Steering Idler Arm problems of the 1999 Ford F-150

Failure of front end sterring parts( ball joints, tie rods, and idler arm). On several occassions my mechanic has instructed me that I should have the front end check for wear and tear due to premature failures in these parts. This is the third time in the past 3 years (@about 20k miles per year) I have had major replacements done on these parts. I do not beleive the failure is due to driving conditions, most is at high ways speeds on reasonably smooth roads. The latest failure has me very concerned about the overall safety of the vehicle as I typical drive on the highway. My mechanic indicated if a failure occurs at highways speeds - it might not be a great outcome. . . I feel I am lucky in that every time I go to the mechanic (serveral times per year) I have him check these parts. I recently received an inspection in June 2004 and these parts were ok then. Now (Mar 2005) and I have a major replacement going on. The machanic indicated that I am not alone and the problem is very wide spread. Do not get me wrong - I really like the truck and would buy another, but so far dealers (2 local) indicate that my problems are not as wide spread. Hence I no longer go to Ford dealers for service. The mechanic has also indicated that this issue may be larger in scope thant the firestone tire issues Ford had years ago (speculation). But none the less - my mechanic has seen many of these issues and he is a small operation in a small town. At this stage I am unlikely to re-purchase a Ford f150 and have major concerns over the saftey of the vehicle.

I received notification from Ford to have idle arm checked for defect at my expense. Also if faulty, I would be responsible for cost of replacement. If this is a recall, this should be at Ford's expense. I cannot believe that they would tell me that a recall would be at the consumers expense.