How does Ford drivetrain maintenance help save money?

Servicing the drivetrain system can help you save money by saving other parts of your vehicle. A bad drivetrain can put undue stress on other vehicle parts and lead to premature wear and tear.

How do I know if my Ford drivetrain is damaged?

Noises toward the back of your Ford Thunderbird, leaking fluid, trouble turning — these could all be signs of drivetrain damage you want to address. Take action before something more severe happens.

How often should I come in for Ford Thunderbird differential service?

Double check your owner’s manual and talk with a technician. Differential service frequency varies from car to car. At a minimum, we recommend getting your differential inspected and the differential fluid changed as a part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine since your vehicle cannot function without a differential.

Why is my Thunderbird malfunction indicator light (MIL) on?

A multitude of problems can activate your Thunderbird’s malfunction indicator light (better known as the check engine light), including issues with the engine, transmission, sensors, electrical system, or connectors.

Can you reset your Thunderbird’s malfunction warning light at home?

While it’s sometimes possible to clear a malfunction warning light at home, it’s never recommended. If your Thunderbird’s check engine light comes on, it’s usually because there is a problem in one of the vehicle’s systems. You should find and address the underlying issue to help keep your vehicle in great shape. By simply resetting the check engine light, you may temporarily get rid of the light, but the underlying problem is still there. It will only be a matter of time before the light comes back.

How concerning is a drivetrain malfunction in my Thunderbird?

If your Thunderbird has a drivetrain malfunction, don't wait. Get it checked out by a professional mechanic. Identifying the underlying cause and performing the appropriate repairs right away can help prevent further damage and avoid unsafe driving conditions.

Is my Thunderbird’s transmission part of the drivetrain?

Yes, the transmission is a key component of the drivetrain system in your Thunderbird. The drivetrain is the system of components that delivers power from the engine to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. It includes the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles.

1986 Ford Thunderbird Drivetrain Repair & Service

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Service Your Ford Thunderbird Drivetrain

Maintain your vehicle power by maintaining your drivetrain. Firestone Complete Auto Care technicians are equipped to fix 1986 Ford Thunderbird drivetrain systems. Schedule your appointment.

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What Does the Drivetrain Do In Your 1986 Ford Thunderbird

Your Thunderbird’s drivetrain has a very important job. It transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It spans the length of your vehicle, from the transmission to the axles. It’s one of your Thunderbird’s most complex systems and includes everything after the engine transmission: axles, wheels, driveshafts, differentials, and joints. When you maintain the drivetrain in your 1986 Ford Thunderbird, you help maintain your vehicle's power. Follow Ford's recommendations for lubricating bearings/gears and checking/changing differential fluids to minimize repairs over time.

What Are Ford Thunderbird Drivetrain Repairs

Drivetrains for front, rear, and all-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles are not all the same. You don't want to go to any random shop for drivetrain repair. You want to come see the technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care. We can take care of most 1986 Ford Thunderbird drivetrain components including the CV axles, joints, and driving shaft. Your Ford could be crying out for driveshaft repair if you notice vibration as your vehicle accelerates, clunks when shifting, heavy vibrations in your floorboards, or resistance when turning. It’s difficult to nail down a timeline for drivetrain repair. The system’s parts and pieces don’t have a set expiration date. So much depends on the climate and your driving style. That’s one reason it’s a wise idea to visit Firestone Complete Auto Care at the first sign your Ford Thunderbird doesn’t drive like it used to.

You might be wondering: how much will it cost to fix the drivetrain in your 1986 Ford Thunderbird? Some smaller differential fixes, like seal or gasket replacement, can lean toward being more affordable. Big repairs, like bearing or gear replacement, require more labor and can therefore be more expensive.

Questions About 1986 Ford Thunderbird

When you have drivetrain problems, you have driving problems. Check out our top 1986 Ford Thunderbird drivetrain Q&A below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care with any drivetrain concerns.

How does Ford drivetrain maintenance help save money? Servicing the drivetrain system can help you save money by saving other parts of your vehicle. A bad drivetrain can put undue stress on other vehicle parts and lead to premature wear and tear.
How do I know if my Ford drivetrain is damaged? Noises toward the back of your Ford Thunderbird, leaking fluid, trouble turning — these could all be signs of drivetrain damage you want to address. Take action before something more severe happens.
How often should I come in for Ford Thunderbird differential service? Double check your owner’s manual and talk with a technician. Differential service frequency varies from car to car. At a minimum, we recommend getting your differential inspected and the differential fluid changed as a part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine since your vehicle cannot function without a differential.
Why is my Thunderbird malfunction indicator light (MIL) on? A multitude of problems can activate your Thunderbird’s malfunction indicator light (better known as the check engine light), including issues with the engine, transmission, sensors, electrical system, or connectors.
Can you reset your Thunderbird’s malfunction warning light at home? While it’s sometimes possible to clear a malfunction warning light at home, it’s never recommended. If your Thunderbird’s check engine light comes on, it’s usually because there is a problem in one of the vehicle’s systems. You should find and address the underlying issue to help keep your vehicle in great shape. By simply resetting the check engine light, you may temporarily get rid of the light, but the underlying problem is still there. It will only be a matter of time before the light comes back.
How concerning is a drivetrain malfunction in my Thunderbird? If your Thunderbird has a drivetrain malfunction, don't wait. Get it checked out by a professional mechanic. Identifying the underlying cause and performing the appropriate repairs right away can help prevent further damage and avoid unsafe driving conditions.
Is my Thunderbird’s transmission part of the drivetrain? Yes, the transmission is a key component of the drivetrain system in your Thunderbird. The drivetrain is the system of components that delivers power from the engine to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward. It includes the transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles.

1986 Ford Thunderbird Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Thunderbird's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1986 Ford Thunderbird repairs.