Two problems related to ball joint have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. Mileage 86,000. Refer to ido investigation #rq 03-002 and recall #98v-322. On 12/27/08, the front passenger-side ball joint suddenly separated while being driven, dropping entire right front end of vehicle to the ground and the body of the vehicle onto front tire. Vehicle came to an immediate stop. Thankfully, failure occurred at a low speed, in no traffic - at high speed or in traffic this could have been extremely dangerous, if not fatal. I have learned this is not an isolated incident - your office investigated this exact problem in the past as cited above. A recall was issued for Grand Marquis police and commercial vehicles due to similar complaints. I now know this vehicle is suspect. I request that the NHTSA consider reopening this investigation because of the potential seriousness/danger involved, and the major expense required to repair this seemingly defective assembly. I believe other owners of this vehicle have also experienced this failure since the time the investigation was closed. Your previous investigation did not rule out a defect exists, and that further action would be taken if warranted. Please take further action. This vehicle passed nys inspection on 12/8/08. While the ball joint inspection is not required by nys to pass, my mechanic would have looked at it regardless as a general safety issue. Additionally, in the summary report, Ford claimed there was ample warning of an imminent failure of this assembly (please read the summary report). Following the mechanic's inspection test drive, he reported none of the symptoms (loose steering, front end noise) which Ford claims will warn of a potential imminent failure. I also noticed none of these symptoms. To correct this I have to go to a significant expense. I have contacted Ford and they offer no responsibility for repair. Buyer and driver it seems, according to Ford, beware. Part will be available for inspection.
The consumer owns a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving and using the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic who suggested that there was no lubrication on the ball joints nor was there any way to lubricated them due to the design. The mechanic said that the ball joints should be alright for a while. No repairs or corrections were made at that time. On another occasion while driving 29 mph uphill, the left front ball joint cracked and dropped to the ground damaging the tie rod and ball joint assembly and the left front tire. The vehicle continued to travel for approximately 20 to 30 feet after the vehicle dropped to the ground and the driver lost directional control of the vehicle. This happened without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealer said that the other side was affected as well. The dealer repaired both front ball joints along with the tie rod assembly. Note: failed components are available for inspection upon request. (11/211/05) the consumer found the coolant crossover cracked on intake.