Azuri

Tooling changes are anywhere from one to two weeks with a ramp up / down. Don't forget the F150 is made at two plants they can stagger the launch of a new model year.

I'm also not privy to what the next model looks like I find out when others do. Fit and function with a mating component is the extent. We are aware of design changes obviously that effect our components.

eye.surgeon

ReactiveD

Sub'd

Azuri

Here are the signs that hang over various work centers as I said the current program in production is called P415. I'm not a liberty to show our manufacturing process since we'd rather not show our competition how we do things but hopefully signage will be proof enough that in Canada we do in fact have a big foot print in the automotive industry and just don't live in igloo's and use dogsleds as a primary means of transportation.

You'll notice farther in the back (another sign) that in fact we make products for GM as well but Ford is one of our main customers. We also make for BMW, Chrysler, Opel, Ford racing and few other key automotive companies. We make damm good parts by the way and I'd happily have these over ones made in Asia any day.

13Harleyfan

Azuri, You win!! Sounds like a very interesting company to work for.

Azuri

Haha thanks [MENTION=114865]13Harleyfan[/MENTION] yeah it's easy for people on the internet to just make up random BS but it's something I typically don't do. It's a great place to work if it's your type of thing. Lots of technology and for outsiders that come on tours you can see the "awe" of all the robotics doing their thing. We frequently have local college students learning trades come through for tours to give them a better understanding of what awaits them in the real world.

Ford does hold us to a high standard to providing them a quality product. For those interested car manufactures rate OEM suppliers on whats call PPM (parts per million). In our case we are currently at 0ppm for the last 6 months meaning we've sent zero defective parts (or at least it's not been detected or found) to Ford we have a very robust quality control systems in place which makes us a world leader. It's a nice to work for a place that you feel proud to work at knowing your product is the best of the best.

I know some people have some worries about the 2014+ being lighter. I can say that the newer designed components will be lighter in some cases and the products we make have been designed to be even more robust and no tolerances have been compromised, you're still going to get solid product. As far as any new aluminum products goes I can only speculate since I have zero info on them and I know as much as the next guy but I'm sure they too will have to meet every protocol of production, testing and durability as well.

13Harleyfan

I ran a business in South Texas and I was amazed at all the automotive parts that came out of Mexico, railcar after railcar of truck frames etc...and yes, there is the occasional bull chipper that gets in and makes statements that are not true. If it won't get you in trouble I'm sure there are a lot of us that would like to see more pictures of your plant.

Azuri

Yeah I can't really post anything that isn't really already available on the internet. I'd be happy to answer any questions or link to anything that is public knowledge though.

Wanted33

AZURI, thanks for the info. OK, I see lower control arm signs. Riddle me this. The Wifey's 13 Mustang lower control arm bushings squeak, but there's is nothing worn. My Ford service dept. friend of 40 years and I are stumped.

Forgive me, I know I shouldn't ask this of you because this isn't the place, but I'm not into throwing parts at a car that doesn't need them. And other Stang owner's I have spoken with on the Mustang Forum have had their LCA's replaced , and they still squeak. If your able, any advise would be appreciated.

Azuri

I'm aware of the squeak you speak of but you didn't specify front or rear control arm. There are typically 4 in each vehicle, front upper, front lower, rear upper and rear lower. We don't make them all but the rear ones we make are shaped like a "dogbone" and appropriately nicknamed that. Regardless which control arm is squeaking if you determined it's coming from the bushing it will need to be replaced. Mechanics have tools to push out ball joints and bushings and press new ones in. In some cases it works out cheaper and faster to replace the suspect control arm.

We don't actually make the bushings so the process is not in our control. You will need to replace either the bushings or the effected control arm.

One last thing if your squeaky bushing is in the FLCA arm you're in luck there is TSB for it:

TSB
12-8-24

• GRUNT/CREAK/CHIRP/SQUEAK NOISE FROM THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM OVER BUMPS

Publication Date: August 30, 2012

FORD: 2011-2013 Mustang

The article supersedes TSB 11-10-17 to remove the production fix date, update the model years, Service Labor Time Standards and Part List.
ISSUE:

Some 2011-2013 Mustangs vehicles may exhibit a grunt/creak/chirp/squeak noise from the front lower control arm hydro bushing. These noises may occur over large vertical bumps like speed bumps, pot holes, rough roads and driveway approaches.
ACTION:

Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE

• Use chassis ears on the lower control arm hydro bushing bracket tabs to verify noise is coming from the hydro bushing. The hydro bushing is the large diameter bushing at the rear of the control arm.
  • If the noise is not confirmed as coming from the hydro bushing, do not continue with this article. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 204-00 for normal diagnostics.
  • If the noise is confirmed as coming from the hydro bushing, replace the lower control arm that is making the noise. Refer to WSM, Section 204-01.

PART NUMBER PART NAME CR3Z-3079-C Arm Assy - Left Front W709865-S439 Lower Arm Front Bolt W711123-S439 Ball Joint Bolt W520214-S440 Ball Joint Nut W713882-S437 Rack Nut

WARRANTY STATUS:

Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty/ESP coverage limits/policies/prior approvals are not altered by a TSB. Warranty/ESP coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part and verified using the OASIS part coverage tool. OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME 120824A 2011-2013 Mustang: Replace One (1) Front Lower Control Arm, Includes Time To Diagnose 1.8 Hrs. 120824B 2011-2013 Mustang: Replace Two (2) Front Lower Control Arms, Includes Time To Diagnose 2.1 Hrs.
DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE 3078 42
NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.
Copyright © 2012 Ford Motor Company



Edit: Oh I see you had your LCA's replaced I missed that first time I read your post. I'm not certain can you post up a video of the issue? The TSB I linked supersedes the original one. Beyond that I'm not certain.