Tie rods
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From: mass
Tie rods
Reference: Catastrophic tie rod failure
I have a 1998 F-150 4 X 4 with 68,000 miles. This is my first posting. I am the only driver ever and it haas only seen highway miles. The other day the driver's side tie rod failed without any warning at all. The vehicle shook violently and when I pulled into the closest lot, the front tires were pigeon toe'd! I was only going approx. 30 mph at the time. Up until that point, the steering was fine with no drifting, alignment issues, tire wear or noises. Is this normal? What is "Ford tough"? I could have been killed because I was on my way to an Interstate. I called the local Ford Dealership and they picked up my truck. Later that day, I got a call from the dealership and they want to replacce both inner and outer tie rods to the tune of $700.00. Am I getting ripped off? Shouldn't there be a recall on an item that cn take a person's life with no warning? I was happy that I was the only in the vehicle at the time. Your comments are appreciated!
I have a 1998 F-150 4 X 4 with 68,000 miles. This is my first posting. I am the only driver ever and it haas only seen highway miles. The other day the driver's side tie rod failed without any warning at all. The vehicle shook violently and when I pulled into the closest lot, the front tires were pigeon toe'd! I was only going approx. 30 mph at the time. Up until that point, the steering was fine with no drifting, alignment issues, tire wear or noises. Is this normal? What is "Ford tough"? I could have been killed because I was on my way to an Interstate. I called the local Ford Dealership and they picked up my truck. Later that day, I got a call from the dealership and they want to replacce both inner and outer tie rods to the tune of $700.00. Am I getting ripped off? Shouldn't there be a recall on an item that cn take a person's life with no warning? I was happy that I was the only in the vehicle at the time. Your comments are appreciated!
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Joined: May 2000
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Welcome....you're lucky.....that sucks....that sounds typical of a tie rod end failure....nobody here can evaluate your suspension's condition without examining it....yes, that sounds high....good luck.... glad you're ok.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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Hello sassawanna,
If you are going to replace the tie rod ends I would not take it to Ford. Find a reputable shop and have them put one tie rods ends that can be lubed, the OEM ones are sealed and can dry out. They will last longer, work better and probably not cost you $700.00.
If you are going to replace the tie rod ends I would not take it to Ford. Find a reputable shop and have them put one tie rods ends that can be lubed, the OEM ones are sealed and can dry out. They will last longer, work better and probably not cost you $700.00.
Last edited by rkjerue; Jun 9, 2004 at 08:47 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10
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From: Milwaukee, wi
tie rod failure
my tie rod failed on me yesterday. about 150 to replace one. I too was going about 30 mph and man it was not fun trying to control the vehicle to a stop. Tow driver said he has had more ford and chevy tie rod failures since they went "greeseless" wonder if ford know 
or cares
or cares
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: New Durham, NH
I've got a 2000 and mine let go the other day at a campground when I was turning the truck around. The right inner tie rod end blew right off. I ran to the nearest NAPA and got a (greaseless) replacement. (That is all they appeared to have.)
I get a discount with NAPA, but with the tie rod tool and the part itself I spent $38, replaced it and enjoyed the rest of my vacation. I'm just glad that it didn't let go on the turnpike on the way up. Now I, (like you) wonder about the integrity of the others.
I get a discount with NAPA, but with the tie rod tool and the part itself I spent $38, replaced it and enjoyed the rest of my vacation. I'm just glad that it didn't let go on the turnpike on the way up. Now I, (like you) wonder about the integrity of the others.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: somewhere east of west.
WOW. Glad to hear you escaped injury. Welcome to the board.
The problem is they already towed it to the dealer, ( they can sort of hold your truck hostage) unless you got a tow that can get you to a Midas or Meineke or similar shop that'll definately
do the job cheaper, than you'll have to eat that price, BUT it is
definately too high. ( tell 'em your aware of that and maybe you can chuck and jive 'em down )
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=4362
The problem is they already towed it to the dealer, ( they can sort of hold your truck hostage) unless you got a tow that can get you to a Midas or Meineke or similar shop that'll definately
do the job cheaper, than you'll have to eat that price, BUT it is
definately too high. ( tell 'em your aware of that and maybe you can chuck and jive 'em down )
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=4362
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: nashville n.c.
also new to the board
HELLO
Thank god you weren't hurt, I try to keep a good check on my truck and I looked at my tie rods and saw that the rubber boots on them were sunk inwerd. I just don't think that a part that has no way to lube it should be called " ford tough" I know little ol' me can't do a thing about it so I better get my butt down to the parts store and get me some new ones. The way I drive in curves it could kill me and fords name will cary on.
