2002 Ford Ranger: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Dec 21, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 57,000 miles · NH

We are original owners of a 2002 ford ranger xlt now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because frame and frame components are severely rusted out. - severe rust on the entire frame including both cross members (engine and transmission), arm bolt points and control arms. - frame also has severe rust down both sides to rear bumper, rear axle and differental, leaf springs and all mounts. - the passenger side stearing knuckle is delaminating. - all brake lines have failed while driving: first the rear brakes including all axle couplings and drum couplings; second the front brake lines failed at the disk brakes and rubber couplings. All brake tubes had to be replaced from the master cylinder to the wheels. - service manager is worried about front cross member failing under the engine, middle cross member failing under the transmission and the gas tank brackets/straps. - the frame and members and mounts must be replaced; the rest of the vehicle is mechanically sound. Service manager said no repair was possible to frame rust is so bad pictures can be provided and/or vehical inspected by the federal safety agency if desired. All brake lines and couplings performed around august 29, 2019.

Filed Dec 10, 2018 · Body · NY

Frame is rusting away. Front coil spring pockets cracking.frame near front control arms are rusted,and cracking.back frame spear tire bracket are gone.frame rusted back leaf spring shackels no matel frame for back bumper mount.

Filed Aug 13, 2015 · 56,000 miles · NY

2002 ford ranger xlt, failed inspection because of severe rust that developed on the front left sub frame, a arm bolt points and control arm points. The extent of rust is so severe that the mechanic doesn't believe the vehicle can be salvaged, because there is a nothing solid enough left to weld a patch or replacement piece to. The truck body is in perfect shape no other rust except the frame. The damage was only visible when the factory front skid plate was removed by the inspecting mechanic. The trucks factory warranty at the time of discovery exceeded the ten year time limit, but was still under the mileage portion.

Filed Sep 4, 2013 · Suspension · 41,123 miles · LA

Took vehicle to mechanic because of tapping noise coming from front end. Mechanic replaced bushings and support rods on both sides but the tapping noise persisted. After returning to the repair shop, the mechanic pointed out that the boots on all upper and lower ball joints had rotted out and apparently LED to premature failure of the ball joints. Since the vehicle was purchased new, kept in a garage and has had minimal use of only 10,000 miles over eleven years, the mechanic said he had no other explanation as to why they need replacement after such low mileage. I've already spent $242 for the bushings and rods. Now, it sounds like it's going to cost another $1000 to replace the faulty ball joints.

Filed May 4, 2007 · Suspension · 37,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford ranger. While driving at low speeds around 20 MPH there was a popping noise in the front of the vehicle. The noise was also heard while making left and right turns. The dealer stated that the lower ball joints had excessive pry and could possibly separate. The lower ball joints were replaced at the owners expense. There have been no failures since the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 37000 and the current mileage was 44000.

Filed Nov 20, 2006 · Suspension · 49,240 miles · NY

Upper ball joints inadequately lubricated leading to premature failure (3 in 50,000 miles).