Component Description
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Manufacturer That Filed Defect/noncompliance Report
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Begin Date Of Manufacturing
19980818
End Date Of Manufacturing
20000929
Vehicle, Equipment Or Tire Report
0
Potential Number Of Units Affected
82300
Date Owner Notified By MFR
20001124
Recall Initiator (MFR/OVSC/ODI)
MFR
Mfg
Ford Motor Company
Report Received Date
20001103
Record Creation Date
20001103
Regulation Part Number
Defect Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
Consequence Summary
IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective Summary
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
Recall Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 24, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).