HELP! '99 Front end problem
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From: Oklahoma
HELP! '99 Front end problem
'99 XLT Expy 4.6L
188k miles.
I have a vibration in the front end at 50 MPH and higher. No considerable pulling to either side. Initially I thought it was an alignment problem secondary to old shocks. A shop told me "the bad news" today and said it was "the upper A-frame and front end bearings". He couldn't get the parts price on the "upper A-frame" until Monday because he said it was an exclusive Ford part, but said the labor alone was going to be $685! I might have bought his assessment, but while I was dropping it off this AM, the same guy was on the phone with 2 other people and had similar "serious" problems that was going to result in charges of $785 and $690 respectively.
Has anyone had a similar problem? Could it be something else? I'm not that handy and don't have the necessary tools, so tacking anything in the neighborhood wouldn't be too wise, but I don;t want my head taken off if I can avoid it.
Thank you!
188k miles.
I have a vibration in the front end at 50 MPH and higher. No considerable pulling to either side. Initially I thought it was an alignment problem secondary to old shocks. A shop told me "the bad news" today and said it was "the upper A-frame and front end bearings". He couldn't get the parts price on the "upper A-frame" until Monday because he said it was an exclusive Ford part, but said the labor alone was going to be $685! I might have bought his assessment, but while I was dropping it off this AM, the same guy was on the phone with 2 other people and had similar "serious" problems that was going to result in charges of $785 and $690 respectively.
Has anyone had a similar problem? Could it be something else? I'm not that handy and don't have the necessary tools, so tacking anything in the neighborhood wouldn't be too wise, but I don;t want my head taken off if I can avoid it.
Thank you!
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I'm assuming he means the upper A-arms and ball joints. If so, a company named MOOG makes these parts to a higher level of strength and durability than the Ford parts. Any front-end specialist not living on Mars knows this company.
Suggestion? Quietly take your truck to another shop for a second opinion.
This is not a complicated job, but you need to know what you are doing. Nearly $700 for labor? Seems a little high.
Suggestion? Quietly take your truck to another shop for a second opinion.
This is not a complicated job, but you need to know what you are doing. Nearly $700 for labor? Seems a little high.
Last edited by PaulC; Oct 11, 2003 at 01:04 AM.
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I found out today it was the "lower ball joints" and the "A-frame" on the front end with both the inside and outside bearings. Still the labor was more than $500 (the previous amount included labor on a tensioner and idler pulley replacement).
I appreciate your reply. I was told yesterday that Ford was the only place to go for the parts.
Should I take my truck to a place specializing in front ends or suspensions? Perhaps they would be more economical if they do that type of repair day in-day out, huh?
Scott
I appreciate your reply. I was told yesterday that Ford was the only place to go for the parts.
Should I take my truck to a place specializing in front ends or suspensions? Perhaps they would be more economical if they do that type of repair day in-day out, huh?
Scott
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Maybe. They should have more experience. If the bearings you refer to are the wheel bearings, I would go for Ford parts. BTW- The original Ford design makes the lower balljoint an integral part of the lower control arm, which is somewhat unusual. Absent corrosion or accident damage, it is very unlikely that the lower A-arms are bad - only the balljoints.
If you go aftermarket (MOOG), you can get A-arms that contain removable balljoints that can be replaced seperately if they should ever fail, saving you a few dollars next time. Of course next time would be pretty far in the future, so perhaps a moot point.
If you go aftermarket (MOOG), you can get A-arms that contain removable balljoints that can be replaced seperately if they should ever fail, saving you a few dollars next time. Of course next time would be pretty far in the future, so perhaps a moot point.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Erie, Pa
Just so you know, the lower ball joints are replaceable in the Expedition 4x4. I just did both of them. They are about $35.00 a piece. An experienced mechanic should be able to tackle them in about an hour a side. Bearings should also be replaceable. As far as the upper control arm, I did not pay to much attention to weather they are replaceable, but it would not suprise me if they are not. Ford did this on a few of there cars.
Hope this helps some.
Steve S.
Hope this helps some.
Steve S.
