Some 2005-07 Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle and Mercury Montego models may produce a scraping or screeching sound from the front suspension while turning the steering wheel traveling at slow speeds. Ford attributes the noise to defective upper strut mounts.
Installing a set of new-design mounts, part No. 5F9Z-18183-B, should eliminate the noise condition. When removing the old mounts, make sure you note the placement of the notches and arrows, then install the new mounts in the same orientation.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].