While parked in the driveway owner was getting something out of the vehicle and the torsion bar broke. Owner contacted the dealer, who replaced the torsion bar. Currently vehicle was having a vibration problem, but the owner stated that the vehicle needed a heavier suspension.
1997 Ford F-150 suspension complaints
Page 2 of 8: complaints 11 to 40 of 203, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Ford f150 1997 defect gaskets and cooling system leaked. *bf the consumer was aware of another vehicle with the same make/model that had the same problem. The consumer requested reimbursement. *sc the ball joints were replaced.
Ball joints.
While driving consumer heard a loud knocking noise from the front. While vehicle was parked, during a self inspection, the driver side rear leaf spring had cracked. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that both rear driver's side 'sand passenger side rear leaf spring needed to be replaced due to a crack. *ak
After making a left turn left rear tire was punctured. This was due to the rear leaf spring popping out. Driver felt lucky that he was making a left turn instead of a right turn because leaf spring could have punctured the gas tank.
Consumer took vehicle to dealer to get the tires rotated when the mechanic noticed that leaf spring broke. Consumer was concerned that the gas tank could have been punctured.
During an oil change mechanic informed the consumer that lower ball joints were severely worn. Dealer was aware of the problem.
While leaving a gas station the passenger side tie rod came out of it's socket. The consumer lost control of the vehicle for a short time but was able to stop safely. The consumer repaired the tie rod. The ball joint was dry and rusted. The ball joint was worn due to no grease. There is no way to grease it or to check to see if it needs to be lubricated. *ak
While backing up hears a noise. Dealer has been contacted. There is a technical service bulletin # 15692 that describes the exact problem, a constant snapping noise in the rear of the vehicle. *ak consumer believes this was a manufacturer defect.
1997 ford pickup dlerarm,pittman arm, tie rod end replacement-frozen-creaking: lower ball joints worn; we already replaced brakes,the pistons froze cause brake failure all rotors and brake pad and pistons had to be replaced. *ak why did this happen with only 34,152 miles on this vehicle. Is ford using poor quality products. Something is wrong with this vehicle, we should not have to have this expense at this low mileage.
Consumer stated that while he was driving rear end shifted, causing the shifter to look toward the driver seat. Also the pin that held the rear end was rounded off.
While driving at any speed vehicle vibrates violently. Dealer notified.
Consumer states that vehicle is equipped with self contained ball joints. These ball joint do not need to be greased. Over time the ball joints develop a squeak and need replacing.
Consumer states that when driving and wind blowing vehicle's front end wanders excessively, making it very difficult to maintain control.
On april 12, 2003 while driving my 1997 ford f 150 super cab pickup VIN [xxx] I noticed a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. After stopping to investigate I discovered the middle leaf of the rear leaf spring had broken in half and the forward half was dangling in the air held there by the clamp that was installed at the dealer (bonnell motors) where I purchased the truck as part of the federal safety agency recall 98v16000. Upon further examination I noticed the middle leaf on the left rear leaf spring appears to have shifted as it is no longer even with the other two leafs. I also took a closer look at the broken middle leaf from the right side and it appears that a major fracture existed for some time before this finally decided to fail. My first action was to call ford customer relations to inform them and to file a complaint of what happened and to see if this type problem had been reported and if so what is going to be done. I advised them of the recall issued by the federal safety agency (98v16000). However I was told that recall was issued by a third party not ford and there haven't been complaints received or recalls issued for this type of problem by ford. Next I was advised by ford customer relations to take the vehicle to bonnell motors and talk them about the problem. Although they wouldn't make any assurances ford would pay for the repair as they work on a case by case basis between ford and dealers to determine if the situation warrants it. Upon meeting with a service writer at bonnell motors I was advised they never saw this type of problem before, in fact they have never had to order leaf springs before. The service writer advised me that ford's statement on springs was if the vehicle is overloaded or under loaded can result in leaf springs breaking. The service writer looked up how much it would cost to replace both right and left leaf springs. That cost would be $615.00, and if had 2,000 fewer miles ford would have paid all but a $250.00 deductible. *nlm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of inform
There is a safety recall on my 1997 ford f150, 98v161000, relating to fractured leaf spring. According to ford, this safety recall was applied to my vehicle in 2001. I heard a noise from the back of my truck when starting from a stopped position, and began looking around. I see that the center leaf spring on the rear of my truck is broken, exactly the problem that is described in the safety recall 98v161000 (98s18 per ford). I contacted the local ford dealer. They show no outstanding campaigns against my VIN. After about 5 attempts to get someone at ford to explain this recall to me, I finally got in touch with ford customer service, and spoke with a representative named tisha. She informed me that this recall had been applied to my vehicle by leigh ford, and that ford will not cover this repair. I have two complaints. 1. Safety concern. The leaf spring is broken, and may contact the fuel tank and cause a leak as described. Ford did not seem concerned about this. Was this recall applied correctly? Was the fracture there to begin with, and just overlooked? I don't know if it is safe to even drive this until this is repaired. 2. This is a known problem and ford should pay to have this safety issue repaired correctly and immediately.
The left rear spring assembly failed. The left rear spring was repaired. *ak *jb after the first incident, in december 2002, the right spring had broken. The consumer researched to see if other vehicle's have experienced the same problem, nine were found. The dealer acted as they weren't aware of the recall # 098v16000. The consumer requested his money back for the repair of the left spring. Scc
The lower ball joints failed. *tt
While traveling on the highway there is a knocking noise coming from the rear the vehicle. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem.. Ts
The federal safety agency# 8719-98-v-095-161-000 rear leaf spring, the center leaf of the sppring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat. Consumer states vehicle has a noise and the spring is falling apart. Dealer has been notified. Ts
The consumer is concern at this time he receive a recall notice for the coil spring. The recall number #98s18 and he had the repair done on oct 5th 1998. At this time the problem is still exist. Ts
Consumer states that vehicle was taken in for a recall on the rear leaf spring clip to prevent leaf spring from puncturing tank. Consumer states feels that recall was not properly corrected. Please provide any further information. Mr
Lower ball joints needed to be replaced for the second time. Stabilizer bar fell off for the second time
While driving, the left rear tire experienced a blowout, this was due to a broken leaf spring which had gouged the tire, approximately four months later, the same thing happened to the right rear tire.
Aluminum wheel split down in the middle while going 40-45mph on straight smooth road. Suddenly ther ewas a noise, and the passenger front end fell to the ground. Ford was notified. Please provide more information.
Lower ball joints went out while consumer was driving and could not control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.*ak contacted ford and they said since there was no recall, they coudl not help.
Consumer noticed extended stopping distance. Vehicle was inspected, and discovered that rear leaf springs were bent and needed to be replaced. Both rear leaf springs were replaced one year ago.
While driving, leaf spring that holds axle broke. Vehicle frame dropped almost touching wheels. Could have slashed the tires.*ak consumer had the vehicle serviced the day the leaf spring broke. Consumer believes this is the reason the rear pinion seal was leaking. Consumer has pictures of the breakage that shows the rust at the broken site. Both rear springs were replaced. The left spring was weak.
While driving 10 MPH heard a loud noise. Checked vehicle, passenger's side fender had dropped due to broken front torsion bar. Dealer contacted. Please add VIN.
Bearings in front of vehicle have been coming apart when consumer was driving. Consumer lost control. Contacted ford motor company, and they were not willing to do anything.*akthe original and replacement parts have both failed. The wheel was on the verge of falling off.
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