Steering Tie Rod Assembly Problems of Ford F-150 - part 1

Steering froze and I could not turn left. We were driving into town from the lake, pulling our boat. Began to notice the truck was not allowing me the adjust left and about 5 minuyes later we could not turn left. I pulled as a hard as I could and could only move the wheel about 1 inch left. Next day the radio display screen said something about power steering system. I took the truck to mckie Ford in rapid city sd by driving only where I could turn right. Ford dealer replaced the steering gear and charged me $1500. And no guarantee the "new" epas gear box won't fail. Very frightening to be driving and not be able to move or turn left! and I see Ford has started recalling some of there vehicles with this same system. How can they recall some not all? in hindsight, there was a sympton for about 2 years: when driving through a left curve the truck would "buckle" or kick ever so slightly to the right as if the tie rod was loose. I took it to the Ford dealership a couple times and they were unable to tell me why it was doing that.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, a noise emitted from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the inner and outer tie rods. The failure persisted after the repair was performed. In addition, the engine stalled and restarted on two separate occasions however, the dealer was unable to locate the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71. 400. Updated 7/7/cn.

See all problems of the 2010 Ford F-150 🔎.

I hear a thunking noise under the front suspension over bumps in the road. My first reaction is it's a brand new truck. It sounds exactly like a bad sway bar link. So I took the truck to my friends mechanics garage and noticed front tires are cupped badly, an unusually wear for a new truck. We rotated the tires and checked suspension. We noticed what we thought was a bad inner tie rod cause there was loose unusual movement side to side with the tire on driver's side. So I went home and started to read on f150 forum. Com and found many people with 2011-2013 f150 year truck is having the same issue of thunkin noise. It turns out it is not tie rods, it is a bad steering rack and pinion. I read alot of information and a video of a truck that sound like mine. I have read where a service writer mentioned that 2 trucks lost steering but there was no accident and the steering racks were replaced. I have called Ford service recently and they said they know nothing about bad steering racks. Many owners of these trucks have posted in the forum that Ford knows of these so called contaminated steering racks that were made. I would like a TSB or a service bulletin that would get these bad racks off these trucks. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2012 Ford F-150 🔎.

The vehicle from original purchase date in October of 2012 has exhibited a knock/clunk/vibration from the front suspention and steering that transmits up through the steering column and can be felt while holding the steering wheel and heard from the frontal area of the vehicle while driving. The steering wheel is also off center to the left and vehicle seems to pull left regardless of road crown and the front two tires are feathered across the tread. The first visit to dealer at 2700 miles the dealer reset the toe as it was toe out causing uneven tire wear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer at roughly 4700 miles for the knock/clunk/vibration and uneven tire wear again and it was found that pinch bolts were loose on the steering column causing the clunk. Dealer states the uneven tire wear was due to low tire pressure. After picking up vehicle the knock/clunk/vibration is still present. With the vehicle off and turning the wheel back and forth rapidly the knock/clunk can be heard from the front of the vehicle, however the dealer states this is normal noise from the Ford epas steering rack. Asked dealer to compare to a new like vehicle on the lot. Dealer changed the subject. Sounds like faulty tie rod ends or faulty internal rack components from my past automotive experience. Owned a 2011 f150 with the same suspention and epas steering rack and the wheel was straight, and no noise was heard or vibrations felt while driving. Tires did not show uneven wear either. Dealer states I cannot compare my 2012 f150 to my 2011 f150. Dealer states an apointment is going to be set with the local field service engineer to test drive my vehicle to make a determination if any further action is to be taken. At this point the dealer is not providing any further assistance in resolving my concern. Issue has also been documented with Ford customer care.

Shortly after the purchase of this new 2012 Ford f150 ecoboost, a knocking developed that could be felt through the steering wheel. This occurred while driving straight, and could be felt and heard under normal road conditions. It doesn't have to be a bumpy road, normal road conditions this occurs. It feels like a rattle or knocking coming from the steering assembly. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for it's first oil change, and to have the knocking issue looked at on August 8, 2012. The dealer noticed the noise and their repair made was to rotate the tires. August 15, 2012 brought the truck back for the same condition. The dealer noticed the noise during the road test and contacted the Ford hotline. No repairs made. September 21, 2012 brought the truck back for the same condition. The technician could not duplicate the noise condition. No repairs made. October 25, 2012 after contacting Ford customer care center myself, they instructed me to bring the truck back in and they will replace the tie rods. Tie rods replaced on this date. November 5, 2012 brought the truck back in for the same condition. Service department refused to test drive the truck, and told me that everything is normal and "operates as designed". January 14, 2012-still have knocking/rattle condition through steering wheel.

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked,the tie rod detached without warning. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it was diagnosed that the tire rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available. Ss.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford f150. The contact stated that the passenger side tie rod fractured while driving 70 mph, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who repaired the inner passenger tie rod. The current mileage was 127,000. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was unavailable.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford F-150 🔎.

