1998 Ford Explorer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Oct 17, 2012 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, a noise emitted when the steering wheel was being maneuvered. The malfunction occurred whenever making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the front and rear ball joints were defective. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 23, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated that the turn signals were inoperable. The dealer replaced the directional control arm yet the failure recurred within a year. The directional control arm was replaced a second time by the dealer. He also noticed that the wires were discolored and stated that the vehicle needed several additional repairs. The contact declined to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the control arm did not need an additional replacement but suggested replacing the fuse. On a separate occasion, while using the turn signals, the turn signal switch inside began smoking. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle or related recalls. The manufacturer stated that since there were no recalls, they would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current was 191,000.

Filed Aug 11, 2006 · Steering · MI

Power steering gear box is leaking. Both the gearbox and tie rods need replaced. Only 75,000 miles on the vehicle.

Filed Nov 15, 2005 · Airbags, Body · 90,000 miles · CA

Dt: contact stated that right after purchasing the vehicle he had replace the brakes, tires, fuel filter, the fuel injection was cleaned , the anti lock sensors where replaced, the windshield was replaced . The air bags are also deployed. While driving the vehicle it vibrates on the left side. He took the vehicle to a mechanic they put the vehicle on a rack trying to line the vehicle. It would not line up. They found that the ball joints bad, also the motor mounts are broken. The mechanic told him that the frame is bent beyond repair.

Filed Jul 12, 2005 · Suspension · 42,538 miles · MA

Front suspension ball joints front wheel bearings and brake rotors

Filed Feb 22, 2005 · 38,995 miles · FL

While the truck was being inspected for engine stalling, the dealer informed the consumer that both upper and lower ball joints was loose and needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Suspension · PA

I own a 1998 ford explorer. In january I took it to be serviced because the steering seemed off and I do alot of highway driving. The problem turned out to be the suspension--the upper ball joint separation. I was told I was an accident waiting to happen. This was a very costly repair and I would hope this could be investigated to prevent any accidents that could occur if this is a problem that no one realizes is out there.

Filed May 29, 2003 · Suspension · AL

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning upper ball joints broke, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle. Please fill in additional information.

Filed May 23, 2003 · Suspension · AL

The upper ball joints and lower ball joints were warped.

Filed May 8, 2003 · Engine, Steering · IN

Front end felt loose and vehicle was veering to the right due to cracked ball joints. Engine check light appeared, and a red brown liquid was leaking from driver's side because power steering rack was defective. Also, dealer replaced timing gear, and upper and lower intake manifolds.

Filed Apr 24, 2002 · Steering · MA

Consumer hears a grinding noise when slowing down and applying or releasing the brakes. Vehicle was taken to the dealer and inner tie rod had deteriorated from wear and tear. The part was replaced.*ak

Filed Jan 21, 2002 · Suspension · VA

Took explorer in to local ford dealer to have firestone wilderness at tires replaced plus a wheel alignment done. Dealer said that alignment could not be done until both front tie-rod ends were replaced. Said that tie-rods were good enough for yearly auto inspection but not for long. I had them replaced but thought that replacement at 30,000 miles was a little premature. After looking at your complaint database, I noticed that others had reported tie-rod and ball joint failures on the '98 explorer's so I thought I should send mine in also even though no accident occurred and it may not actually be considered a safety defect. This truck has never been taken "off-the-road" either.