Four problems related to steering linkages have been reported for the 1998 Ford Expedition. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have noticed a large increase in amount of sway when steering at higher speeds. I went to change my oil and found that one of the linkages from the stablizer arm to the axles? (sides where the wheel is connected) had snapped and the other one was missing. I contacted two different Ford dealers, one acknowledged that they had seen that problem several times and the other one said they had never seen or heard of it. They wanted $75. 00 for just the parts (linkages), which I paid considering the safety issue. I am a mechanical engineer and when you have bolts snapping like that it appears to be bad engineering or faulty parts. Also when you consider these vehicles have had a rolling issue in the past (although attributed to the tires), I thought this would definitly warrant a recall investigation (there have been other documented cases on your site of this problem also). I replaced the parts: two (2) xl3z-5495aa studs, two (2) f65z-5c491-bc nut & washers, two (2) f65z-5k483-cc links. I have kept the one stud that had snapped showing the break. It did not snap on the threaded end.
The links have fallen off or self destrucuted 3 times. Twicw on the left front, and once on the right front. The dealership is fully aware a problem exists as they told us a recall might be forth coming. However, after reading in the paper that only 14 problems have been reported, I felt I must inform your organisation of the chronic failure on my Expedition.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
While driving about 25 mph pitman arm broke, causing to driver to lose control of truck and strike a light post. Vehcle has been repaired.