While driving on the highway, as soon as I go faster than 55mph the vehicle down by the wheels, starts shaking. I can feel it in the steering wheel. I suspect it's the ball joints but not sure. It also wobbles when turning going as slow as 25 MPH.
1997 Ford Expedition: ball joint or control arm failure
34 of the 850 complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 34
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 26 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
My brake went to the floor when I started to drive my vehicle last week. I was going to ave my bakes replaced today when the mechanic noticed that the lower control arms were very rusted it has pieces breaking off and there is actually a hole in the rear driver side lower control arm. The metal brake lines is also rusted in two. He looked at my 1998 expidition and the lower control arms on the back of it are also rusted out. He saididn't I should not drive either of them until they are replaced. I'm wondering if there is a recall on these.
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
Tie rod threads stripped leads to complete loss of steering and near-death experience.
While driving, vehicle will bounce. Contacted dealer. This was a result of the tie rod having too much play. *ak
During a vehicle state inspection consumer was informed that lower ball joint had worn out.
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.
Theres a clunking noise coming from vehicle while driving, took vehicle to dealer, and dealer informed consumer that linkage broke from stablizer bar. *ak consumer took the vehicle for alignment and dealer told her that both ball joints were very bad and would have to be replaced at her cost.
While driving tie rod broke, preventing any movement of steering wheel. Please give any further details.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Rear axle noise repair
- Air suspension compressor noise
- Repeat air suspension compressor drier failures
- Some vehicles with air suspension may exhibit an initial or repeat compressor dryer failure
- Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak, snap, rattle, or clunk in the front end when turning or going over bumps
- Some vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit an air leak and/or overnight bleed down of the air...
- Subject regarding air suspension compressor quality
- Some vehicles may exhibit air suspension malfunction
Related recalls
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- The rear axle track bar bracket can separate from the frame due to missing welds or inadequate weld penetration.
- Risk
- If both brackets separate, the rear axle can move laterally until the tires contact either the frame or the wheelhouse resulting in either tire damage or a significant reduction in vehicle handling performance.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a track bar bracket reinforcement kit and inspection of the axle tubes. The suspect axle tubes do not have a stamped date code on the tube. Axles without date codes on the tubes will be replaced.
Recall number 96V252000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Expedition ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
34 of 850 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition (4%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
There is 1 recall and 26 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Expedition
Fire or smoke 59Adaptive cruise 40ABS 30Brake failure 28Tire blowout 21Wipers 18No deployment 16Grinding brakes 15Headlights 13Stalling 13Check engine light 11Door locks 11Water leak 11Loss of power 10Power steering loss 10Knocking 9Pulling 9Engine failure 8Won't shift 7Won't start 7Airbag light 6Harsh shifting 6Jerking 5Steering lock-up 5
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