TOB update - Found problem, Ford's screwing me! Please read.

[Nordi]

NetworkingGuru,

Sorry man I checked with my buddy. According to the parts breakdown on the computer, the retainer is part of the casing. He called ford and they told him they couldn't get it to him. Sorry I wasn't able to help. Hopefully the modifications you made to your will last. Did you have any trouble with it on the way home?

 

[NetworkingGuru]

Yea, it's still squeeling at high RPM's. Looks like I will be visiting the dealer after this trip, whether I want to or not

 

[Mojo03]

There's a TSB on the TOB. Get the dealer to fix it for you for free!!!!

 

[03cobrablack]

He allready tried that and they are trying to void his waranty. also some people have gotten the tob replaced only to have it go out again.So they need to fix the problem not just put the same POS back in.

 

[NetworkingGuru]

Originally posted by 03cobrablack
He allready tried that and they are trying to void his waranty. also some people have gotten the tob replaced only to have it go out again.So they need to fix the problem not just put the same POS back in.

Yep, I've already been through two of the POS Ford TOB's. That's actually the cause of the problem. The Ford TOB is steel and eats through the bearing retainer pretty much guaranteeing future TOB failures. I have the SPEC composite TOB in now, but it won't help any until I get a new retainer.

 

[03cobrablack]

guru do you think; IF my bearing retainer is not damaged and IF I could get the tech to put a composite bearing in while he has it apart that would solve the problem? And prevent future tob failures?

 

[NetworkingGuru]

Originally posted by 03cobrablack
guru do you think; IF my bearing retainer is not damaged and IF I could get the tech to put a composite bearing in while he has it apart that would solve the problem? And prevent future tob failures?

I am no TOB expert, but I can't possibly see how the plastic-like material in the SPEC TOB could eat through the steel retainer, and neither do either of the techs I asked about it. On the other hand, that same material may cause premature TOB failure, that remains to be seen. :shrug:

 

[03cobrablack]

Thats true about the tob but at least I could buy those(as apposed to the retainer) And they would probebly last longer than 8000 miles.

 

[a94cobra]

Was it ever mentioned where you obtained the composite TOB?

 

[03_silver_coupe]

Originally posted by Mojo03
There's a TSB on the TOB. Get the dealer to fix it for you for free!!!!

What is the TSB number. I am taking mine in on Monday for it. Would like to tell them the TSB.

 

[JClifton]

Sorry for the obvious duplicate question, I just hopped on the thread. What are the symptoms of a TOB failure?

-- Jaret

 

[03cobrablack]

The clutch will squeel or chatter . mine does it when fully depressed others do it when fully released. starts out intermitingly then becomes more frequent as the bearing gets worse.

A94cobra Spec makes one not sure if local auto parts stores would carry it. maybe D&D or Summit.

 

[BlownShift]

AutoZone may carry one by Timkin. I think D&D carries Valeo. Do a search on http://www.corral.net/forums/ in the modular forums on TOBs.

 

[NetworkingGuru]

Originally posted by a94cobra
Was it ever mentioned where you obtained the composite TOB?

A94, I got mine from www.speclutches.com. Like $15.

 

[03_silver_coupe]

I took my car into the dealership for the clutch vibration. They said the piece that holds the TOB in place broke. Said they couldn't get just that part. Is that the TOB retainer? Well, they said they have to put a new transmission in the car. It's being covered under warranty too.

 

[Cobra'03]

Originally posted by sapper
I thought that federal law required car companies to offer parts for vehicles they sell for 20 years. At least that is what I had been told may years ago.
What about getting the part at a junk yard. There must be some 03's around the country that a junk yard could find and send you the part.

They do sell the part - the whole tranny. There is no requirement to sell component parts. Ever tried to rebuild a Toyota alternator - must be made of gold, cost me 4x what a new Delco unit used to, and I could get diodes, brushes, etc.

That really sux that Ford is screwing you over - I sold my car last week to prepare for (or maybe if is the better word) buying the Ford GT.

If that turns out to be a bust, I will go with one of the following:
2006 Corvette Z06
Next gen NSX
2004 Honda S2000

The last two have some quality, and all 3 are light - I have decided that for the driving I like to do, lightness counts - I think the GT is supposed to be in the low 3000's.

 

[NetworkingGuru]

I am hoping they will waranty it, but I expect that I will be ordering the aftermarket spec TOB retainer from D&D. I am already drafting a letter to the dealership/svt rep that details my findings and what I will and will not pay for. Next, I will begin on the letters to mags. If it goes that far, I will probably also begin asking around to see if any attorneys want to take on a class action case against Ford.

Good luck with the GT man, it's a sweet car.

 

[SVTADVISOR]

Guru, the bearing retainer is a known issue. If you want to start a class action suit i doubt an attorney will jump in on it trying to fight Ford when alot of these failure's could be attributed to Mods. Not saying that what is happening is right but in court of law things can get turned around and Ford has very good legal council on their payroll so i would suggest trying to get this done in a low key manner. The more you talk lawsuit and press the less Ford will be willing to help.

 

[NetworkingGuru]

I am not going to talk lawsuit to anyone at the dealership or the rep. That is if things go badly when I am being nice. Bottom line though is if I get screwed on this, I WILL do everything in my power to make Ford pay, that's a promise. I would GLADLY pay the $50 for the part. If they won't sell it, I will get them all the bad press I can. It's just the principle of the thing.

Originally posted by SVTADVISOR
Guru, the bearing retainer is a known issue. If you want to start a class action suit i doubt an attorney will jump in on it trying to fight Ford when alot of these failure's could be attributed to Mods. Not saying that what is happening is right but in court of law things can get turned around and Ford has very good legal council on their payroll so i would suggest trying to get this done in a low key manner. The more you talk lawsuit and press the less Ford will be willing to help.

 

[03_silver_coupe]

Originally posted by NetworkingGuru
I am not going to talk lawsuit to anyone at the dealership or the rep. That is if things go badly when I am being nice. Bottom line though is if I get screwed on this, I WILL do everything in my power to make Ford pay, that's a promise. I would GLADLY pay the $50 for the part. If they won't sell it, I will get them all the bad press I can. It's just the principle of the thing.

When I took my car into the the dealership they said the TOB retainer was broken. I think that is what holds the TOB from moving. The TOB was just bouncing around when the clutch was not engaged. They said they couldn't get the part alone. They have to get a whole new transmission.