general problems of the 1997 Ford F-150

While driving down the road at 35 mph with no load and nothing in tow the sub-frame cracked on both the driver and passenger side. On the driver side it cracked behind the rear tire. On the passenger side it cracked in front of the rear tire. The vehicle bowed and smashed the top of the bed into the back of the cab. Mechanic advised the frame deteriorated and cost of frame replacement would exceed the replacement of the vehicle.

Rear shock mount connected to frame rusted and broke off.

I noticed extreme rust that has eaten away parts of frame and suspension.

I was driving home from town when all the ball bearings fell out of the steering column and the steering wheel became loose and the truck began to sway from right to left, it was controllable at the low speed I was going but thank god I wasn't on an interstate or highway at a higher speed I could have run off the road or worse had a head on collision ! the truck has not left my property since but I still have to keep full coverage insurance and tagged for insurance purposes and a lien from my bank on it,I have also replaced the starter on it eight (8) times the parts are very cheap but it has an airbag and my local Ford dealer gave me an estimate of 200. 00 two hundred dollars to replace two six and seven dollar bearings. When the incident happened I had no idea what happened since the ball bearings are very tiny and are hard to see and it took a long time to figure out what happened my truck just sits there all this time because im afraid of someone getting hurt seriously or killed because im afraid of losing control on the steering. I have been driving since I was sixteen and was a big truck driver from 1979 to 1996 till I became ill but I would never drive a vehicle with steering problems, thank you.

While driving at any speed vehicle vibrates violently. Dealer notified.

While traveling on the highway there is a knocking noise coming from the rear the vehicle. Please provide additional information. Dealer is aware of the problem. . Ts.

The consumer is concern at this time he receive a recall notice for the coil spring. The recall number #98s18 and he had the repair done on oct 5th 1998. At this time the problem is still exist. Ts.

The left rear spring assembly failed. The left rear spring was repaired. After the first incident, in December 2002, the right spring had broken. The consumer researched to see if other vehicle's have experienced the same problem, nine were found. The dealer acted as they weren't aware of the recall # 098v16000. The consumer requested his money back for the repair of the left spring. Scc.

Vehicle has a ticking sound coming from under floor of vehicle. Can't hear sound unless vehicle is moving. Had vechile in shop several times. Contacted dealer, and dealer put in new bushing and u-joint; but still has not remedied problem.

Both incidents, involved the rear right hand tire position located directly behind the exhaust pipe exit. In both cases 90% of the tire shredded by itself down to the steel belts. Tires remained inflated in both cases. Both tires had less than 20,000 miles on them. (one tire was a new replacement from the manufacturer, the 2nd was the original spare). The 1st incident occurred after 20 miles highway travel at 70mph, however the previous day the truck had completed 800 miles continuous highway driving. The 2nd incident occurred after 6 hours continous highway driving at 70mph. In both cases the incident began with severe "felt-like" wheel wobble, then immediate severe jolting and lurching of the truck across the highway lanes out of control. Fortunately no accident occured and I stopped safely. In the 2nd incident the shredding of the tire also ripped out the exhaust barckets, bent the exhaust pipe downwards (required re-bending to obtain decent road clearance). I reported the incident to Ford customer service. I replaced both rear tires with new firestone wilderness tires at Ford. I am now deeply worried that this will occur again, and to add insult to injury I hear there are now reports of firestone wilderness tires shedding. Is there a connection between general tires and firestone, both supplied by Ford? is there a conection with the exhaust exhiting directly in front of the tire causing severe over heating of the tire? I shal be replacing the exhaust with a rear exit exhaust at mullinax. . ( dot number: a308443276 tire size: p235/70r16 ).

Bought the vehicle used Jan 2000. Developed vibration characteristic of out-of-balance tires. When I had them balanced and front end checked, one tire had to be replaced due to tread separation. Vehicle still has slight vibration at highway speed, and I suspect another tire may be becominhg separated. Firestone claims there have been no reports of failures of the 16-inch wilderness ht. Can this be the first?( dot number: unkn tire size: p235/70r16 ).

While traveling approximately 30-45mph vehicle would vibrate. Been back & forth to dealer for 13 days & mechanic could not locate cause of vibration. Mechanic changed motor mounts, rotors & balanced tires. Vibration still exists.

While driving at 45 mph and coming to a stop vehicle vibrates and makes some noise.

When driving vehicle pulls to the right. Dealer contacted and unable to duplicate the problem.

Suspension failed causing left front wheel to fall off, causing vehicle collision.

Caster kit installed improperly adjusted properly.

While driving over bumps at any speed, the front of the vehicle shakes. Please provide details.

When driving between 40-55 mph vehicle begins to vibrate, and then at 70 mph it will vibrate worse. Dealership cannot determine what is causing the defect.

Vehicle drifts at 55 to 60 mph wheels have been replaced. Also steering wheel vibrates. Owner is very concerned for safety.

Vehicle bounces between speeds of 60 mph-70 mph due to suspension problems.