Four problems related to steering tie rod assembly have been reported for the 1998 Ford Escort. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer took 1998 Ford Escort for a oil change on September 30, 2005. The mechanic found both rear coils springs broke. The rear struts were damaged, and the left front tie rod was broken. The mileage on my vehicle at time of service was 71, 127 miles. The consumer used the car for shopping and pleasure with no hard driving at her age. She was surprised to hear this was common for the 1997 and 1998 Ford Escorts. I had other Ford Escorts prior to this one and I had no problem. This problem cost the consumer $732. Had not contacted dealership or manufacturer. Had no accidents. The consumer was not aware that this vehicle had all these problems. This vehicle drives much better and is quieter since had the problems fixed.
I took my 1998 Ford Escort to gagne Ford in princeton, wisconsin, to have the oil changed. The technician informed me that they recommend replacing the tie rods. "outer tie rod ends. Right outer is loose. Left outer is siezed. " since there is only 23,200 miles on the car, I checked for recalls. Are people just having this repair done and not reporting it? do I really need this work done?.
I read that that NHTSA conducted a study on tie rod end failure in Ford cars at some point. I have just had two sets of tie rod ends replaced on my Ford Escort (98 model year) within a span of a year and a half. If you are still collecting data for this issue, I respectfully submit my case.
Consumer states front tie rod end on both side wore excessesively. Nlm.