Halfshaft Bolt Answers (all threads merged)
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Cyclenirvana
GT Owner
Summary of actual failures.
2005 VIN 991, 1172, 1245, 1575, and 1641
2006 VIN 765, 812, 1166
Hopefully, I will not have to keep adding to this. Obviously there are others who were on the verge of failing.
2005 VIN 991, 1172, 1245, 1575, and 1641
2006 VIN 765, 812, 1166
Hopefully, I will not have to keep adding to this. Obviously there are others who were on the verge of failing.
Last edited:
isaakgt
GT Owner
It sounds to me that the splines are very short in length if they disengage because the bolts are backing out ever so slightly. A design flaw? I think so. I have had other cars with transaxles, but none like this. Ricardo needs to go back to the drawing board. I think Mr. Ice's theory of suspension movement acting like a slide hammer is a valid root cause. Only time will tell if the hardened washers & safety wired undersized bolts will be the cure. What are guys like Torrie & Joe doing to handle all that torque? Are aftermarket output shafts & hubs available?
H
HHGT
Guest
I do not know if I have the 1/2 shaft problem but there is a slight leak on
I do not know if I have the 1/2 shaft problem (on the red/wht GT) but there is a slight oil film on the black cover on the passenger side where the arrow points in the diagram below.
Dry on the driver side and Car drives fine, comments?????
I do not know if I have the 1/2 shaft problem (on the red/wht GT) but there is a slight oil film on the black cover on the passenger side where the arrow points in the diagram below.
Dry on the driver side and Car drives fine, comments?????
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timcantwell
Le Mans 2010 Sponsor * Moderator
Second Car Update
I just picked up my 2006 GT from the dealer last night. Prior to dropping it off, my service writer, Matt at Clarke Ford in Hudson, OH, claims to have looked up my VIN for the 2006 and indicated that it needed the updated bolts, and prescribed the service recall for my so called "Oil Leak". He indicated that there is a database of some kind, as some of the 2006 cars (according to him and his sources) do not require the update. Nonetheless, the car got the kit, new washers, new bolts, and lots of great loctite installed yesterday afternoon. They did a good job, and got it back to me fast, runs great. Per some earlier posts, I have to say that Ford does not seem to have any consistant communications. I found that to be true with the GT hotline, often getting different stories from various people I spoke to, only to have the information changed at the dealer level. I dunno?!?!?
I just picked up my 2006 GT from the dealer last night. Prior to dropping it off, my service writer, Matt at Clarke Ford in Hudson, OH, claims to have looked up my VIN for the 2006 and indicated that it needed the updated bolts, and prescribed the service recall for my so called "Oil Leak". He indicated that there is a database of some kind, as some of the 2006 cars (according to him and his sources) do not require the update. Nonetheless, the car got the kit, new washers, new bolts, and lots of great loctite installed yesterday afternoon. They did a good job, and got it back to me fast, runs great. Per some earlier posts, I have to say that Ford does not seem to have any consistant communications. I found that to be true with the GT hotline, often getting different stories from various people I spoke to, only to have the information changed at the dealer level. I dunno?!?!?
timcantwell
Le Mans 2010 Sponsor * Moderator
Some advise for HHGT
Copy the service recall number, schedule an appointment and get the half-shaft bolt recall service done ASAP. I would not mess around if you have some oil under that halfshaft.
Copy the service recall number, schedule an appointment and get the half-shaft bolt recall service done ASAP. I would not mess around if you have some oil under that halfshaft.
TEXAS GT
2006 Twin Turbo
- Aug 25, 2006
- 4,436
Since it has been shared that al some level Ford monitors this Forum then let it come from me;
FORD; you presented an awesome Gal that was received on this end exactly as I had envisioned and for this I sincerely "thank you" however your lack of compassion as well as open concern surrounding this half-shaft bolt issue speaks volumes about what you represent.
In business products and services are moved as if currency throughout the day and yet the pivotal point that makes this possible are real people.
Does this half-shaft issue cause me to second guess my decision to purchase the GT; absolutely not because for me whether I am driving or simply looking at her she is a true piece of art and a mechanical wonder to marvel at. However; what it has done for me is accept the fact that the GT was created, marketed, and successfully sold with very little if any foresight or concern as to how future issues whether the present example of half-shaft bolt failures or something as simply as servicing would be handled. This fact can be experienced (sadly) by most that call or visit their local dealer with what is often times a rather rudimentary question or concern to which a typical response is “we know nothing of these gals, we were given no formal training, and in fact our technicians have never seen much less worked on one”. Statements such as this such should cause even the least suspecting to turn and run “never” looking back; this of course unless you like participating as the role of Guinea Pig” aka lab-rat.