Failure was immediate, Ford f150 fuel tank straps. While driving down the road apparently the tank straps gave way and the fuel tank dropped. Before coming to a stop and after catching some uneven pavement, fuel tank was pealed open and losing about 8 gallons gas. Fire dept was called and they cleaned up spill. Both straps broke and fuel tank is un-repairable. Updated 08/05/11 the consumer stated he experienced other problems with the vehicle, such as a leaking power steering gear box, brake lines had to be replaced, there was a leak in the 4-wheel drive gear box, the muffler hangers, ball joints, tie rod ends and shocks all had to be replaced. Updated 08/11/1.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford F-150 🔎.

I have a 2001 Ford f150 regular cab long bed with 75,000 miles. While driving at approximately 40 mph the right inner tie rod broke causing the vehicle to shudder significantly until I was able to stop the vehicle. This brief shuddering caused the rear fuel tank strap to snap in half primarly due to excessive corrosion of the strap. Loss of the supporting strap caused the rear of the tank to drop almost to ground level which also broke the filler inlet off of the top of the tank, completely disconnecting the filler tube and presenting a large hole for fuel to escape. Both of these failures are not what I would expect from a vehicle with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. Either could have resulted in serious injury or property damage.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2007 Ford F-150. The contact lost steering of the vehicle and crashed into a curve and a fence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front passenger side tie rod was found to be fractured and the cause of the crash. The contact was advised that the steering column was fractured when the contact crashed into the curve. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 11,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford F-150 🔎.

Shaft assembly part #8l32-3b676-b on 2004 Ford F-150 needed to be replaced. Mechanic told me there was a technical service bulletin (TSB) . Steering wheel would stick badly especially at low speed turns and intermittently at high speed turns, as well, causing two near accidents. Still having problems. . . One mechanic tells me it the tie rods that require replacing and another tells me lower steering shaft needs replacement.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford f150. While driving approximately 45-50 mph, and attempting to drive around a curve the vehicle continued going straight and crashed into tree branches and mailboxes. The crash caused the vehicle's tie rod to brake. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The repair shop replaced the fender, fender emblem, windshield, sun roof glass, bug guard, left hand grill, upper bumper cover. Bumper bracket, fog lamp, two tailgate scrapes. A tire, 1 strut, one sway bar and link, one lisph bracket, one fender mold, 1 mud flap, one lc knuckle, and one lower control arm. A police report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured. The approximate failure mileage 86,000 and the current mileage was 90,061.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford F-150 🔎.

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud rattling noise coming from the steering column. The contact continued to drive and later discovered that the failure was contributed to the tie rod ends, which were extremely loose. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford F-150. The contact took his vehicle to have it repaired for NHTSA campaign id number 08v208000 (service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). After the repair, the technician informed him that he needed to have the tie rods replaced at the cost of $288. The contact has not had the tie rods replaced. The manufacturer would only assume partial financial responsibility for the repairs. The failure and current mileages were 33,000. Updated 09/17/08. The consumer complained of a shimmy in the steering wheel while driving. Updated 09/25/08.

Total failure tie rod and ball joint on front driver side suddenly came apart without warning while driving causing lost of control of vehicle. I was able to "direct" truck off the road.

While driving home from work on a two lane highway, I started to brake at around 45 mph for a slowing vehicle in front of me. The truck started bucking and shaking violently. Luckily, I managed to turn into a gas station that was right there and stop. I got out and looked to see that the passenger side tie rod was broken.

The contact owns a 2005 Ford f150. While driving 55 mph, on interstate 77 the tie rod broke causing the driver to lose steering control crashing into a barrier. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was notified and a representative stated that they were not trained in the field to know what a tie rod was. A senior representative at the manufacturer filed complaint# 0569400748; however, the contact has not received a follow up call. He was also advised that they could not assist him since he did not have the vehicle diagnosed at a Ford dealer. The vehicle is not equipped with anti lock brakes or cruise control. The contact can provide the part that failed and photos. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 38,000 and current mileage was 38,100. Updated 04-08-08 updated 04/08/08.

I was told during a routine oil change that my truck needed tie rod ends and ball joints (not just some of them but all of them) I checked the internet and it seems there have been multiple complaints about these. Is there any investigation going on or a possible recall for this problem.

Ford F-150 supercrew 2001: right tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket), resulting in violent wheel oscillation, with front tire drag bringing vehicle to a halt; 20 mph; no warning; regularly inspected, ~110k mileage. Had been driving at 65 mph with family (5 passengers) day before tie rod broke. What would have happened?? same vehicle, ~130k mileage, date 8/27/07. Left tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket). Just pulled into rest area on i95 in connecticut. Tried to back up, wheels angled, towed, tie rod replaced. Minutes before I was traveling 70mph in passing lane on i95. What could have happened?? vehicle not used for off-road, no snow plow, maintained by service station regularly.

Tie rod failure, ball seperated from socket.

: the contact stated while attempting to park in a parking lot, all steering was lost. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the tie rod.

