Symptom Chart

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Symptom Chart
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SYMPTOM CHART

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Incorrect thrust angle (dogtracking)
  • Incorrect rear thrust angle
  • CHECK the wheel alignment. INSPECT the rear axle and suspension components for damage or wear. REPAIR or INSTALL a new rear axle or new suspension components as necessary.
  • Drift/pull
  • Unequal tire pressure
  • ADJUST tire pressure.
  • Excessive side-to-side difference in caster or camber
  • ADJUST as necessary.
  • Tire forces
  • ROTATE tires side-to-side/front to rear
  • Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle
  • NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • Steering components
  • Brake drag
  • Front bottoming or riding low
  • Shock absorber(s)
  • INSTALL new shock absorbers.
  • Front coil springs
  • Suspension load leveling control system
  • Incorrect tire wear
  • Incorrect tire pressure (rapid center rib or inner and outer edge wear)
  • ADJUST tire pressure.
  • Excessive front or rear toe (rapid inner or outer edge wear)
  • CHECK wheel alignment. ADJUST as necessary.
  • Excessive negative or positive camber (rapid inner or outer edge wear)
  • CHECK wheel alignment. ADJUST as necessary.
  • Tires out of balance (tires cupped or dished)
  • BALANCE tires.
  • Rough ride
  • Body mounts to frame
  • Shock absorber(s)
  • INSTALL new shock absorbers.
  • Air spring(s)
  • Air suspension system
  • Shimmy or wheel tramp
  • Loose wheel stud(s)
  • Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)
  • INSTALL new suspension components as necessary.
  • Loose front suspension fasteners
  • Front wheel bearing(s)
  • Wheel or tire concerns
  • Shock absorber(s)
  • INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary.
  • Loose, worn or damaged ball joint(s)
  • Loose, worn or damaged steering components
  • Front wheel alignment
  • CHECK the wheel alignment. ADJUST as necessary.
  • Sticky steering, poor returnability
  • Ball joints
  • Steering components
  • Front wheel alignment
  • CHECK and ADJUST.
  • Steering wheel off-center
  • Unequal front or rear toe settings (side-to-side)
  • CHECK the wheel alignment. ADJUST as necessary.
  • Steering components
  • Sway or roll
  • Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle
  • NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • Loose wheel stud(s)
  • Spring(s)
  • Shock absorber(s)
  • INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary.
  • Front stabilizer bar
  • Stabilizer bar bushings
  • Air spring(s)
  • Air suspension system
  • Vehicle leans to one side
  • Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle
  • NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • Front or rear suspension components
  • Air spring(s)
  • Coil spring(s)
  • Incorrect rear ride height. Lateral tilt out of specification
  • Air suspension system
  • Vibration/noise
  • Tires and wheel concerns
  • Wheel bearings
  • Wheel hubs
  • Brake components
  • Suspension components
  • Steering components
  • Wander
  • Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle
  • NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading.
  • Ball joint(s)
  • Front wheel bearing(s)
  • Loose, worn or damaged suspension component(s)
  • Loose suspension fasteners
  • Steering components
  • Wheel alignment (excessive total front toe-out)
  • CHECK the wheel alignment. ADJUST as necessary.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.