Four problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While having the tires rotated dealership noticed that the upper and lower ball joints wore out prematurely, and needed to be replaced.
Tires were cupping at 29,000 miles in sept. 01. Dealer replaced both lower ball joints. New tires were installed and vehicle aligned. Cupping has returned 12 mo and 8,000 miles later. Ford refuses to address problem without me having to pay a non-refundable "diagnostic" charge. Ts.
When turning steering wheel,would hear a rubbing noise, like metal against metal. Every time a bump is hit, would have same noise problem. Took to dealer & mechanic indicated it was the lower ball joints that were causing the problem & they were bad. Will be ordering replacement parts.
1997 Ford Explorer lower ball joints on Explorer, both sides, left and right, had a clunk when going over dips in road. Ford did not find the problem. The problem was there from new, I have 57,000 miles on the Explorer. The problem was found at firestone when rotating the tires and getting ready for a front end alinement. I was told that the ball joints were bad on both sides . Nothing has been done. I talked to Ford, they say the warranty is gone and will do nothing, but will turn it over to the engineers.