205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts 2013 - 2014 Fusion
Diagnosis and Testing Procedure revision date: 08/29/2012

Front Drive Halfshafts

Preliminary Inspection

  1. Visually inspect the CV joints, housing, boots, and clamps for obvious signs of mechanical damage.
  1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step
  1. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and REFER to Symptom Chart: NVH.

Symptom Chart(s)

Diagnostics in this manual assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices.
REFER to: Diagnostic Methods (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).

Symptom Chart: NVH

  Symptom Chart


Condition Possible Sources Actions
Axle howling or whine – front or rear axle
  • Damaged or worn wheel hub bearings
Driveline clunk - loud clunk when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE
  • Damaged or worn Constant Velocity (CV) joints
  • INSPECT the Constant Velocity (CV) joints for wear or damage. INSTALL a new halfshaft or driveshaft as necessary.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the torque on the hub nut. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not at specification. For front hub nuts.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
Driveline clunk (Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles) — occurs during acceleration or from cruise to coast/deceleration
  • Damaged or worn Constant Velocity (CV) joints
  • INSPECT the inner Constant Velocity (CV) joint and boot. INSTALL a new halfshaft as necessary.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the torque on the hub nut. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not at specification.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
Driveline clunk — occurs as the vehicle starts to move forward following a stop
  • Loose hub nut
  • CHECK the torque on the hub nut. REPLACE the hub nut if the torque is not at specification.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
Clicking, popping or grinding - occurs while the vehicle is turning
  • Inadequate or contaminated lubrication in the Constant Velocity (CV) joints
  • CHECK the Constant Velocity (CV) boots and joints for wear or damage. INSTALL new components as necessary.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
  • Another component contacting the halfshaft
  • CHECK the halfshafts and the area around the halfshafts. REPAIR as necessary.
Grunting — normally associated with a shudder experienced during acceleration from a complete stop
  • Halfshaft Constant Velocity (CV) joint binding
  • CHECK the outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint for correct seating into the hub. REPAIR as necessary.
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft RH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
    REFER to: Front Halfshaft LH (205-04 Front Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
Driveline vibration - occurs at cruising speeds
  • Incorrectly seated Constant Velocity (CV) joint in the wheel hub




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