Four problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl the contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle started to shake abnormally, the contact was unable to drive in 4 wheel drive. The contact stated the check gauge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the front drive shaft, the control arms, the front oxygen sensor, and the front and rear brakes needing to be replaced. The control arms were replaced however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Front ball joints are wearing excessively due to a lack of lubricant. New ball joints do not require lubrication. Mechanic refuses to replace old ball joints with newer ball joints.
Ball joints should last for 100,000 miles this along with the tires in question should make you look at Ford for the current tire failures . If I had not went to firestone to get the tires checked I would have had a blowout on the front and blamed it on the tires. I took the car to a Ford dealer and they told me that it was not there problem that the ball joints are bad but at this time I am dealing with Ford motor CO. To get the situation resolved. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75/15 ).
Ball joints again on 3/15/02.