1997 Ford Thunderbird suspension problems

Filed Nov 2, 2006 · Suspension · 96,000 miles · TX

My mechanic has informed me of a dangerous situation with my automobile that could lead to an accident. All the ball joints in the front end are worn excessively. He says the excessive wear is a result of the dust seals disintegrating allowing dirt and water to enter the ball joints. He indicated that this is probably a result of the use of inappropriate or defective materials for the seals. I am going to have the ball joints replaced. I will ask the mechanic to keep the old parts for me.

Filed Oct 13, 2006 · Suspension · 58,000 miles · TX

Dt*: the contact stated while performing general maintenance on the vehicle, it was determined the plastic seals on all four upper and lower ball joints as well as the seals on the stabilizer bar were fractured and deteriorating. The manufacturer was alerted.

Filed Jul 30, 2005 · Engine, Suspension · 33,573 miles · CA

To whom it may concern! My 1997 ford thunderbird is not listed why? I have a lot of problems with the smog stuff every year I pay a lot of money. When temperatures are hot outside over 90 the engine light comes on and says service engine, or when I go up a long hill and my car overheats the engine light comes on and says service engine and it is always about an oxygen sensor or other smog related items that always cost $300 to $650 I am going b broke being on a fixed income. Ford can't fix my front end vibration I had all alignments done wheel balancing 4 times nothing helps. My steering wheel vibrates also. Please help! Manfred gauer .

Filed May 30, 2003 · Suspension, Transmission · 71,568 miles · KY

I bought my 1997 thunderbird 4-15-2003 w/70000 miles, after reading all the complaints on this page I can only relate to 2 of them, the viberation in the transmission on upshift,and the front end shaking above 50 MPH.but I'm so glad. *ak I bought a 2 yr.extented warrenty,because it looks like I'm in for some problens. I can be contacted at [email protected]

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Suspension · 79,000 miles · MO

While driving 40 MPH, the front lower ball joint snapped, causing the consumer to lose steering control. The consumer managed to pull over. *ak the incident occurred without warning while in motion. The repair department suggested that the consumer should expect this at 70k miles. Ford had not responded to the consumer. *sc

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Suspension, Wheels · MA

Vehicle was going 20mph and the consumer lost control. Front passenger wheel bent, and ball joint came apart, dealer and manufacturer will be contacted.

Filed Nov 15, 2000 · Suspension · NY

Front ball joint popped out of socket while driving. Dealer has replaced control arm and ball joint twice, and problem reoccurred.*ak the front suspension collapsed completly and the rear lower ball joint broke. Tension arm bushing and lower control arm on right side failed causing the vehicle to pull when applying brakes. The left front swaybar failed. The left front wheel bearing failed.

Filed Nov 13, 2000 · Suspension · NY

Both incidents could have caused serious injury or death. This is now the second time this part has been replaced. On the first occasion I was in a parking lot and the whole front end of the car collapsed. From what the dealer say ford engineers looked at it and couldn't believe the ball jouint popped out of the socket. Again this is the second time they had to replace it within 10 months. Feel free to contact me for further information and let me know if I can take further action with regards to the safety of this car. Thanks , tom.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Acceleration, Suspension · MI

Unsafe unintended acceleration on more than one occasion/steering shakes consistantly.

Filed Aug 28, 2000 · Suspension, Tires · CA

Pe00 020;vehicle began to wobble,and pulled to left/ right intermittently. Tookvehicle to the the dealership. Mechanic told her that tires were separated. She had all four tires replaced at her expense. Tires were firestone 205/70r15 fr710.