Ford Territory Ball Joints

[LandyAndy]

2006 Ford Territory,any of you had the front ball joints replaced out of warranty by Ford???
Ours are knocking,only has done 57000km.Went to 2 suspension shops in Perth today,first wanted $35.00 just to quote on the job,the other say Ford will fix it for free if they havent already under a recall.
A google tells me there are no "official" recalls for the ball joints but many have had the issue fixed for free by ford in an "unofficial" recall.
The vehicle has had all its services done by Ford.
I called into the Ford dealer nearby,the service centre is closed on saturdays.
Andrew

[Pickles2]

Never owned a Territory, but I believe Ford did replace balljoints as there was a very known issue with them.
I reckon Ford would have kept records of which vehicle they'd done, & if yours hasn't already been rectified, provided it's in the year range affected, you should get it done for nothing.
I would DEFINITELY be going to a Ford Dealer.
Pickles.

[justinc]

Yes Andy, lower control arms and ball joints were all a replacement under a kind of 'recall' IE when the customer complains, then we replace them. One of My customers had a AWD model that was waaaayyyy out of warranty and on its 2nd owner, they still did it for them gratis :)

JC

[BigJon]

As noted above. Also be aware that you will replace them every two years or so, regardless of what they are replaced with. Shocking piece of design.

[LandyAndy]

Back to Lynfords on monday to see the service department,its only a few ks down the road from here.
Thanks
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Problem fixed,wasnt ball joints!!!!
Went to the Ford Dealer,upgraded balljoints fitted in 2011:(:(:(:(:(
Back to WA Suspensions for a quote.
Workshop manager test drove,agreed the noise was bad.Up on the hoist for a mechanic to check.Confirmed the upgraded control arms/ball joints are fitted,ball joints good.Front and rear diff mounts are showing signs of wear,but not enough to cause the noise.EXPENSIVE job,2 days work:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:.
Mechanic takes it for a drive,agrees the noise is bad,couldnt see any component that was worn enough to cause it.Tells me he think he knows the issue.
Back onto the hoist,checks the K frame bolts,ALL LOOSE:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad: Real good,the front diff and motor are bolted to it!!!!! Tells me its part of a Ford Serice to tension them,obviously wasnt done at the last dealer service!!!!!
Another test drive and problem is fixed.
I asked how much for the repair,FREE:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:,we dont charge to quote on a job like our opposition.I got them a carton of beer,MOST IMPRESSED.
Andrew

[justinc]

great outcome andy! good to see these guys are still being good sports. Many years back they were very helpful to me.

JC

[BigJon]

Good outcome. Another spot for loud front end rattles is the swaybar link rods. The balljoints in them can flog out.

[LandyAndy]

Good outcome. Another spot for loud front end rattles is the swaybar link rods. The balljoints in them can flog out.

He checked those,OK for the time being:cool::cool::cool::cool:
He isnt a fan of Ford Territorys and their poor suspension design.
Andrew