Thank god you weren't hurt, I try to keep a good check on my truck and I looked at my tie rods and saw that the rubber boots on them were sunk inwerd. I just don't think that a part that has no way to lube it should be called " ford tough" I know little ol' me can't do a thing about it so I better get my butt down to the parts store and get me some new ones. The way I drive in curves it could kill me and fords name will cary on.
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: virginia beach va
Glad everyone OK. I checked my 99 screw with 60k miles and they look good, but am thinking about replacing them anyway with grease fitted ones. Auto Zone sells all four with grease fittings for abt $140.00 total. I have never replaced them myself but it doesn't look too hard. Are there any special tools or procedures required to change em out yourself. Tks.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: B'ville, Florida
Funny that this came up, I got a letter from Ford yesterday telling me about an updated inspection method for Tie-Rods on "certain" models. They also said that they should be inspected every 15,000 miles and had a detailed method of checking them. This must be becoming an issue because this is the only letter that I have received from them on preventive maintenance. I know what I'm doing this evening after reading some of these threads.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Oklahoma
Over a year ago, Ford came out with a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on the tie rods. It appears that they have sent this information to some owners.
The TSB provides inspection proceedures for the tie rods. Although it may seem that a little play in the tie rods would be okay, according to the TSB, it is not. ANY vertical or horizontal play in the tie rod ends, or cracked/worn rubber boots is cause for replacement of the tie rods regardless of mileage. For some, this could occur at 20,000 miles or 100,000 miles. The common failure is the outer tie rods. But, I would replace both side inner and outer tie rods all at the same time, since you will need an alignment check anyway.
A common time that the tie rods fail, is at very low speeds, such as in parking lots or driveways. Some times, before they fail, you may hear a popping noise when turning at low speeds (pulling in and out of parking lots and driveways). This is not uncommon.
Moog steering linkage replacement parts are very good, since they are greasable. A $15 Haynes repair manual will provide you with proceedures to do it your self. You will need a "Puller" or "fork" to remove the tie rods, need to count threads, use specific torque specs on the tire rod nut and mark the tie rod adjustment tube and location of the "jamb nut". Anyone can do it, but if you do not do it correctly......you can die! haha! Always remember to have your alignment checked after replacing them. If you do not, you can eat up your tires within several hundred miles.
The TSB provides inspection proceedures for the tie rods. Although it may seem that a little play in the tie rods would be okay, according to the TSB, it is not. ANY vertical or horizontal play in the tie rod ends, or cracked/worn rubber boots is cause for replacement of the tie rods regardless of mileage. For some, this could occur at 20,000 miles or 100,000 miles. The common failure is the outer tie rods. But, I would replace both side inner and outer tie rods all at the same time, since you will need an alignment check anyway.
A common time that the tie rods fail, is at very low speeds, such as in parking lots or driveways. Some times, before they fail, you may hear a popping noise when turning at low speeds (pulling in and out of parking lots and driveways). This is not uncommon.
Moog steering linkage replacement parts are very good, since they are greasable. A $15 Haynes repair manual will provide you with proceedures to do it your self. You will need a "Puller" or "fork" to remove the tie rods, need to count threads, use specific torque specs on the tire rod nut and mark the tie rod adjustment tube and location of the "jamb nut". Anyone can do it, but if you do not do it correctly......you can die! haha! Always remember to have your alignment checked after replacing them. If you do not, you can eat up your tires within several hundred miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1969
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From: TUCSON,AZ,USA
I received a letter from Ford yesterday with updated Tie-Rod Inspection Procedures. It says to keep the letter in you glove compartment so it can be given to a tech to do the inspection even if you do not use a Ford garage.
The funny part of the whole letter is at the end it says replacement of the tie-rod ends is the owners responsibility unless you are under warranty or have an Extended Service Plan.
The funny part of the whole letter is at the end it says replacement of the tie-rod ends is the owners responsibility unless you are under warranty or have an Extended Service Plan.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Minnesota
I've told everyone I know that there is a serious problem with the front ends of F150's. I bought the best ESP plan through Ford up to 75,000 on my 2000 F150 5.4L. I brought my truck in just before the milage expired. The dealer ended up taking three days to warranty replace tie rods and a mess of other front end problems. I am a careful driver and never go offroading. There is absolutely no reason for these front ends to fail so quickly. Built Ford Tough? What a JOKE! I just got my official Ford "Tie-Rod Inspection Procedure" in the mail. Yeah, what a nice way to say RECALL on Ford Junk Parts! The rest of my family owns GMC trucks and never had any major problems like I've experienced over the last four years of F150 ownership. If I am going to spend $27,000 on a truck again, it sure won't be Ford. Slave To The Ford Man.