1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Suspension Problems

“Autozone- valucraft brand- ball joints part number vfa2101 I recently had my ball joints replaced and I had a premature failure of the ball joint fastening hardware while driving down the city road in a straight line at 45 MPH. It caused thousands of dollars of damage and it also almost cause me great injury. I suspect autozone is using low grade nuts cause the nut that was on the ball joint sheared off causing me to bend a control arm, crack my frame, blow a tire, all while barely missing a telephone pole. …”

“While driving or backing at slow speeds this vehicle(which has very very low miles) makes loud,banging,pounding,binding noises and sounds like the entire front end is going to fall off. This happens frequently and is not normal for any car with such low miles 15 years old or not. I have gotten to the point that I am afraid to drive this car. I have also been told that others have this same or a similar issue. The car was driven by an older couple aka my grandparents who bought it new in 98' and they both passed away in 2012. …”

“During normal driving noticed a squeaking and groaning noise coming from front end of car. Steering has become loose and was told by a mechanic that the ball joints,shocks,bushings are dry and that the vehicle cannot be lubricated because it is sealed. Seen other complaints on website regarding these same issues. I have been warned that the tires could fall off at high speeds causing serious injury or death.”

“During normal driving, heard extremely alarming loud creaking, squeaking noises from front end. Steering became sloppy and erratic. Took it to r&r automotive in lex. Pk. Md and had complete front end replaced, due to worn out ball joints, idler arms, pitman arms, tie rods, sway bar ends which could not be lubricated. Replaced with those equipped with grease fittings. $1750.00”

“The contact owns a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise and felt excessive vibration. The contact was informed by another motorist that the end rod was disengaged underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the ball joint was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.”