Personally owning numerous Exotic cars over the years I have come to accept idiosyncrasies and in some case what one sees as a flaw I consider the character of the build because most are hand built and typically in limited numbers so personalities and to some degree growing pains are expected. However I have “never” experienced the disconnected feeling between a gal and a manufacturer as I feel with the GT. It is as if Ford’s position is “been there done that now let’s move on”. It is as if you have no internal pride or sense of connection to these gals. I dare say that in the 60’s when they were “king” the sense of accomplishment and pride that was exuded by all within Ford was phenomenal. Some say that one can not bring back the past, in fact many would say that in attempting to do so tends to corrupt it. Superficially I would agree and yet I remain happy that in this case at least a portion of the mechanical past was recreated even though the passion that once drove the machine appears to have been forever lost.
I always marvel when I listen to an individual or the mouth piece for a company ramble about all they know “never” sharing the one comforting phase I intensely wait to hear; “I/we care”
Sadly the fact that Ford has allowed this debacle to run such a course leave me with only once conclusion which is quite literally that they “do not care”.
This thread has been enlightening and yet one of the most ridiculous and sad usages of type that I have seen in many a year.
In closing I recommend that “everyone” whether through the dealer under the leaky half-shaft seal directive (what a joke) or independently purchase the hardware and then install or have it installed using the greatest of care to meet the exacting specifications as outlined. Furthermore considering the fact that the bolts in question are “not” visible I would further recommend that (if for no other reason than peace of mind) that they be drilled and safety wired once the torque sequence has been completed.
The associated cost to complete this process is relatively low and yet the peace of mind will be great. As far too many owners have shared; preparing to leave an intersection only to find that your gal is DOA quickly turns the love affair into a flippen nightmare.
As stated earier; I will be installing the new hardware in my late build 06 before she rolls under her own power again.
All the best
Shadowman
FORD; you presented an awesome Gal that was received on this end exactly as I had envisioned and for this I sincerely "thank you" however your lack of compassion as well as open concern surrounding this half-shaft bolt issue speaks volumes about what you represent.
In business products and services are moved as if currency throughout the day and yet the pivotal point that makes this possible are real people.
Does this half-shaft issue cause me to second guess my decision to purchase the GT; absolutely not because for me whether I am driving or simply looking at her she is a true piece of art and a mechanical wonder to marvel at. However; what it has done for me is accept the fact that the GT was created, marketed, and successfully sold with very little if any foresight or concern as to how future issues whether the present example of half-shaft bolt failures or something as simply as servicing would be handled. This fact can be experienced (sadly) by most that call or visit their local dealer with what is often times a rather rudimentary question or concern to which a typical response is “we know nothing of these gals, we were given no formal training, and in fact our technicians have never seen much less worked on one”. Statements such as this such should cause even the least suspecting to turn and run “never” looking back; this of course unless you like participating as the role of Guinea Pig” aka lab-rat.
Personally owning numerous Exotic cars over the years I have come to accept idiosyncrasies and in some case what one sees as a flaw I consider the character of the build because most are hand built and typically in limited numbers so personalities and to some degree growing pains are expected. However I have “never” experienced the disconnected feeling between a gal and a manufacturer as I feel with the GT. It is as if Ford’s position is “been there done that now let’s move on”. It is as if you have no internal pride or sense of connection to these gals. I dare say that in the 60’s when they were “king” the sense of accomplishment and pride that was exuded by all within Ford was phenomenal. Some say that one can not bring back the past, in fact many would say that in attempting to do so tends to corrupt it. Superficially I would agree and yet I remain happy that in this case at least a portion of the mechanical past was recreated even though the passion that once drove the machine appears to have been forever lost.
I always marvel when I listen to an individual or the mouth piece for a company ramble about all they know “never” sharing the one comforting phase I intensely wait to hear; “I/we care”
Sadly the fact that Ford has allowed this debacle to run such a course leave me with only once conclusion which is quite literally that they “do not care”.
This thread has been enlightening and yet one of the most ridiculous and sad usages of type that I have seen in many a year.
In closing I recommend that “everyone” whether through the dealer under the leaky half-shaft seal directive (what a joke) or independently purchase the hardware and then install or have it installed using the greatest of care to meet the exacting specifications as outlined. Furthermore considering the fact that the bolts in question are “not” visible I would further recommend that (if for no other reason than peace of mind) that they be drilled and safety wired once the torque sequence has been completed.