While pulling onto the freeway this morning in rush hour traffic, the left tie rod on my 2000 f150 came apart, making it impossible to steer the vehicle. I was afraid for my life. The vehicle had just 78,670 miles on it and is used mainly by me to drive to work. On Aug. 16, 2004, with just 55,849 miles, I had to have the right and left lower ball joints replaced, which the mechanic warned me were on the verge of total failure.

(1) due to the particular design flaw of the " tie end rods" (the tie ends do not have a grease nipple to allow critical lubrication of these parts!), the passenger side "upper tie end rod" completely separated from its normal position while the vehicle was in motion. (2) the vehicle operator was unable to steer the vehicle to a safe clearance and was forced to immediately stop on a two lane bridge and block one of the lanes. (3) all of the "tie ends rods" were replaced with new parts that have a nipple for lubrication so that the "wear" item can be maintained by applying grease. The old part is available.

1-driving on highway-highway speeds, changed lanes 2-tie rod end separated, caused loss of control, swerved into breakdown lane 3-truck was delivered to repair station, tie rod end needed replacement **this is the second tie rod that has failed in this truck while driving. The first failure caused loss of control as well and was actually worse at slower speed.

While driving down the street, at a slow rate of speed, and making a slight turn to the left, the tie-rod end on the driver's side broke off and jammed into the wheel. The tie-rod gouged the inside of the aluminum and punctured through the wheel. I was able to bring the truck to a stop in the middle of the street. Both the inner and outer tie-rods on the drives side where replaced. The aluminum wheel also needs to be replaced as it is scored and will not hold air.

The contact took vehicle to have it inspected. The vehicle would not pass inspection due to the tie rod ends being defective. He was told the tie rods ends were corroded and worn out.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford F-150 🔎.

2000 Ford f150. The consumer stated that the tie rod end let go while in motion. This occurred on October 3, 2005. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealership. The vehicle was towed to consumer's residence. The consumer had not called Ford. There was no warning but there was a small vibration in the steering wheel then the tie rod completely let go. There was no accident and no one was injured. .

As I was driving down the road I lost control of my vehicle. I was traveling aproximatly 30mph when my truck started shaking and veered off the road. I was able to stop before any damage occured. Being mechanicaly inclined I inspected the vehicle and noticed the drivers side tie rod end had seperated. This surprised me in that the truck only had 60k miles. I believe this is a major safety issue since there was no obvious indication that the tie rod end was even bad.

Had problems in past with tie rod ends and was unable to keep grease on them. Consumer was at church and began to leave, and there was a popping noise. After turning the wheel followed by a dragging-this was later a piece of tie rod end. This occurred on the right side, and before the mileage had accumulated to 20,000 . This occurred about a year and a half ago. This was repaired by consumer's husband. This 4th of July weekend, was exiting parking lot onto street and heard another popping noise. Almost lost control of truck but was able to make it off the road. Called husband who was a mechanic, he came and repaired vehicle. This occurred on the left side. The parts for the f150 tie rod ends were unable to pack grease which causes this failure. Has contacted Ford for the first incident. The second failure mileage was just over 50,000 miles.

Consumer filed a complaint before regarding a similar problem. Consumer did not have an odi number. While driving she turned into driveway to turn around and tie rod end broke off. This happened on June 30, 2005. This was a safety problem. Consumer did not know what caused the tie rod end to break.

Last night, I was making a left hand turn into a parking lot when I lost control of the steering in my vehicle. Luckily, the oncoming traffic was able to manuver around me, and I just missed a utility pole. I found the inner left tie rod had completely separated. I have serarched the internet and found numerous reports and complaints of the same issue, and even a pending class-action suit. I will be replaing not only the broken tie rod, but the others as well.

1997 Ford f150 driver side inner tie rod end became completely seperated during operation ot the vehicle, resulting in a sudden loss of control.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford F-150 🔎.

Prior to this incident I had no indication of a problem with the steering or suspension system. On the evening of June 9, 2005 as I was braking and attempting to make a right turn into a parking lot I noticed that my truck seemed to skid. At first I thought it was the abs system since the road was wet. There was a vehicle in front of me, but I was able to stop without running into any other vehicle. Because I did not realize what the problem was at that time I continued into the parking lot, and made another right turn into the parking space. At that time the truck did the same thing; it felt as though it was skidding. When I got out of the vehicle I noticed that the front driver and front passenger tires were pointed in different directions, so I knew that a tie rod had come detached. After towing the truck home I inspected it, and realized that the passenger inner tie rod had separated at the ball joint. Inspection of the joint revealed that both pieces were significantly rusted. I have replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides as a precaution, since I did not know if the others would do the same thing.

I was traveling 30 mph when the tie rod of my 1998 f150 came apart. All of a sudden I had no steering period. There was no indication this was bad ,no bad tire wear, no shaking ,nothing. Between the towing ,replacing the part & an unneeded alignment iam out 200$ which is cheap cosidering what could of happened.

1997 Ford f150 tie rods are extremely loose. ** answer required***. It was demonstrated to the consumer that the ball end could be pulled out of the socket with bare hands. The socket was made of rubber.