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Other interesting Probe Fixes |
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Rear Wheel alignment |
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The Ford Probe has adjuster cams on the inner ends of the rear axles to enable adjustment of the rear wheel alignment. The alignment is relatively easy to knock out of adjustment when applying percussive mechanical force to the rear wheels e.g. whilst trying to free a seized brake piston or caliper. Symptoms include a steering wheel which is offset to the left or right when the wheels are in the straight ahead position, even after the front wheels have been aligned. Handling and rear tyre wear are also compromised. Certain garages are equipped with equipment to do a complete 4 wheel alignment. Stop 'n' Steer in the UK are one example. Cost approx £50 but well worth it in my opinion. |
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Drop Links |
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The rear anti-roll bar (also known as the anti-sway bar or stabiliser bar) is connected to the chassis with a drop-link at either end. This is effectively 2 ball joints connected together by a length of steel rod. They have a tendency to fail, resulting in a clunking noise from the rear of the car as the car goes over bumps. If you are a masochist, then try going to a Ford dealer for a replacement. If they actually admit to knowing what a drop-link is, chances are they won't have any in stock or they might phone around and find a dealer 40 miles away who might have ONE. My advice is to go to a Mazda dealer. They seem to stock drop-links like they stock light bulbs. They apparently fail regularly on the Mazda 626 which is basically what the Probe is underneath its sleek exterior. They also charge less than Ford for the identical part. |
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Door switch illumination |
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Did you know that the door switches in the Probe are illuminated (the same cool green colour as the instrument panel). I was unaware of this fact when I bought my Probe because the tiny bulbs inside the switches had burned out. I seem to recall that Ford's replacement cost was excessive. My solution to this problem was to modify the illumination using high brightness LEDs instead of bulbs. 5mm high brightness green LEDs fit exactly in the hole the bulbs occupied. Some soldering and electronics experience is required to fit the LEDs in the switches. The LEDs need to be fitted with the right polarity and with a suitable series resistor (I recall using 680 ohms, but some experimentation may be required depending on the level of illumination required). The results are superb and the LEDs should last the lifetime of the car. The added advantage of this technique is that you can choose the colour of the LEDs fitted to change the illumination colour of the switches. Total cost... no more than a pound per door switch. N.B. Both switches must be installed before they will illuminate. I wasted hours soldering and desoldering before discovering this. |
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