The associated cost to complete this process is relatively low and yet the peace of mind will be great. As far too many owners have shared; preparing to leave an intersection only to find that your gal is DOA quickly turns the love affair into a flippen nightmare.
As stated earier; I will be installing the new hardware in my late build 06 before she rolls under her own power again.
All the best
Shadowman
Last edited:
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
Thanks for posting this pic, HHGT. Until you did, I'd only been "guessing" (correctly as it now turns out!:banana :cheers ) where I'd find the oil coming from if there WAS any to find.
So far, mine is dry as a bone. But, as soon as the "GT Guys" are able to ship 'em, I'm installing their "wired" bolt kit anyway. Heck with it!
E.P.
timcantwell
Le Mans 2010 Sponsor * Moderator
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
Surprise!!!!!!
Well, well, well ... DECEMBER, 2005, "MOTOR TREND" magazine ... 'article on a road test comparison of the GT, a ZO6 & a Viper ... page 56 ... first sentence, last FULL paragraph:
"During the first lap with our initial Ford GT test car, a couple of over-torqued half shaft companion-flange bolts failed, sending the open differential into freewheeling mode."
Looks like Motor Trend's, "been there, done that" too. 'Wonder if that gave Ford "cause" to give a lookie at the transaxle then? If it DID, it's pretty obvious nothing came of it.
E.P.
Well, well, well ... DECEMBER, 2005, "MOTOR TREND" magazine ... 'article on a road test comparison of the GT, a ZO6 & a Viper ... page 56 ... first sentence, last FULL paragraph:
"During the first lap with our initial Ford GT test car, a couple of over-torqued half shaft companion-flange bolts failed, sending the open differential into freewheeling mode."
Looks like Motor Trend's, "been there, done that" too. 'Wonder if that gave Ford "cause" to give a lookie at the transaxle then? If it DID, it's pretty obvious nothing came of it.
E.P.
Gulf GT
GT Owner
A......Errrrr.......OOPS? I guess that's what happens when you don't listen. Maybe now they'll at least speed along the process of unclogging the backlog of backorders for the parts to fix the problem??? Probably still make us pay for it though................
H
HHGT
Guest
May have been premature - I hate these kinds of problems
Well I may have been premature. I hate these kinds of problems because all you want to do is go enjoy the hell out of this car and then every time you stop at a light you think - Is it my turn?:ack
I let the car cool down through the evening and re-ran my finger along the same place as before and WTF it is completely dry. My mind starts thinking, and the only conclusion that I come up with is that may be after spirited driving, the transaxle actually allows some oil to breath through the splines? It would make sense! The odd thing is that only the passenger side felt wet when it was hot - now they both feel dry......
It would be great for you guys that had the fix done to run your fingers on the areas depicted in the pics below immediately after a strong run and then hours after cooling.
Any opinions here would be greatly appreciated.
BTW kendall, why cant you be my neighbor??:biggrin
Well I may have been premature. I hate these kinds of problems because all you want to do is go enjoy the hell out of this car and then every time you stop at a light you think - Is it my turn?:ack
I let the car cool down through the evening and re-ran my finger along the same place as before and WTF it is completely dry. My mind starts thinking, and the only conclusion that I come up with is that may be after spirited driving, the transaxle actually allows some oil to breath through the splines? It would make sense! The odd thing is that only the passenger side felt wet when it was hot - now they both feel dry......
It would be great for you guys that had the fix done to run your fingers on the areas depicted in the pics below immediately after a strong run and then hours after cooling.
Any opinions here would be greatly appreciated.
BTW kendall, why cant you be my neighbor??:biggrin
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Last edited:
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
fjpikul
GT Owner
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
"Get 'er Dunnnn!
By now I don't think there's even one person left on the Forum who'd argue with you on that stmt...
Now... if it were just possible to get the PARTS...
E.P.
By now I don't think there's even one person left on the Forum who'd argue with you on that stmt...
Now... if it were just possible to get the PARTS...
E.P.
B O N Y
MODERATOR & FGT OWNER
Empty Pockets
ex-GT Owner
GT guys
Yes, Sir. I did. ('Mentioned that on the OTHER "bolts" thread, I think.)
"GT Guys" are back ordered on 'em. But, as soon as they get some in I'll be a-gettin' 'em.
'Agree 100% with your view on "wired" 'bolts.
Do that job ONCE.
E.P.
Yes, Sir. I did. ('Mentioned that on the OTHER "bolts" thread, I think.)
"GT Guys" are back ordered on 'em. But, as soon as they get some in I'll be a-gettin' 'em.
'Agree 100% with your view on "wired" 'bolts.
Do that job ONCE.
E.P.
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