Windstar IMRC Clips: Ford F5RZ-9F955-AB -v- Dorman 47099

[MrCreosote]

$4-6 each -v- $0.60 each

$3 for pack of 5 from Dorman HELP! 47099

[bdahl385]

I used them on my Winnie 2 months or so ago when the front one broke and the linkage rail got jammed. Bought them from local O'Reillys store and fit good as new to me. They were marked as Motormite but have the same mfg. # 47099 so probably made by Dorman.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=464037

[MrCreosote]

My front clip broke too.

I am convinced that there is a misalignment in the front bank rod - when the rod is located where it is supposed to be in the arm with the clip, it is no longer perpendicular to the arm.

It is one thing for a link rod to not be perpendicular/parallel to the arm, but the bent end of the rod which is held by the clip is another matter.

I suspect the vast majority of clip failures has been the front clip.

Oh, one other observation: It appears that the front rod is maybe 1/16" too short. When the actuator goes to low speed, the front arm is actually binding in tension when you get it snapped into the clip. Maybe there is some fore/aft adjustment in the actuator mounting?

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INSTALLATION TIP: Make sure you don't drop the clip when pressing it into the arm by first sliding a wire through both! Then you have ZERO chance of losing a clip!

[bdahl385]

I didn't notice any misalignment or actuator length problem on mine. I snapped the bushing into place and then pushed in the rail until fully seated. I spray a little silicone lube on the rail before inserting into bushing.

I also used about 2 feet of dental floss looped through the bushing in case I dropped it. Once inserted, I simply pulled the floss through and discarded.

My CEL and code went away after replacing the broken bushing but I don't really ever see it "working". I read where the Winnie does a cycle test on the IMRC linkage either at startup or shutdown of the engine. I had the wife start and kill the engine the other day while I carefully watched the IMRC linkages for movement. If there was any there, it was sure subtle.

I am not going to rev up the engine to 3-4K rpm's unloaded just to see if it moves, not worth the risk.

[MrCreosote]

I know you can see them actuate if you rev the engine. While I don't like reving an engine, it didn't seem like excessive rpm's to witness their actuation.

Also, was yours the vacuum actuated or the motorized module?

My "short rod" issue is with the motorized module.

Well, I'm off to put them in right now...

<does job>

...and I'm back.

DISCOVERY: The mounting holes on the module are SLOTTED which means you should connect the links, run the engine, rev it a bit to make the actuator cycle and THEN bolt the module down. This will guarantee you don't end up with a "short front rod!"

WARNING: Be sure you use a string or wire through the clip and arm when doing the rear one. If you don't, there is a 90% chance you will fumble the pill!

[Kelly NM]

I used a set of plastic drywall anchors... just trimmed off the excess and they snapped right on. Did that about 6 months ago... so far, so good.

Saves some $$$ too!

[Syd Barrett]

I work in autobody and tried using clips like the ones that go in fenders on Hondas to screw the mud guards on. I had to drill them a bit to make the rod fit. It was working ok, but trying to put the rods in without the one side falling back out frustrated me to the point where I gave the part number to my wife so she could pick them up. I told her it should be about $25 for the four stupid little clips. When she got them even the guy at the counter said they were 2 cent clips and couldn't figure out why they were so much. Turns out buddy than charged her the list price and it came to $50 cdn. with tax. I am absolutely furious and just found the Dorman ones and I am going to Carquest to order them and return the others to Ford. Screw them and there crappy overpriced clips and junky vans. If I worked at the dealership and someone came in looking for something like this I would go into the shop clip box and grab and few and give them to the customer and say have a nice day!