Three problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front suspension ball joints front wheel bearings and brake rotors.
Lower ball joints were shot. Problem was found during routine maintenance. This was what caused vehicle to rattle when hitting bumps or cracks in road. Consumer was advised that ball joints have no grease joints and that is why they failed .
Air conditioner failed due to a defective accumulator. . . . Not covered by Ford esp plan. Also, lower ball joints failed. . . . Covered by Ford esp plan.