Steering Linkages problems of the 1997 Ford F-150

Caught problem before tragedy.

On both occasions while taking turns at low speed tie rods snapped where threaded rod attaches to main housing of tie rod. In both cases I was able to stop vehicle before striking either oncoming traffic or other objects. When I brought my vehicle in for repairs I asked the dealer if this was a common occurence he hesitated then said no. Then while walking to service area to fill out forms I passed two other trucks with same problems of snapped tie rods. While relating this story to several environmental police officers who drive similar vehicles, they reported that they were on theri third and forth sets of tie rods for their vehicles.

Passenger side tyrod failed at the balljoint on highway at 65mph. We had a mechanic replace the tyrod and he discovered the driver's side tyrod extremely worn. No crash involved-thank goodness. Thought it should be reported. We are original owners of the Ford-f150 with just over +65,000 on vehicle. Please contact us if you have further questions. Thanks. K. Pagano.

While backing vehicle in parking lot, heard a noise. Drove approximately two blocks when I was not able to steer the vehicle upon inspection discovered the tie rod had broken.

While driving 25 mph and making a turn, steering wheel kept turning but vehicle was still going straight. Dealer determined the pivot arm had disconnected.

No summary listed for this vehicle.

Drivers side tie-rod fell off while driving the vehicle and punctured the wheel (rim) causing instant deflation of tire pressure. Lost all steering capabilities and front left wheel was jambed with the tie rod causing vehicle to come to a complete stop. Ford installs zerkless tie rods (suppose to have lifetime lubrication?), the rubber boot is not tight fiitting allowing moisture to find its way inside. It appears that the tie rod was corroded from the inside out. This is suppose to be a major complaint among F-150 owners. This is a manufacture defect that could become deadly if incident occures at highway speeds.

Front suspension is a "sealed ball/socket system" supposedly needing no grease. The tie rod driver's side/inner just popped off at low speed. It was determined that the socket was dry causing excessive wear/corrosion on the joint. Was also told that the pittman arm is also dry and in need of grease - actually, replacement, now. I am continually assured by Ford service dept. , that the truck does not need to have grease added as it has a "sealed ball and socket joint system" these parts should be mandated to have grease fittings for preventative maintenance capabilities. ****hubs**** design flaw with the diameter of the hubs in relation to the wheel/rotors, etc. , on the 1997 trucks, the diameter of the hubs did not allow for even a minor amount of normal corrosion. This results in the mechanic's inability to remove the hub for service without damaging the hub assy. (there is no "lip" or difference of diameter to tap he edge of the hub assy to remove it from the wheel assy. This happened on the truck when it was less than 1 year old and had not been exposed to salt water/air.

One of five 1997-1998 Ford F-150 pickup trucks owned by the new york state department of transportaion which have had tie rod failures after reaching 75k miles or more.

As I was making a right hand turn the passenger side tie rod broke. Leaving me with no control of steering. Luckily I was able to get to the side of the road.

I had noticed a squeak from the front end when making turns. I found nothing loose so I ignored it for a while. After doing some investigating found there to be problems with pitman arms on these vehicles. I checked mine and found that to be the noise and replaced the part. I kept the old part. It appears dry and soon to wear out.

The way the tie rods are made when they become slightly worn they pull apart. After talking with some auto repair shops I found that this is a common occurance.

Pittman arm referenced eight (8) times in TSB's. Rear window also referenced in TSB's.

By chance I heard my wife back ruck out of garage and noticed a loud squeak from front end as she steered. With windows up and heater on we had not heard the sound during this winter and don't know how long it had been making noise. We made an appointment and took it to the dealer. As we pulled in the shop with it squeaking at each turn of the steering wheel a mechanic walked over and said that must be a 1997. I said yes and he said the pitman arm is supposed to be lubed for life so there is no grease fitting, and they are known to fail on the 1997's. We get our truck oil changed and lubed every 3000 miles or close to it. He said if we hadn't notice the noise it would have seized up and broke. As I understand it the pitman arm connects the steering box shaft to the steering linkage and a failure would have resulted in a sudden loss of steering. We got it fixed immediately by replacing the pitman arm at a cost of close to $300. How long will the new arm last without grease? I reported it to Ford, and they said they would track the vehicles and notify me if there is a recall. Then I did some research and found there are at least a couple service bulletins dating back to 97 and 98 that they were aware of this problem in early production. You would think they would notify us of the problem while the warranty would cover the repair and at least to assure our steering would not fail. The bulletin numbers I found are #9810569 in 1998 and bc2360970501 in 1997 both about the pitman arm replacement. The repair was done at metro Ford of grand ledge michigan (517-627-3293).

Had to replace steering pitman. Vehicle was out of warranty.

A loud noise comes from the pitman everytime the wheel is turn. Also, the door ajar light sticks and stays on longer and longer each time.

One of five 1997-1998 Ford F-150 pickup trucks owned by the new york state department of transportaion which have had tie rod failures after reaching 75k miles or more.

On both occasions tie rods came apart at the middle without warning!.

While traveling approximately 50 mph vehicle shimmied violently. Consumer was able to stop vehicle without incident. Dealership examined vehicle, and determined that outer left tie rod broke. Then, on September 7 2001, while traveling 15 mph, consumer lost steering and braking systems when inner right tie rod broke. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

Part failed, causing loss of control. Vehicle was forced into oncoming traffic. The dealer and Ford were contacted. They both agreed that it shouldn't have failed. They were not concerned about the safety issue, just there warranty liability. When the part failed it damaged the backing plate and punctured the rim, causing tire failure. What may have happened if this was at highway speed?.

There was a squeak, and Ford called it a groan when turning steering wheel. Dealer said it was a defective pitman arm.

Tie-rod snapped in two after driver engaged "reverse" to back out of a space. Driver lost all steering control. Vehicle towed to Ford dealer. Employee, and, or others could have sustained serious injury or fatality if part had failed while vehicle was being operated at normal driving speed.

Pitman arm & idler arm need replaced after only 40k miles. Steering became unpredictable.

Steering linkages make popping noises at low speeds & on rough roads. The noise is louder when turning wheel. Developed a lot of play in steering wheel. Problem occurred after warranty ran out. Will be taking vehicle back to dealer.

Consumer experiening problems with front end squeaking when turning steering wheel. Dealer replaced pitman arm.

Front steering makes squealing noise when turn steering wheel.