Something broken in front end

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 6, 2003 | 12:53 PM

hank_48

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

Something broken in front end

I pulled the LF tire off my '97 EB yesterday and noticed that there was a broken part. It goes up and down and is on the same plate that the shock is bolted to. It's broken on the top where it was probably threaded with a nut holding it. What is this? Is it tough to replace? I'm guessing that I should get it repaired ASAP but it looks like it may have been broken for a while based on the rust.

May 6, 2003 | 02:37 PM

reberhardt

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 580

Likes: 0

From: Kelseyville, CA

Something broken in front end

It sounds like you are describing your front swaybar endlink. Ford issued a recall on them due to them breaking. If your Explorer was part of the recall, Ford will replace both of your endlinks at no charge under safety recall # 00S47. The effected vehicles are as follows:

1995 - 1997 Explorers built from 1995 Job #1 through October 31, 1996.

1997 Mountaineers built through October 31, 1996.

If your '97 is an early '97 and was built on or before 10/31/96 it was part of the recall. With your swaybar link broken, your front end will sway and lean more than it should increasing the chances of a rollover or crash (especially during emergency maneuvers).

May 6, 2003 | 02:43 PM

hank_48

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

Something broken in front end

Thanks for the reply! Yeah - the top part is/was attached to the bar that goes across and attaches to the same part on the other side.

Do know if there is a mileage limit on this recall. My EB just turned over 110,000 miles so if there is a limit, I'm sure I have passed it.

Also, how do you determine the build date (or job number)?

May 6, 2003 | 03:31 PM

mgazak

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 831

Likes: 0

From: Utica, NY

Something broken in front end

To determine the build date, simply look at the label on the inside of the driver's door. It will give the month and year that your X was manufactered.

May 6, 2003 | 03:40 PM

hank_48

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

Something broken in front end

Just my luck - date on the sticker is 11/96.

May 6, 2003 | 04:28 PM

reberhardt

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2000

Posts: 580

Likes: 0

From: Kelseyville, CA

Something broken in front end

Just buy some Energy Suspension front polyurethane sway bar bushings. They come with both new end links and will improve the cornering of your Explorer slightly. The kit for the front is less than $40. You can also get a kit for the rear similarly priced. I would still check with Ford though regarding the date. If you call Ford's Customer Care number they will ask for your VIN and they will tell you for sure if yours is still covered. There is no mileage limit. Worst case is you have to buy new end links. Go ahead and get both sides since if one side broke, you likely have the thinner links that are more prone to breaking. Check the price at www.fordpartsnetwork.com as well as your local dealer to get the best price. In either case the new endlinks are only a 10 mm bolt about 8" long with a nut on the bottom and a plastic cover that slips over the outside. I don't think they should cost more than about $10 each but who knows.

May 7, 2003 | 08:00 AM

hank_48

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

Something broken in front end

Thanks a bunch for the info. I'll go ahead and check with Ford about the recall to see if mine qualifies.

One final question - are the Energy Suspension front polyurethane sway bar bushings an aftermarket product or do they come from Ford? If not from Ford - who would be a local supplier (I'm in the KC area)?