1998 Ford F-150: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 14, 2012 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford f-150. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard a grinding noise from under the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was advised that the fuel tank and fuel tank straps would have to be replaced. The vehicle was found to be included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting). The dealer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would not cover the repairs performed on the vehicle because it was not taken to an authorized dealer for the recall repairs. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 6/12/12 *cn updated 06/21/12.

Filed Jan 6, 2011 · Fuel system · 152,300 miles · CT

Gas tank dropped onto roadway spilling fuel. F150 pickup 1998 with v6 engine & full length bed. Corrosion of the forward tank strap resulted in a failure that could have been very serious with fuel dumping into roadway. *tr updated 08/01/11 *bf the forward strap broke, allowing the front of the tank to grind into the pavement. The formed end of the rear strap pulled out of the frame well. The tank stayed with the vehicle as the consumer pulled to the side of the road, but only the hoses and having the rear of the tank jammed against the frame kept it with the vehicle. The tank was about 3/4 full about 22 gallons leaked onto the roadway. Updated 08/02/11

Filed Jul 7, 2010 · Fuel system · 166,035 miles · MI

I have a 1998 ford f150 pick up in well maintained condition with 165k miles. On a recent trip we were driving at a low speed (thank god) through port huron michigan. Unknown to me, one of two metal straps that hold the fuel tank to the frame had corroded through. The entire weight of the gas tank was supported by one remaining strap. After fueling (3/4 tank), while approaching a traffic light, the last strap broke and the tank fell to the pavement. The grinding of the tank on the pavement rubbed a small hole in the tank and caused a minor leak. Because we were traveling so slow, we quickly pulled over and the damage was contained. With the help of a police officer, I raised the tank enough to get my car jack under it and then strapped it to the frame rails with a section of rope. The only thing holding the tank to the truck was the fuel line which was not severed so I was able to start it and I drove to nearby ford dealer for repairs. This failure could have been a disaster if it had happened at highway speed. I was only one mile from getting on i94 when the tank fell down. Ford had no recalls for this issue and offered no compensation, even though there was no design detail to prevent the tank from falling to the road when the straps fail. This design was released in 1996 so many owners could soon experience the same corrosion failure that LED to my incident. A serious fire or injuries could easily be prevented by stainless steel straps or a frame detail that prevents the tank from coming down to the pavement. The total repair including a new tank, straps, valve, sensor and line repair was $750.

Filed Nov 4, 2002 · Steering · 84,926 miles · OH

The vehicle made a lot of grinding noises and the steering was inoperable. Unbeknowest to consumer all tie rods had broken.

Filed Mar 27, 2001 · Brakes · KS

No warning of brake pads getting low. I took my truck to a mechanic because the front brakes were making a noise. He reported that my brake pads had worn completely away and had damaged the rotors to the point that they had to be replaced. The mechanic said that normally brake pads contained a squeaker device to let you know when the pads are getting low. My ford factory installed brake pads did not have this.

Filed Mar 15, 2000 · Brakes · OH

Brakes fail when depressed, then grab at last second. Dealer performed a brake service consisting of grinding the metallic pads but problem is worse and brakes now groan upon stop.

Filed Sep 28, 1999 · Brakes, Steering · FL

The bushings on the spindle are too big which causes the brakes to lock up/grind and overheat. Please give any further details.

Filed Aug 13, 1999 · Electrical · ME

Dealer says serpentine belt can be expected to require frequent replacement (annual) on vehicle to correct squealing noise.

Filed Apr 30, 1999 · Transmission · NC

Ninety percent of the time I have to force gearshift into 2nd gear. Now, after 11 months going into third gear occasionally grinds. This is not only very aggravating, but dangerous as well. Cars with automatics have to slow down suddenly because I'm trying to get into second gear without clashing the gears anymore than necessary. I took it to the dealer and of course they said all was well. I even went through the hassle of going to another dealer, driving 2 more identical trucks, and they did the exact same thing except for the 3rd gear problem. The clutch seems to be ok, so really the only thing left are the synchronizers. Problem doesn't seem to be changed by temperature or any other outside influences.

Filed Dec 31, 1998 · Brakes · FL

When driving forward and backing up consumer applied the brakes, and noticed everytime applying the brakes there is a squeaking noise.

Filed Nov 16, 1998 · Transmission · MO

Transmission does not shift smoothly from 1st to second gear. Gear grinding is occurs.