2003 Ford F-250 SD: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 1, 2008 · Suspension · 32,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford f-250 sd. While the contact was attempting to park the vehicle, he was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right and the vehicle would not move while in reverse. When the contact examined the vehicle, he noticed that the driver's side tire was turned completely to the left and the passenger side tire was turned completely to the right. The contact also noticed that the tie rod detached from the driver's side tire. Prior to the failure, the contact noticed that the front end of the vehicle felt very loose. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and serviced for the failure. The current and failure mileages were 32,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2008 · Suspension · 32,000 miles · CT

While driving I heard a noise from the front end thinking its ball joints upper or lower I called the dealer and he said they have replaced alot of them he said because there is no grease fittings on the ball joints. There was 34,400 miles on it. I think ford should cover the expense if the part was not made correctly.. I think it could be a safety issue since the wheel could fall off.

Filed Dec 28, 2005 · Suspension · 35,800 miles · MA

While driving the vehicle I heard a noise coming from the front end of the vehicle when the wheel was turned. The problem was recognized at 35,800 miles (while traveling at night). When I contacted the dealership for an appointment (the next day) there was 36,500 miles on the vehicle. At the time of the appointment there was 36,900 miles on the vehicle. The mechanics looked at the front end and determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. The cost for this work is $1,100. I spoke with ford customer service and they said that the vehicle is out of warranty when it got to the dealership and that the customer is responsible for the repairs. Ford needs to recognize the fact that they are responsible for the repairs!!

Filed Mar 23, 2005 · Engine, Steering · PA

2003 f-250 super duty 4x4 gas. 46,000 miles. Found 2 broken exhaust manifold studs on passenger side of engine. While investigating exhaust leak also found 2 front ball joints bad. Ford states that it is out of warranty and that it is normal wear and tear. I find this unacceptable. This vehicle was purchased less than 3 years ago. Most of the miles are traveling between texas and pa. This is a 3/4 ton super duty truck. Ford needs to stand behind their product.

Filed Dec 3, 2004 · Steering · 45,000 miles · WI

I purchased a new ford f250 truck, VIN 1ftnx20l33e, on april 17, 2003, from elkhorn motors in elkhorn, wi. On october 24, 2004, at around 45,000 miles, I rotated the tires front to back in wisconsin before a trip to florida. After this tire rotation, I noticed a tendency for the steering wheel to oscillate when I stepped on the brakes. I assumed it was related to tires and planned to replace them on my return. I picked up a 5th wheel in florida and started back on november 2. The oscillation in the steering wheel was much worse, seemingly aggravated by the change in cg with the trailer attached. Hard braking at high speeds worsened this condition but I was mostly able to avoid this situation for the trip home. The truck acted completely normal when the brakes were not applied. I replaced both front tires with new ones. I informed my mechanic of my symptoms and asked him to realign the front end if he was unable to find anything else amiss. He found the tie rod end threads worn so much that the adjusting sleeve wobbled inside it even though the bolts were tight. There was also evidence from rust patterns that the adjusting sleeve and tie rod end had been moving in and out. The tie rod and ball joint were replaced at a cost of about $285. The failure of this part presented a serious safety risk. Ford's position is that they are not responsible for this vehicle after the warrantee is over. They did not even ask if the parts were available. (they are.).