1994 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jun 15, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · PA

My vehicle was purchased as is and I have had some problems with it . I need rocker panels , 3 ball joints and a new muffler.

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 99,999 miles · WA

I was browsing for a used car and came on an add selling cars I had no vehicle I asked if they can pick me up on the other side of the clinton ferry. They said yes they will pick me up. So checked out their inventory. I picked a 1994 ford explorer little damage to the body, tires needed changing, the front windshield has damage, and rear view mirror was gone. I accepted these and asked for a test ride proceeded off the lot there was no gas making a test drive short. It was as if they rushed me through the deal nothing was said about the problems. Returning home is when I began running into problems that were safety issues. The rpms had gone to the limits of safe operation exceeding 6,000 rpms and not shifting to a hire gear making the motor screen nearly exploding the motor this is consistent every time you operate. So drove home with this problem. I accelerated and then let off the gas and it then shifted up. I gave it the gas it screamed and I let off the gas and it shifted into the higher gear I also have steering problems it pulls to the left pulling me into on going traffic, shimmies and the tie rods connected to the steering had some play in them. So when I turned left or right I had no steering until it got to certain point where it steered. The vehicle floats like a boat a strut problem. Now when I went to estimates for the repairs its parts and labor came too about the same amount I paid for the truck approximately 4,400.00. So now I have this truck I refuse to drive. I told them to come and get it and no way was I going to drive an unsafe truck so it sits in my driveway. I refuse to pay them any money. They haven't called me, nor made any deal.

Filed Dec 14, 2000 · Acceleration, Body · PA

The upper and lower ball joints failed.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Suspension · PA

The lower ball joints failed some what prematurely on this vehicle. I had them replaced under an extended warranty. The alarming part of the lower ball joint looseness was the rapid wear that it caused to the inside edge of the tires. This vehilce went through the state safety inspection at spence ford 5/12/97 with 38817 miles. I changed my own oil twice at 42,039 and 45,175 miles and you can't help but to observe the tires. The point is that by 47,050 the very inside edge of the front tires had worn right down to the steel cord. Fortunately for me the tire went flat while sitting in the parkind lot at work. The tires were firestone atxs p235/75r -15 the type and size just recalled and I replaced them with the same. The publicity of this recalled has made me wonder if the lower ball joints on this vehicle may have contributed to some of the tire failures. While the loosenes that developed in the lower ball joints seemed somewhat premature, it is how quickly this caused the tires to wear on the inside edge right down to the steel cords that scares me and seemed extreme in my experience. I was driving on tire that were ready to blow out at anytime before I realized anything was wrong.

Filed Aug 4, 2000 · Suspension · CA

From time to time tires were showing metal wire coming out. This had happened twice, and consumer was thinking it was the ball joints.

Filed Apr 4, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · CT

Consumer took vehicle to dealer because it wasn't shifting. Dealer said transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer has 70,000 miles on truck, and it was serviced on time. Also told that the truck neede new shocks, ball joints, and tie-rods. Vehicle has never been driven off-road or in a harsh manner.

Filed Jul 14, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · MN

Ball joints and u-joints failed causing excessive vibrations. Mjs

Filed Jun 17, 1998 · Suspension, Transmission · WI

Noise heard in front end due to failure of the u-joints and ball joints.

Filed Jul 15, 1997 · Suspension, Transmission · NY

Ball joints seize, causing front end to veer to either side.