Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lincoln town car. The contact stated that while completing a turn, the front driver's side control arm failed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 98v322000 (suspension: lower ball joint), but the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.
1998 Lincoln Town Car: ball joint or control arm failure
13 of the 154 complaints about the 1998 Lincoln Town Car describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 84,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns 1998 lincoln town car. While driving at any speed, the contact hears a squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the dust cover on the lower ball joint of the front passenger side was worn, and the ball joint was cracked. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number 98v322000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The failure mileage was 168,000. Updated 10/14/08. *lj updated 10/16/08.
1998 lincoln town car made a grinding sound underneath. Consumer stated that the vehicle had to be towed to a dealer. He stated that he saw a front ball joint dragging on the ground. *kb the consumer stated the ball joints did not have any grease fittings. The consumer had all of the ball joints replaced. The consumer discovered a recall regarding the ball joints. However, no one informed him there was a problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lincoln town car. While accelerating at 15 MPH, the passenger side control arm detached from the ball joint. The mechanic replaced the ball joint. The driver side control arm and ball joint failed shortly thereafter. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 122,447 and failure mileage was 75,000.
1998 lincoln towncar. Consumer states that while backing out of the garage the left tie rod dropped from its retainer. *mc the consumer stated the incident would not have happened if the parts had grease fittings.
Dt*: the contact stated a squeeking sound was heard coming from the front right wheel. The contact treated the wheel with wd-40 and the sound went away. Also, while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the right front wheel fell off. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, who determined that the upper and lower ball joints had failed and were replaced as well as steering gear. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 12/18/06.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle does not react correctly when the steering wheel is turned. There was a recall, #98v322000, concerning the lower ball joint. The recall work was performed prior to purchase, but the problem has returned. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic.
While driving 20 MPH, the ball joint snapped. This caused the consumer to go into a ditch, which avoided a severe collision. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, who did not resolve the problem. *ak
When braking , the steering wheel would pull hard to the right. This made it hard for the driver to maintain control of vehicle. *ak the brake rotors were warped. *ph also the lower ball joints were replaced, the engine light illuminated, the dealer found the evap canister solenoid valve leaking.
While pulling out of driveway at 2-3 MPH consumer heard a noise, stopped vehicle, and noticed tie rod end were dragging on the ground on the right side of vehicle. Dealer stated tie rods had disconnected. Also, the ball joints were not lubricated and rusted. Both tie rods were replaced.*ak *jb
While driving, the consumer heard the front of the vehicle squeaking. The technician stated the front control arm needed to be replaced. *jb *ts
At 25 MPH vehicle suddenly veered left. Consumer had vehicle towed to dealer. Outer tie rod had snapped.*ak the steering linkage and tie rod end falied. The dealer refused to pay for repair of the vehicle.
Service bulletins that may apply
- On some vehicles the rear suspension upper control arm brackets on the frame may develop minor cracks when...
- Subject pertaining to cosmetic cracks in frame at the rear upper control arm access opening when subjected...
- Conditions with cosmetic cracks in the frame at the rear upper control arm access opening
- Vehicles may develop cosmetic cracks in the frame of the rear upper control arm access opening
- Dislodgment of rear air spring from axle spring seat during acceleration or full suspension travel...
- The rear air springs may dislodge limousine vehicles
- Experiencing a grunt or squeak noise from the front suspension when turning the steering to full lock, to...
- Vehicle may appear to sit high in the rear when the ignition is first turned on during the first 200 miles...
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
- Risk
- If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Recall number 98V322000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Lincoln Town Car ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?
13 of 154 owner complaints about the 1998 Lincoln Town Car (8%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?
There is 1 recall and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Lincoln Town Car
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