2001 Ford F-150: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 8, 2011 · Body, Fuel system · 137,805 miles · MA

The fuel tank straps on my 2001 ford f150 are completely rusted. Other areas have also rusted out such as the radiator supports - radiator and shroud dropped out and are hitting against the engine fan. The pick-up bed of the truck is also rusting out. Updated 08/11/11 *bf the consumer stated when he inspected the straps, he found one of them completely covered in rust, but still in tact. Also, there was unusual rusting all over the underside of the vehicle. The entire lower radiator support was rotted out and the underside of the pick-up bed and other supports have major rust. Updated 08/12/11 the consumer stated when the support gave out the radiator and radiator shroud fell onto the fan that is mounted to the engine. Also, the ball joints and steering were wearing prematurely due to lack of grease fittings. Updated 08/30/11

Filed Jul 4, 2011 · Fuel system, Steering · 75,000 miles · OH

I have a 2001 ford f150 regular cab long bed with 75,000 miles. While driving at approximately 40 MPH the right inner tie rod broke causing the vehicle to shudder significantly until I was able to stop the vehicle. This brief shuddering caused the rear fuel tank strap to snap in half primarily due to excessive corrosion of the strap. Loss of the supporting strap caused the rear of the tank to drop almost to ground level which also broke the filler inlet off of the top of the tank, completely disconnecting the filler tube and presenting a large hole for fuel to escape. Both of these failures are not what I would expect from a vehicle with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. Either could have resulted in serious injury or property damage.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Steering · 130,000 miles · MA

Ford f-150 supercrew 2001: right tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket), resulting in violent wheel oscillation, with front tire drag bringing vehicle to a halt; 20 MPH; no warning; regularly inspected, ~110k mileage. Had been driving at 65 MPH with family (5 passengers) day before tie rod broke. What would have happened?? Same vehicle, ~130k mileage, date 8/27/07. Left tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket). Just pulled into rest area on i95 in connecticut. Tried to back up, wheels angled, towed, tie rod replaced. Minutes before I was traveling 70mph in passing lane on i95. What could have happened?? Vehicle not used for off-road, no snow plow, maintained by service station regularly.

Filed Apr 28, 2007 · Suspension, Transmission · 62,600 miles · MO

There aren't any real events leading to the failure. I took my truck into the local dealership (gary crossley ford) to have the speed control recall work done. While there I asked to have a state inspection done as well. I was told by the service advisor that the lower ball joint were somewhat loose and would need replacing - so I had them do that as well as flush the transmission as well (this truck only had 62,000 miles on it). Following that it passed inspections - all was well. Not even one month later (possibly only 3 weeks) I tried backing from my parking spot at work and heard a *thunk* from the rear end. Not sure what it was I backed up more and heard it again. Put the truck in drive and there was a rubbing noise from underneath. I parked it and called a tow rig to take it back to the dealer. Upon hearing from them the following day I was told the carrier bearing in the rear end had "exploded" and I'd need to replace most everything in the rear end. Agreed to have the work done. Got a call a day later telling me that problem was fixed, but there was another - the *thunking* was still there and was likely the transmission. Had them check and sure enough, it needed to be replaced as well. Finding out that ford was going to "cover" part of the transmission repair made me wonder if there weren't underlying problems that I was not, as an owner, alerted to. The truck never had a problem before these, and I've been very uncomfortable with it since.

Filed Apr 12, 2006 · Suspension · 137,600 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated the front tires have excessive wear. The contact has replaced the upper and lower ball joints, shocks, springs, calipers, rotors, pads, and tires however; this did not remedy the problem. The dealer is unable to determine the cause of the problem. Updated 05/10/06

Filed Feb 27, 2006 · Suspension · 65,537 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot going 5 MPH a loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle. At this time the front suspension dropped down causing an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, upon inspection the problem was the passenger's front lower ball joint had snapped off. Repairs have been made, the manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 3/22/2006 -

Filed Jun 1, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 107,000 miles · MI

Dt: problems began on 5/23/05 while turning right in normal driving conditions on dry pavement. Caller believed the passenger's side tie rod popped off the ball joint. No warning lights on in vehicle. It was not pulling or making any noise. Vehicle was going about 10 MPH. Vehicle was in the shop. After stopping the vehicle, driver noticed the passenger wheel was turned to the right, all other wheels were facing forward. It was towed to the dealership and repaired.

Filed Mar 28, 2005 · Suspension · FL

While backing out front passenger side collapsed. Driver contacted the dealer, and was informed that the front passenger lower ball joint needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 17, 2005 · Acceleration, Brakes · 35,000 miles · WV

Take a look a my vehicle history, I baby my truck - never used off-road. I have replaced several items that I feel should have been fixed by ford. I had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. Some parts with defects that were replaced. Most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) I'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. A&b kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. 10.) sideview mirrors vibrated 11.) ABS sensor replaced 12.) keyless entry replaced 13.) steering bearings replaced 14.) back bumper is rusting these are just some of the things I can remember right off hand. I've got all receipts. I take care of this truck - wash and wax once a week by hand (unless really bad weather) then I just take it to the car wash automatic or actual people washing. Keep inside just as nice. If you want to check out a vehicle for safety/recall information you should start with mine.

Filed Feb 22, 2005 · Suspension · 56,152 miles · NY

Alignment facility indicated lower right and left ball joints worn at only 56k miles. Took to ford dealer and verified condition. Most disappointing and dangerous. We would expect better quality and ford to rectify this at no charge to consumer.

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Steering · OK

Upon inspection (using procedure provided by ford) during standard mtce, mechanic advises vehicle owner of premature tie rod wear. Estimates $450 repair cost.

Filed Dec 21, 2004 · Suspension · 38,500 miles · ME

During a routine inspection, the mechanic informed the consumer that the front lower ball joints were loose. The dealership did not resolve the problem. *nm *sc