1995 Mercury Grand Marquis: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 17, 2014 · Steering · 157,659 miles · SC

Took car in for squeaking noise under car; discovered it was u-joint seal going dry. However, upon inspection technician discovered four dangerously worn ball joints, both upper and lower ball joints on both sides, and dangerously worn idler arm. This was confirmed visually by myself. Upper left ball joint was in the best condition, all others were missing jackets, had no lubrication, and worn to the level that very little force was needed to remove the ball from the socket after removal, one came out with no force. The idler arm was barely connected, and over 75% of metal at the link worn and rusted. Nothing in the car's driving behavior gave any indication that any of these parts were worn. Steering had only slight amount of play which was still present after the parts were replaced and the car aligned. Left upper ball joint had been replaced one year and 3 months previous to discovery. No other signs of wear were present at that time. The previous ball joint replaced was least worn, but jacket was torn and no lubrication present. With one exception, the ball joints appeared to have only gravity as the primary force holding the balls in the sockets. My concern for other drivers is related to the lack of indications that the front end of this car had degraded to this level. The vehicle's steering responses were asymptomatic, period. This had not been my experience in the past. Possible causes for asymptomatic behavior is unknown (weight of vehicle and gravity?) the earlier problem (1yr 3mo. Earlier) with the left top ball joint failure was only discovered after it failed after hitting small pot hole coming from parking lot and the wheel broke and layed in flat on the road. Speed was under 5mph.

Filed Aug 23, 2008 · Suspension, Wheels · 98,000 miles · WI

I also had the clunk noise after a left turn, about 1 month as well after my left tire fell off as I was backing out of garage. Ball joints had given out prematurely. 1300.00 to fix plus tow charge.

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Suspension · 109,000 miles · MN

After making a sharp right hand turn, I heard a loud clunk clunk noise and the car made a awkward movement until I straighten the vehicle back out. About a month later after getting my brakes serviced the repairman told me that the ball joint seals were busted prematurely and I had no protection. $1000.00 fix.

Filed May 22, 2008 · Suspension · 76,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 mercury grand marquis. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the contact heard a loud banging noise and the front driver side lowered to the ground. The vehicle was towed to her residence. An investigator from her insurance company inspected the vehicle and concluded that the lower ball joints separated from the vehicle. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 76,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · MI

Consumer felt that his vehicle's rear suspension should be recalled because the newer models have better rear suspensions. *la when the wind blew, or the road was uneven especially in the mountains, it was very difficult to keep the vehicle straight, the problem only occurred at highway speeds. The dealer refused to upgrade the consumer's vehicle even though the consumer requested to pay. When the windshield wipers were off the rubber part of the blade sat partially on the glass and on the plastic below the glass, the rubber part of the blade had to be changed frequently in order to work properly when it rained or snowed. The tie rod broke while the vehicle was in the parking lot.

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Steering · 55,000 miles · MN

Vehicle was going approximately 25mph and inner tie rod on front left hand side fell off. Vehicle came to a screeching halt, and was unable to operate there after. There was no warning. Dealer was notified. *ak the dealer stated that the tie rod had deteriorated prior to the incident. Scc

Filed Mar 6, 2002 · Suspension · CA

While driving 5mph front end collapsed and dragged due to lower ball joint failure. Dealer replaced ball joint assembly.

Filed Feb 23, 2001 · Suspension · MI

While entering a highway the ball joint broke dropping the fender over the right front tire, the consumer believes the recall should not be limited to lincoln vehicles. Nlm

Filed Dec 28, 2000 · Steering · MI

Tie rod end broke while parked making vehicle inoperative. Nlm

Filed Jul 24, 1998 · Steering, Suspension · MA

Grease fittings were omitted by the manufacturer. Local mechanic replaced the idler arm and put on grease fittings and lower ball joints . The manufacturer has been notified.

Filed Jul 26, 1997 · Steering · MO

Steering tie rod failures.

Filed Aug 7, 1996 · Suspension · CA

Lower control arms cracked where they meet the frame, causing the vehicle to wander.