1998 Mercury Grand Marquis: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Sep 22, 2020 · Suspension · 165,400 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 mercury grand marquis. The contact stated that while examining his vehicle at his residence, he noticed the front ball joints were defective. The vehicle taken to expressway ford of mount vernon (3800 highway 62 e, mount vernon, in 47620) on may 30 2020, where the vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the shocks needed to be replaced. The front shocks were replaced however, several months later the driver's side shock was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,400.

Filed Apr 28, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 213,760 miles · IL · crash

Autozone- valucraft brand- ball joints part number vfa2101 I recently had my ball joints replaced and I had a premature failure of the ball joint fastening hardware while driving down the city road in a straight line at 45 MPH. It caused thousands of dollars of damage and it also almost cause me great injury. I suspect autozone is using low grade nuts cause the nut that was on the ball joint sheared off causing me to bend a control arm, crack my frame, blow a tire, all while barely missing a telephone pole. Had I been going down the highway at the posted speed limit I could have flipped my car, got pulled under a semi, cross the median into oncoming traffic and so on. I would like for an investigation to be started on their poor engineering choices and a recall to be started. Its just not for the safety of me but for the safety of other people. I do have all damage pictures and pictures of the failure point. I have pictures of the nut in question compared to another competitors brand and there is a noticeable size difference and hardness difference. The ball joints were replaced 9/26/2015 and failed on 4/25/2016. Autozone part number vfa2101. My belief is the nut is a lower grade when it should be a grade 8 nut. I say thousands of dollars because the auto body shops around me said they will not repair the frame because its a liability and would recommend a new frame to be put under the vehicle essentially totaling my car out causing me to have to spend thousands to replace my vehicle.

Filed Jan 26, 2013 · Suspension · 31,000 miles · IL

While driving or backing at slow speeds this vehicle(which has very very low miles) makes loud,banging,pounding,binding noises and sounds like the entire front end is going to fall off. This happens frequently and is not normal for any car with such low miles 15 years old or not. I have gotten to the point that I am afraid to drive this car. I have also been told that others have this same or a similar issue. The car was driven by an older couple aka my grandparents who bought it new in 98' and they both passed away in 2012. This may be in part due to the "double wishbone" suspension which I know nothing about. I am extra upset as I said due the fact that this car has only had an average of just over 2,000 miles annually and was treated very well. The car looks like new but scares me half to death when I hear this unmistakable loud sound of broken,binding,loose or defective parts. I am able to repair it but was hoping there was a recall due to the same story being posted over and over. This car,either model the gs or ls is an accident waiting to happen. If you are a prospective buyer,please drive the car slowly then turn in reverse and if it exists the problem will sound off immediately. If backing out with a very slight curb,the car will sound much worse.ford is not known for its front ends other than the fact that its cars and trucks front ends are either next to impossible to align and/or are very expensive to repair. I have never seen or heard anything like this in any other car maker,ford should pay for this travesty of a front end. Without taking a visual I would say it my car needs both upper and lower ball joints,tie rod ends and a full suspension check or rebuild. If anyone hears this in a car from a dealer or elsewhere=do not buy!!!

Filed Feb 8, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 83,400 miles · TX

During normal driving noticed a squeaking and groaning noise coming from front end of car. Steering has become loose and was told by a mechanic that the ball joints,shocks,bushings are dry and that the vehicle cannot be lubricated because it is sealed. Seen other complaints on website regarding these same issues. I have been warned that the tires could fall off at high speeds causing serious injury or death.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 mercury grand marquis. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and felt excessive vibration. The contact was informed by another motorist that the end rod was disengaged underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the ball joint was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 105,000 miles · MD

During normal driving, heard extremely alarming loud creaking, squeaking noises from front end. Steering became sloppy and erratic. Took it to r&r automotive in lex. Pk. Md and had complete front end replaced, due to worn out ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, tie rods, sway bar ends which could not be lubricated. Replaced with those equipped with grease fittings. $1750.00

Filed Aug 18, 2007 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NY

My 1998 mercury grand marquis at slow speed had the passenger side tie rod end fail and fall off causing complete loss of steering. This happened at a slow speed luckily no accident. Car towed to ford dealer. Replaced all four tie rod ends. Cost $400.00. Car had 50,000 miles , this was a factory defect. This is a sealed unit requiring no grease or maintenance. I replaced with greased tie rodends.I believe this should be a recalled part.

Filed Oct 23, 2006 · Steering · 81,400 miles · IN

Dt*: the contact stated while entering a driveway at 5 MPH, an unidentified noise was heard. When attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the rear wheels spun. The contact turned off the ignition and exited the vehicle to inspect the problem. The front right wheel was turned to the right and the linkage was laying on the drive way, and the front wheel was still pointed straight and responded to the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 11/30/2006 -the failure was the tie rod end which failed due to lack of grease. The grease fitting could not be greased.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Steering · 51,047 miles · IN

While driving 18 MPH the front passenger side tie rod broke. As a result, the steering failed. No impact reported.*ak dealer replaced passenger and driver's side outer tie rod end, and passenger side inner tie rod and sleeve.

Filed Mar 1, 2005 · Suspension · WA

The front upper ball joints were squeaking due to dryness,which consumer has been informed that they can break and cause the wheels to fall off.

Filed Oct 12, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · KY

Problems with upper and lower ball joints and tie rods.*mr the parts were replaced, some of them twice. Ford put ungreased parts on. Eventually they dried out again and started squeaking. If not replaced they would possibly break which could cause the driver to lose control, possibly causing injury or death. *ph the front brakes were resurfaced.

Filed Jun 3, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · 60,000 miles · KY

The inner and outer tie rod ends have been replaced as well as the upper and lower ball joints. *mr *scc