2001 Ford Ranger: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Nov 23, 2022 · Suspension · NY

so I recently purchased this truck thinking it was all safe, the pictures were too good to be true thats for sure, When I brought the truck back the old owner even drove with me knowing what he just sold me. The next day I was so happy so I get it registered and insured and I was so eager to hope in and drive around in my new "safe" truck I also went out with my loved one and it sickens me that the old owner was ok with selling me a not so safe truck and I could have died if the frame bracket broke or the frame cracked while i was driving but when I started to look under I saw the problem and I was scared I saw that the upper control arm bracket mount was rusted and the strut tower as well it had a Hole forming and a crack on the strut tower. I also found out that there was a crack in the frame and i've looked up online and it seems that the frame and other components rust I don't know what to do. Im also a college student who is trying to get into the mechanic world and this scares me with how many trucks like this are out on the road.

Filed Jan 15, 2018 · Body · 135,000 miles · NC

Frame is rusted badly at points where control arm connects to frame and cross members where holds gas tank. Body is in perfect condition and only issue is in the frame . It's unsafe to drive any longer. If control arm breaks off the frame could cause serious injury or death to passengers and others on highway.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · 85,692 miles · VA

I purchased a 2001 ford ranger edge, 4 door, 4 wheel drive pickup truck from the nykar store off of ebay motors in january. The ad falsely claimed that the vehicle was in great shape with no mechanical damage disclosed, but soon I discovered that the frame has severe rust damage that was covered up with filler and undercoating. The frame, where the control arms connect are so visible rusted around the mounting bolts that the holes are large enough to put my fingers through, at least once all of the flaking rust, filler and undercoating were removed. The truck is totaled. It will require a complete frame replacement which will cost more than the truck is worth. I purchased a truck that is totaled from a dishonest dealer, but the frame should not be rusted this bad. If I had hit a pot hole, one or both of the front tires could have sheered off and caused a serious accident or personal injury. Please advise me on the best course of action to take in this situation.

Filed Jan 28, 2011 · Suspension · 47,944 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. The contact stated that the front upper and lower ball joints were worn. The dealer was notified who informed the contact that they would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 47,944. The lower ball joints had to be replaced. Updated 05/06/11

Filed Sep 26, 2008 · Suspension · 43,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford ranger. While the vehicle was undergoing a front end alignment, the contact was informed that the front lower ball joints were defective, loose, and worn. He stated that the steering was fine and he could not tell that there was an issue prior to the repair visit. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 43,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2008 · Suspension · 76,000 miles · GA

I have a 2001 ford ranger 4x that is mainly used for driving to work. It is only taken off the pavement to unload materials or remove wood, etc from the back of my property. I had new tires put on at 75,000 miles and was told that I needed wheel alignment. Since I questioned this, I took it to the dealer for the alignment. They told me that my ball joints needed replacement for $500, which I also doubted. I told them to do the alignment but not the ball joint replacement. I have had no reason to suspect that the ball joints are bad but if they are then I would like to have them replaced. I am 65 and have gone through a lot of cars. I have had some for nearly 200,000 miles but this is the first time that I have been told that the ball joints need replacement. I have contacted ford and they provided not help. They said to take it to a dealer and that they will probably charge me to look at it.

Filed Mar 8, 2006 · Engine, Suspension · 29,055 miles · AL

Dt*: the contact stated upon inspection of the vehicle the ball joint boots were noticed deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they replaced the lower ball joints. The manufacturer was alerted. The upper ball joints failed as well. The timing cover gasket was replaced. Updated 03/22/06.

Filed Sep 21, 2005 · Suspension · 5,000 miles · WI

Dt: the caller said both front ball joints were defective. The vehicle was making noises in the front end. This was the only indication that something was wrong. The dealer told the consumer that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. An independent mechanic told the consumer that the ball joints were bad. The mechanic told him that the ball joints should not go bad at that mileage. The manufacturer offered no help. The consumer did not know if the problem was with the lower joints. *ak (11/15/05) the noise was coming from the drivers side front tire. The consumer was informed that the noise was coming from both ball joints and the cv joint.

Filed Jun 30, 2004 · Suspension · PR

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and mechanic notified consumer that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. However a independent mechanic determined that lower ball joint wore out.

Filed Sep 11, 2001 · Steering · CA

Nut came off tie rod and tie rod disengaged from passenger side front wheel while pulling up to my house, one mile after getting off the freeway.