I have chirping, too. Just began, still intermittent.

[shorod]

One option you might have is to check http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...cfm?siteid=318. They have OEM parts at typically better-then-dealer prices. I haven't actually used them personnally, but I know others who have and have had good luck with them.

-Rod

[Willyum]

If it is just "chirping" is likely that you don't need the sensor. There is nothing on the sensor to "wear" unless it is throwing an electrical code. I bought my CMP from an independent auto parts store for $99. I wouldn't buy this one used, part is obtainable at parts stores, get on the phone and call around and look for Motorcraft part DA-2089.

[Huney1]

The sensor is downright cheap 15 to 20 bucks and as usual the Ford dealer is ripping you off for parts: http://www.autopart.com/camsensor/Ca...FORDTAURUS.htm
That doesn't surprise me because they wanted $69. for a serpentine belt I bought at Advance Auto for $35. and I rented the tool and replaced it myself in ten minutes. Had a bad O2 sensor they wanted $129. labor to change and I rented the special tool(s) and changed it in 15 minutes. Special tool amounts to crows feet and special socket and you provide the ratchet. 03 SES Vulcan engine.

[FordBoss88]

Originally Posted by mrflint

I've had the same chirping on 2002 SES for last 3 months. It started when weather turned cold and has been getting worse. It does quiet down when warmed up. Finally ordered the cam synchonizer from RockAuto. Wanted the Motorcraft part but screen kept biringing up the part from Dorman. I ordered and was suprised to find included an alignment tool and cam sensor. I expected a rebuilt synchronizer for the 36.99 price. I have not installed yet. It does look like the pictures I've seen on this forum and others. The part is marked China 689-107. Went to Dorman website and the part is described with alignment tool and pictured with Cam sensor. I don't know what you get for less than $40. I have never handled the part before and will be showing this to my autotech buddies before installing.

One Week Later...
I tried installing part last night, it doesn't fit. I tried all the usual tricks to install a distributor and the synchronizer does not go into the hole. The original fits. Checking for other posting and found similar problem for Dorman Part for Mercury. Taking that advice, measured with caliper. There are 3 alignment rings above the gear; original part size is approx 1.300 inches wide (if I'm reading it right). The Dorman part is 1.32 I'm going to try and find another synchronizer locally. that failing, will sand down the new part.

The original synchronizer was bad, squeaks and hard to turn by hand. Original Cam sensor was fine, mine has no magnet on top, Dorman part looks the same.

For the agravation, this part was not worth the $40 I paid for it.

One Day Later...
Final Note: I reduced the diameter of the Dorman Synchronizer to that of the original. Installed with slight tap at last 3/8 inch. FWIW, Marked the relative position of old sensor & synchronizer with correction fluid and didn't use alignment tool. Used the Dorman Cam Sensor. Did not have to remove throttle body. Car started and ran fine. Drove 50 miles without problems. Acceleration seems improved and the chirping is gone. As to part quality, tiime will tell.

From email...
Reduced diameter of synchronizer by using cloth backed sandpaper (abrasive cloth). Synchronizer has two flats on the body which are good spots for clamping carefully in vice - use wood to protect metal and don't clamp too tight. Using "shoe-shining" motion and continually shifting postion of paper to keep part round. I used 150 grit and cuts aluminum quickly. Check size often, finished with 240 to polish part. I taped all openings on synchronizer and covered open top and gear with paper to protect. Remove O ring before sanding and replace before installing.

Based on your experience, what would you recommend as the brand to use to avoid having to mill the cam to get it to fit. Would it be better to pay the price for the Motorcraft part? I know that Cardone, Dorman and Napa have their own. I am ready to replace mine, but I want it to fit correctly.

Thank You

[mrflint]

Hi All, glad to see my original post is still of use. I've had part installed for about year and it works perfectly. The fit was really annoying, but having done it, could probably sand another in 15 minutes or less. FWIW, never removed the plastic intake to move the wiring harness. Found that I could separate the two piece black plastic wire harness cover gently pushing wires out of the way. Its a huge time saver.

[dorman68]

mrflint,
I work for Dorman products. I would like to apologize for your inconvenience on your installation of the 689-107 camshaft synchronizer. We are aware of the issues with the 689-107 and recalled these units. Our engineering staff has reviewed and corrected the dimensions of our synchronizer. I appreciate your post. Posts like yours are a great help to us in monitoring product quality and customer satisfaction. Any future concerns do not hesitate call our customer hotline at 1800 523 2492.
Thanks