S550 transmission problem or not??

[EXP Jawa]

My thinking at the moment is that this is an annoying characteristic of the specific version of the gearbox in question, but is not an actual functional concern. I agree that it is disconcerting, and that a car in this price range ought to be free of such annoyances. But with that said, I've seen nothing to indicate that it is a symptom of an actual function problem or something that would otherwise lead to a durability failure. It just simply isn't as refined as one would hope for at this price point.

Conversations that I've had with Ford engineers (through work) indicate that they are aware of NVH issues with the transmission, but have their hands tied in getting Getrag to improve it. That indicates to me that doing so design isn't cost-effective, because its been my experience that Ford can lean pretty damn hard on suppliers to get what they want...

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[LandShark GT]

My thinking at the moment is that this is an annoying characteristic of the specific version of the gearbox in question, but is not an actual functional concern. I agree that it is disconcerting, and that a car in this price range ought to be free of such annoyances. But with that said, I've seen nothing to indicate that it is a symptom of an actual function problem or something that would otherwise lead to a durability failure. It just simply isn't as refined as one would hope for at this price point.

Conversations that I've had with Ford engineers (through work) indicate that they are aware of NVH issues with the transmission, but have their hands tied in getting Getrag to improve it. That indicates to me that doing so design isn't cost-effective, because its been my experience that Ford can lean pretty damn hard on suppliers to get what they want...

EXP Jawa, i agree but folks still need to express their concern to the dealer or it will never improve. As far as impacting durability that is to be seen.

 

[EXP Jawa]

EXP Jawa, i agree but folks still need to express their concern to the dealer or it will never improve. As far as impacting durability that is to be seen.

Which is why I'm still telling people that if they have a concern, they should still take it to the dealer, even if we know that the answer will be "its normal". If enough of these complaints are on file, they may change their stance on it.

Regarding durability, agreed - to an extent. I'm familiar enough with what goes into validating these things that I wouldn't personally worry over it. If the transmission as it is now is unchanged from when it was PPAP'ed and signed off - which it should be - then there is little risk that a durability concern will come up. Of course, if Getrag changed something and didn't tell Ford, then that's another issue. All the more reason to bring the concern to Ford's attention, but the fact that they're saying it is a normal characteristic of that particular box tells me that this condition has occurred right along, and they're OK with it.

 

[GhostRider8]

Hmm,,it's strange,,there was even something on Edmunds.Com review about the noise as well..well,,time to call the dealer,,figured I wait a couple thousand miles first though..several people have said you will hear all types of noises with a brand new car,,make sense to any one lol??:ford::ford::cheers:

HAHAHAHA good luck that!!!! "normal characteristic"

 

[MSMStannyl]

its due to the performance package per ford and they will not do anything for you... normal means design flaw is ok. Do you part and report it or ford will never do anything if no one is complaining. 40k car SHOULD NOT rattle like that... embarrassing...

It's definitely NOT due to the Performance Package as my non-PP GT does the same thing...

 

[MustangS550]

It's definitely NOT due to the Performance Package as my non-PP GT does the same thing...

I'm non-PP as well and have the clunking sound.

 

[kz]

It's a feature. Lets you know you engaged the gear...

 

[Old 5 Oh]

"It's normal, for the cheap Chinese knock-off transmission we have been using since 2011. It was never normal for the robust, seldom-broken American-made Temec transmission we used up until that time. But since everyone said we had to put a six-speed in the Mustang, we cheaped out. Just weren't willing to cough for the Tremec six-speed that Chevy and Dodge use. You're welcome." - Ford Bean Counters

 

[FordService]

Hmm,,it's strange,,there was even something on Edmunds.Com review about the noise as well..well,,time to call the dealer,,figured I wait a couple thousand miles first though..several people have said you will hear all types of noises with a brand new car,,make sense to any one lol??:ford::ford::cheers:

It's definitely NOT due to the Performance Package as my non-PP GT does the same thing...

I'm non-PP as well and have the clunking sound.

Hey Josephdi101, MSMStannyl, and MustangS550,

Have you had a chance to swing by your Ford Dealer to speak with them about this concern? What's the current mileage on your Mustangs?

Nick

 

[LandShark GT]

Hey Josephdi101, MSMStannyl, and MustangS550,

Have you had a chance to swing by your Ford Dealer to speak with them about this concern? What's the current mileage on your Mustangs?

Nick

Deysha,

the dealer's are hand-cuffed by Ford. they hear the sound but ford says "its normal" when will ford own up and accept its not normal and try and fix the issue. i took mine to two different dealers and got the same story. ford says don't replace anything.

 

[FordTechOne]

Deysha,

the dealer's are hand-cuffed by Ford. they hear the sound but ford says "its normal" when will ford own up and accept its not normal and try and fix the issue. i took mine to two different dealers and got the same story. ford says don't replace anything.

Most of the transmission clunk/bang noises being reported have nothing to with the transmission. They originate in the driveshaft, which is a 2-piece unit with a center support bearing. The noises are the result of the NORMAL lash between the transmission output and the differential. The purpose of the 2 piece driveshaft is to minimize driveline vibration, which is does very well. However, that comes at the expense of additional lash, which can manifest itself as clunks/noises when taking off at low speeds or during shifts.

Personally, I'd rather have a 1 piece driveshaft like my car does and live with some additional (barely perceivable) vibrations than have a 2 piece driveshaft that results in additional lash. However, due to everyone being so sensitive these days and demanding a buyback for damn near everything, Ford chose to use the 2 piece shaft and minimize vibration. If you don't like it, you can upgrade to an aftermarket 1 piece driveshaft. Other than that though, it's a normal characteristic and has nothing to do with a problem or defect.

 

[FordService]

Deysha,

the dealer's are hand-cuffed by Ford. they hear the sound but ford says "its normal" when will ford own up and accept its not normal and try and fix the issue. i took mine to two different dealers and got the same story. ford says don't replace anything.

I understand where you’re coming from, LandShark GT. If the noise worsens, be sure to bring it back in. Let me know if you do.

Deysha

 

[ponie1992]

Are yall talking about where it sounds like something is bumping around in the trunk? Mine makes a thump sound (that's how I describe it) during gear changes.

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