1998 Ford Expedition: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 14, 2013 · Suspension · 105,423 miles · IL

The rear lower and upper control arms have rust holes and or completely rusted through. This is obviously a very big problem with all expeditions around the same years. Complaints from hundreds if not thousands of owners on forums have the same issue. This will cause a crash and or fatalities if not corrected or found before it is too late. I found mine to be very rusty with holes and also one rusted all the way through after a 400 mile highway trip with my family. This is something that ford should step up to the plate and recall and fix for ford owners. This is a reported problem and needs to be repaired by ford asap.

Filed Apr 4, 2013 · Suspension · 175,000 miles · KS

As I was examining the rear brake pads on my truck, I noticed that there was a hole in the right rear lower control arm. Further examination showed that the protective coating on the control arm had not only failed but was holding moisture and salt against the metal of the control arm. Therefore this lower control arm is also quite thin in one specific area and appears to be in danger of imminent failure. Likewise I found a hole and thin sound metal on the left rear lower control arm. If driven, this vehicle could easily have a major loss of control and a catastrophic accident with loss of lives. I consider this to be a manufacturing defect because the coating that was designed to protect this vulnerable part has actually hastened its failure.

Filed Oct 18, 2005 · Steering · 99,165 miles · MI

Dt: the consumer stated the driver's side outer tie rod broke on her vehicle as she was driving on the expressway at 50-60 MPH. This happened on 8-30-05. She reports having no problems prior to this. There was not an accident. She had received a letter from ford on 9-04 to have the tie rods inspected every 15,000 miles. She had the vehicle inspected immediately after receiving the letter. The car had 90,000 miles at that time. Both outer tie rods were replaced. *jb

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Steering · 45,000 miles · MA

Dt: consumer was driving on highway and prepared to exit on off ramp when left driver's side tie rod separated from vehicle and entered the wheel well which caused vehicle to come to a violent halt. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and dealer confirmed tie rod broke. Inspected right side, and said that tie rod was near failure as well. Repairs were made. That was second time in 3 years that tie rods were replaced. The first time it was under warranty, and the second incident was not covered under warranty. Consumer was upset that these parts t failed. Had not occurred under normal wear and tear circumstances. This was street and highway driving, no rough wear on the vehicle.

Filed Jun 6, 2005 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MI

While driving my 1998 ford expedition at about a 35 MPH speed, on a smooth dry paved road, a sudden load bang noise with tire squealing and a loss of controll of the steering occured. Inspection of vehicle steering revealed the rh inner tie rod joint had fallen apart. The ball and socket of the tie rod had broken and no sterring controll of the rh frt tire resulted. No vehicle damage resulted (other than the tierod), no personal or property damage occured. Ford had sent me a letter of concern with the steering and suspension. It contained a brief note on how to check for defective or worn parts. When I called the dealership they informed me their would be a charge for the service. I checked the vehicle myself using their recomendation and noticed no worn parts. I have informed ford and the dealership of the concern, they said bring it in to the dealer to inspect. Again the wanted $$. I will have a private garage install all new front steering parts on my vehicle. I wanted to inform your department of the vehicle steering component failier and the sudden loss of control to my vehicle which could have lead to very bad crash.

Filed Mar 9, 2005 · Suspension · 95,000 miles · OH

When turning the steering wheel vehicle would make a noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and it was discovered that lower ball joints broke.

Filed Sep 7, 2004 · Steering · 64,000 miles · NY

While driving at 60 MPH the front end tie rod broke without warning. As a result the driver lost control of the vehicle but was able to recover and pulled to the side of the road. The front left side of the vehicle had collapsed. Please provide additional information .

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Steering · 59,500 miles · NC

Consumer heard a sound while steering the vehicle. It was a thumping sound. Dealer stated that it sounded like tie rod failure . Dealer advised consumer that tie rod was defective and would need to be replaced.

Filed Oct 30, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · 00

1998 ford expedition after reviewing all the complaints listed I realized I had experience similar ones for instance spark plug blew out in dec/02. In aug./03 the tie rod broke. We have had trouble with 4x4 working or in this case not. When switched in while lifted on a hoist it registers, but when on the ground it doesn't work. Something to do with the weight. Also the door locks no longer work, something to do with a sensor. Interior light stays on in hot weather. And the list goes on.

Filed Jul 29, 2003 · Steering · VT

While backing out of the driveway left front tie rod broke.

Filed Jul 28, 2003 · Steering · OH

Broken tie rod.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Steering · 105,000 miles · PA

The ballstud of the driver's side inner tie rod broke apart while driving. The ball of the ballstud seperated from the socket.