Ford Galaxy / Ford S-MAX. Manual — part 18

Jacking and Lifting - Jacking

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

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Description and Operation

Jacking and Lifting - Lifting

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

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Description and Operation

Noise, Vibration and Harshness - Noise,
Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (02/2006-)

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Diagnosis and Testing

Inspection and Verification

1. 1. Verify the customer concern.

2. 2. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

3. 3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause

(if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

4. 4. If the concern is not visually evident, verify the symptom and REFER to the

Symptom Chart.

How to Use this Diagnostic Procedure Section

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) concerns have become more important as vehicles
have become more sensitive to these vibrations. This section is designed to aid in
identifying these concerns.
The section provides diagnostic procedures based on symptom. If the condition occurs at
high speed, for instance, the most likely place to start is under Shake and Vibration While
Driving.
The road test procedure will tell how to sort the conditions into categories and how to tell
a vibration from a shake.
A series of Road Test Quick Checks are provided to make sure that a cause is either
pinpointed or eliminated.
Name the condition, proceed to the appropriate section and locate the correct diagnosis.
When the condition is identified, the job is partly done.
Follow the diagnostic procedure as outlined.
Quick Checks are described within the step, while more involved tests and adjustments
are outlined in General Procedures.
Always follow each step exactly and make notes to recall important findings later.

Customer Interview

The road test and customer interview (if available) provide information that will help
identify the concern and will provide direction to the correct starting point for diagnosis.

Identify the Condition

NVH usually occur in four areas:

tires
engine accessories
suspension
driveline

It is important, therefore, that an NVH concern be isolated into its specific area(s) as soon
as possible. The easiest and quickest way to do this is to carry out the Road Test as
outlined. To assist in the diagnosis and testing procedure(s), use a suitable approved NVH
diagnosis tester.

Noise Diagnostic Procedure

Non-Axle Noise

The five most common sources of non-axle noise are exhaust, tires, roof racks, trim panels
and transmission.

Therefore, make sure that none of the following conditions are the cause of the noise
before proceeding with a driveline teardown and diagnosis.

In certain conditions, the pitch of the exhaust may sound very much like gear noise. At
other times, it can be mistaken for a wheel bearing rumble.
Tires, especially snow tires, can have a high pitched tread whine or roar, similar to gear
noise. Radial tires may have this characteristic. Also, any non-standard tire with an
unusual tread construction may emit a roar or whine noise.
Trim panels can also cause whistling or whining noise.
Clunk may be a metallic noise heard when the automatic transaxle is engaged in
"R" (REVERSE) or "D" (DRIVE) or it may occur when the throttle is applied or released. It
is caused by backlash somewhere in the driveline.
Bearing rumble sounds like marbles being tumbled. This condition is usually caused by a
damaged wheel bearing.

Noise Conditions

Gear noise is typically a howling or whining due to gear damage or incorrect bearing
preload. It can occur at various speeds and driving conditions, or it can be continuous.
Chuckle is a particular rattling noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a
spinning bicycle wheel. It occurs while decelerating from 64 km/h (40 mph) and can
usually be heard all the way to a stop. The frequency varies with vehicle speed.
Knock is very similar to chuckle, though it may be louder and occurs on acceleration or
deceleration. The teardown will disclose what has to be corrected.

Clicking, popping or grinding noises may be caused by the following:

worn, damaged or incorrectly installed wheel bearing, suspension or brake component.

Check and rule out tires, exhaust and trim items before disassembling the transmission to
diagnose and correct gear noise.

The noises described under Road Test usually have specific causes that can be diagnosed
by observation as the unit is disassembled. The initial clues are the type of noise heard on
the road test and driving conditions.

Vibration Conditions

Vibration at highway speeds may be caused by the following:

out-of-balance front or rear wheels.
out-of-round tires.

Shudder or vibration during acceleration may be caused by the following:

damaged powertrain/drivetrain mounts.
excessively high constant velocity (CV) joint operating angles caused by incorrect ride
height. Check ride height, verify correct spring rate and check items under inoperative
conditions.

Road Test

A gear-driven unit will produce a certain amount of noise. Some noise is acceptable and
may be audible at certain speeds or under various driving conditions, as on a newly paved
asphalt road. The slight noise is in no way detrimental and must be considered normal.

The road test and customer interview (if available) provide information needed to identify
the condition and give direction to the correct starting point for diagnosis.

1. 1. Make notes throughout the diagnosis routine. Make sure to write down even the