Some 2008-2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles may exhibit a vibration or nibble in the steering wheel at speeds pf 55 – 75 mph in cold ambient temperatures of 5 – 25 degrees F. The vibration/nibble may be perceived as a tire or driveshaft imbalance issue. A steering wheel damper weight has been developed to correct this condition.
1. Check and adjust tire air pressure as required.
2. Install the Rotunda Mastertech MTS-4000 Analyzer or equivalent.
3. Road test the vehicle for 15 minutes and record the vibration frequency. If the vibration goes away during this test drive, the concern is due to temporary tire flat spotting (normal condition). If the vibration remains and the vibration frequency is within the range of 27-33 Hz, proceed to Step 4. If the vibration frequency is not within the range of 27-33 Hz, do not continue with this procedure. Follow normal diagnostics.
4. Install a revised steering wheel damper.
a. Remove the steering wheel.
b. Remove the trim cover from the rear of the steering wheel.
c. Remove the three damper bracket screws from the steering wheel and remove the original steering damper.
d. Attach the revised steering wheel damper using the existing screws.
e. Install the steering wheel trim cover and steering wheel. Follow Workshop Manual procedures (Section 211-04).
The revised steering wheel damper is available under P/N 9L8Z-3F690-A.
