Five problems related to front suspension lower control arm have been reported for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2007 Crown Victoria. During an oil change, the mechanic stated that the bracket that attaches to the front lower control arm was broken. The contact also spoke with the dealer about NHTSA#98v322000 since the bracket is attached. The vehicle has not been repaired. The vehicle does not have anti lock brakes. The failure mileage was 143,995 and the current mileage was 144,000. Updated 3/7/08 the local dealer stated poor factory weld led to stress which facilitated the failure.
While braking vehicle pulled to the right, mechanic determined lower control arm bracket weld had broken on right side.
Recall 98 v 322 000/lower control arm: lost control while driving at 35 mph. Vehicle taken to a independent repair shop, and informed consumer of a lower ball joint failure. Manufacturer was notified and advised consumer that this vehicle was not covered under recall due to VIN. Feel free to provide any further information.
While driving could heard noise coming from front like grinding, and steering wheel could not align with vehicle. Also, will make a clicking noise on the right side. Consumer noticed that vehicle was on the ground, and technician said that there was a problem with the lower control arm ball joint. Like recall 98 v 322 000 lower control arm.
The lower control arm bracket does not appear to be adequately welded to the frame(I. E. There is no weld at the lower bracket contact point). This has resulted in the bracket cracking at the upper weld point. This will lead to separation of the lower control arm bracket from the frame. Due to the nature of the high speed use of a police vehicle this could lead to an accident and loss of life, if separation should occur during high speed pursuit maneuvers.