Eight problems related to steering linkages have been reported for the 1997 Ford Expedition. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
The left tie rod disconnected from the steering control mechanism on a straight city roadway at a speed of 25 mph. The vehicle began to vibrate severely (as only one wheel had steering control), but I was able to stop without incident. If this had happened at 65 mph, a rollover would have probably occurred. This vehicle is mostly driven by my wife, and has never been off-road. The stabilizer links were severely worn, and one of them was missing entirely. The inner and outer left tie rods and the two stabilizer links were replaced by an independent repair shop (coon's repair of houghton, mi) at a cost of $186. Plus $40 towing. I did not take the vehicle to the Ford dealer.
Heard a squeaky noise coming from the steering linkages: pitman arm. Consumer heard noises when making turns. Dealer said pitman arm could not be lubricated, has to be replaced at the consumer's cost.
Vehicle was examined by the dealership for suspension problems and noises. Dealers determined that pitman arm and stabilizer bar had cracked. Repairs have yet to be made. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Pitman arm had to be replaced on two occasions with 15,000 mile of wear due to noise coming from the steering column. Dealer notified.
Driver experienced total loss of steering control when tie rod separated from sleeve connected to steering.
While driving tie rod broke, preventing any movement of steering wheel. Please give any further details.
The vehicle started groaning whenever you turned the steering wheel, consumer states he looked under the vehicle and saw that there was grease smeared around several linkages, in which he believes was a temporary fix to sell the vehicle.