Tl* the contact 1997 ford expedition. The contact stated the steering bolt on the vehicle broke. The contact found the federal safety agency recall campaign in number: 03v196000 (steering: gear box: shaft sector), but was told by the manufacturer that his vehicle was not included. The failure and current mileages were 105,000.
1997 Ford Expedition steering complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 93, newest first, as owners wrote them.
There is excessive play in the steering wheel, it rocks from side to side. I am a mechanic so I replaced both shaft bearings but this did not cure the problem. The upper steering shaft will need to be replaced because the yoke is wearing out causing this condition. If the yoke should snap the ability to steer will be lost and can cause death. This is a crucial and critical steering component that should last the life of the vehicle. Can you let me know if this is covered by the manufacturer as this repair will have to be done asap. Also the rear lower control arms are rusted out they actually have holes in them I would like to know if this would be covered as well. This vehicle is well maintained, I have driven a lot of different vehicles and never seen steering and suspension parts wear out like this before. They don't make them like they used to. I like my truck though,I will buy another ford in the future, but for right now I got to keep this one rolling down the highway. Thankyou
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford expedition. While driving between 10-60 MPH, the power steering became resistant. The repair shop stated that the steering gear box shaft failed. The failure has been continuous and is becoming worse. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v196000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector). The current and failure mileages were 230,796. The consumer stated feels that the vehicle should be included in the recall previously listed. Updated 11/06/07
Tie rod threads stripped leads to complete loss of steering and near-death experience.
My 1997 ford expedition 4x4 with 95,000 miles just experienced a failure in the drivers side tie-rod. The inner tie-rod end shredded where it connects to the center link.
The steering shaft was loose at the gear box , the technician said there was almost no contact and would not let me drive it home saying it was too dangerous and was about to come undone at any time. The wheel could be turned 1/3 around and there was no movement because of the degree of separation making it very difficult to drive. My 1997 ford expedition was not included in the group that was recalled in recall number 03s02 dated may 2003, therefore I had to pay for the repairs myself. I called ford and they said they cannot help me because they didn't recall mine. There could also be others that were not recalled. I have the receipt totaling about $340. The paperwork from the ford dealership reads: found steering shaft loose at box. I cannot understand why I had to pay for what other owners got free because it was a serious safety issue.
Consumer stated that steering made a clicking sound,and headlights malfunctioned. Also, high beam lights did not work unless consumer held them . Consumer will be taking vehicle to the dealer for it to be checked out.
While driving at 40 MPH, the driver applied the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic and the mechanic indicated that the steel line rusted and was allowing brake fluid to leak. *ak the first incident,the brake line from the master cylinder rusted through and then on the third occasion the power steering line from pump to reservoir rusted through. *scc
While trying to park lost power steering . Dealer replaced pitman arm/steering assembly/ intermediate arm/power steering gear box, and rack and pinion.
While driving, the steering wheel became stiff, and then returned to normal.
Purchased used expedition in late feb, 2003. I immediately noticed extremely sensitive steering. Slight input, especially at highway speed in rain or wind, caused large changes in vehicle direction. Lower front tire pressure, neconnecting rear stab bar, fe alignment, and new shocks have helped the problem but it is still way touchier than it should be. Ford definitely has a problem built into this vehicle model. I have over 40 years driving experience in all types of vehicles and have seen nothing like this. I assume it is inherent in the variable assist power steering.
The dealership refused to honor the recall for the steering assembly 03 v 196 000.
The vehicle emits a rubbing noise while steering.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with steering assembly also stated that while he was driving the vehicle the steering assembly broke. Dealer was contacted and stated that the steering assembly tear off. Consumer also stated that his horn, the air bag, cruise control and the air bag on the panel is on. Ts
While driving, vehicle will bounce. Contacted dealer. This was a result of the tie rod having too much play. *ak
While traveling about 35mph on highway right front steering rod fell off underneath vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.
Driving with family in car ,doing 35 MPH when I lost total control of the steering.you could spin the steering wheel completely around with no control of the vehicle what so ever. I was able to gradually stop the car , but it still roll up a curb to a complete stop. No one was hurt,I had to have it towed in to the local dealer. Dealer reported that the steering column had slipped out of the gear box ,thus stripping the gear itself. I ask the dealer if it should be covered under warrenty ,he said it shouldn't be.I sent a letter to ford ,they said if the dealer doesn't think it should be covered ,than it shouldn't be covered. I feel this is a safety issue ,what if my wife were driving the car on the highway like she does every day to work or if my son were driving it ,he is a new driver.I just glad no one was hurt. Ford doesn't seem to want to do anything about it.could you please help.
Tie rod end separated at the knuckle, causing vibration and left front tire and wheel turning in and making the vehicle undriveable.
After making a right turn off a major parkway in westchester county ny, where we had been traveling at 60 MPH, I made a right turn at exit . After proceeding 25 feet, a horrific noise was heard, the car lost steering ability and shook and bucked wildly. Hit a tree on roadside and came to rest. Found that the left tie rod ball joint completely separated and the left wheel had no steering at all. The incident would have killed my entire family had it happened at highway speed. This should not be possible. Prior to this, last year, both sway bar links fractured, also resulting in a near crash situation. This vehicle needs to be investigated. It is a death machine on wheels!!!!
Inner tie rod had to be replaced on the driver's side. Five month ago, out tie rod had to be replaced. Problem was due to no grease fitting. Dealer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Left and right tie rods broke off while consumer was driving, and consumer could not control the vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer fixed the problem.*akboth tie rods broke off between 75 and 85 k miles. Vehicle has never been off raod or in an accident, there was no indication of failure prior to both incidents.
Failure was due to damage on locking bolt between linkage and steering box.
While driving tie rod broke, preventing any movement of steering wheel. Please give any further details.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
The vehicle started groaning whenever you turned the steering wheel, consumer states he looked under the vehicle and saw that there was grease smeared around several linkages, in which he believes was a temporary fix to sell the vehicle.
While driving inner tie rod failed and snapped apart, preventing any movement of steering wheel. Please give any further details.
Vehicle was examined by the dealership for suspension problems and noises. Dealers determined that pitman arm and stabilizer bar had cracked. Repairs have yet to be made. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Stabilizer bar end links were broken in half and had to be replaced. In addition at approx. 60,000 miles during 2000 c.y. All ball joints and tie rod ends had failed and had to be replaced at the cost of over $1600.00. The "lube-for-life" design for these components is a farce. They were rusted and warn out and created an unstable front suspension and steering situation. This vehicle has seen no off-road driving.
While driving and without warning steering gear box completely malfunctioned, causing vehicle to sway or pull to left or right, cause unknown. Please give any further details.
The vehicle can't be drive forward or reverse because the left inner tie rod end had fallen off, ipon examination of the tie rod end the consumer found that there was no bolt or any other mechanism to hold the two parts together, the consumer believes this is a defective design.
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