Rear Suspension problems of the 1998 Ford Expedition

It has come to my attention that the trailing arms on the rear axle are failing on the early model Ford Expeditions. Upon inspection of my vehicle, I see where the failure is going to occur. The trailing arms are rotting out and will allow for the rear axle to twist out of place causing the drive shaft to become disloged and become a large run away compnent. These components on my vehicle will have to be replaced prior to this vehicle being placed back in service as this is a large safety concern. I am writing due to this defect being a safety isssue and is one which is virtually unknown by the consumer as it is not an inspectable item on any annual inspection. My internet reaserch has shown there are many of these vehicles where the issue is coming to light. There has not been a recall on these components at this point but should be examined very quickly due to the nature of the problem. I also find that Ford has udated the components on later vehicles in materials as well as overall dimensions. My feeling is that something is known on some level and the infomation is not being passed along to the consumer.

I had a catastrophic failure of the rear suspension arms on my 1998 Ford Expedition. I was traveling at a slow speed when the arm snapped without warning. Had this suspension arm broken at highway speed, the result would have been a life threatening wreck. The rear end rolled up causing the vehicle to be immovable , requiring a tow for repairs. An inspection revealed, the upper support arm for rear the suspension rusted completely through, causing the arm to break. The other upper arm is rusted through badly, and both lower arms are rusted through badly. All the arms were ready to break. I am sure this failure is the fault of (1) poor engineering and design by Ford (2) poor selection of grade of steel used in making these arms (3) poor quality checks, if these arms did not meet specification. There is no way a part as robust as this needs be, should ever be able to rust through! I wrote to Ford and have not gotten a satisfactory response at this time. I had repairs made by a highly qualified mechanic. While he was obtaining parts he found this failure was becoming more common. Both upper and lower arms were replaced. One air bag had to be replaced as it was pierced by the broken arm. I have the old parts in my possession. This was a frightening and very expensive repair ,that Ford is responsible for ! my Ford Expedition is in good shape and has been well maintained, it is not a "beater". Updated 07/30/10 updated ivoq 08/03/10.

I took truck to napleton Lincoln/Mercury for repair because suspension airbags went down they checked the truck out told me it would be $1100 total because of bad pump and censors. . . About a year later the same airbags went down again I brought the truck back and it was determined that I need a another pump that was under warranty by them it went out again with no charge to me. Less than a year's time the airbags went down again took it back to same shop they checked car out and charged an additional $800 for an airbag pump and labor. With the above warranty I feel that there should not have been a charge to me because all charges should been covered by them.

Owner states while drivng vehicle,there is noise in the rear end. Dealers cannot duplicate problem. Owner is very concerned of possible safety hazard.

The vehicle was bought to pull a horse trailer and weighed in at approximately 5500 pounds, owner's manual states it should be able to pull up to 7500 pounds. But when consumer was pulling the horse trailer, it fishtailed and almost flipped over because vehicle was too light in the back, and wobbled. This vehicle cannot pull horse trailer weighing about 5500 pounds.