of this...I said, first I want the TSB done at no charge. She said that's fine, then I said I wanted to be reimbursed for the original price of the tires that were destroyed she said she'd reimburse half, which is fine by me. So I finally got what I wanted, regardless I had to threaten to have their Blue Oval Certification put under review if they didn't, even though I think it still should be.
Thats why I usually bring a gun to to dealership when I have a problem or for service. You ever notice how much respect people give someone when they are waving a gun around. The only down side is now I'm under house arrest .
____________________ Honda's are like assholes, everyone has one.
theres a TSB for that?! wow! Too bad I lowered my car, Im sure they wont replace my control arms now. I always wondered what the hell was up with the rear supension on the sedans. even brand new ones its a guarantee that one tire will be tilted in pretty hard. Usually the left one. Oh well, guess its crash bolts for me.
I think I'm going to take my car to Wiscassett Ford to have them check my car and do the TSB before I go and lower my car. Wiscassett Ford has been real good about TSB updates and all...Here is the TSB for what Joe is speaking about...
ISSUE
Some vehicles may exhibit rear tire inner edge wear.
ACTION
If a vehicle exhibits rear inner edge tire wear, and the rear camber reading is beyond the negative end of the specification (max. -2.2 Wagon, -2.3 Sedan & ZX3/5), then install revised +1.0 degree rear Upper Control Arm(s). Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Removal
Remove the rear wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Workshop Manual Section 204-04.
Remove the outboard upper control arm bolt, and detach the upper control arm from the wheel knuckle.
NOTE: MAKE A NOTE OF THE POSITION OF THE UPPER CONTROL ARM TO AID IN INSTALLATION.
For Wagons only. Remove the lower shock bolt and position the shock aside.
Remove the inboard upper control arm bolt, and remove the arm.
Installation
NOTE: FINAL TORQUING OF THE REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT OR NEAR THE CURB HEIGHT SETTING. TO ACHIEVE THIS LOAD THE SUSPENSION.
Install upper control arm and a new inboard upper control arm bolt.
For Wagons only. Reposition shock and reinstall the lower shock bolt.
Position the upper control arm in the wheel knuckle and install a new outboard upper control arm bolt.
Reinstall rear wheel and tire.
Recheck alignment to verify camber change, and set toe if necessary.
LABOR OPERATION CLAIMING CHART
Operation Labor Description Vehicle Time
031305A Check Alignment, Replace One Rear Upper Control Arm, And Recheck Alignment (Includes Time To Set Toe If Necessary) Sedan, ZX3/5 1.1 Hrs.
Wagon 1.1 Hrs.
031305B Check Alignment, Replace Both Rear Upper Control Arms, And Recheck Alignment (Includes Time To Set Toe If Necessary) Sedan, ZX3/5 1.4 Hrs.
Wagon 1.5 Hrs.
PART NUMBER AND PART NAME
3S4Z-1A154-AA Kit - Rear Suspension Upper Arm - Contains Arm And 2 Bolts
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES
NONE
WARRANTY STATUS
Eligible Under The Provisions Of The Basic Warranty Coverage
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
5500 07
Last edited on Thu May 27th, 2004 01:35 pm by Blurry
____________________ 02 SVT Focus, CD Silver, No. 2032.
grrr - I have 200 miles left on my warranty and damned if I didn't just put new tires on her. Oh well..that's fine.
i need an alignment so badly.
Hey Joe this is excellent. You did exactly what you had to do to get a response from the dealer. Calling Ford CS is one of the best things to do. Contacting them puts pressure on the dealership and they get a sort of dimerrit. I think it's excellent that they're doing this for you and I hope you find another dealer for service? NOT ROWE!!!!!!!!!
____________________ Get in, Sit down, Shut up and HANG ON!
.
grrr - I have 200 miles left on my warranty and damned if I didn't just put new tires on her. Oh well..that's fine.