Our 2000 Ford pickup, having only 19000 miles on it. The ball joint came apart while driving at about 15 mph. The front tire came out of the wheel well. Dealer replaced all four tie rods and tie rod ends, said they were all bad. Kwr.

- Gowen, MI, USA

I had a clunk noise at aprrox 15,000 miles when I would slow down and begin a turn. I took it to the dealer twice and they assured me nothing was wrong. I thought the noise was coming from the back end. Perhaps it was and that was un-related. Recently I took the truck in to have the oil changed and tires rotated and balanced because of some vibration. I was informed of the tie rod failure and idler arm failure. These were both severe and I was advised not to drive the truck until this was repaired. Two weeks before this repair I was mailed an inspection advisory regarding the tie rod ends.

- Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA

Left tie-rod fell off while turning into driveway, which was fortunate in that I was going slowly and not injured when it happened. Truck was towed to repair shop and tie-rods replaced. Old parts are not available, but I have received a letter from Ford (one month later) that says I should be regularly having my tie-rods inspected, causing me to wonder if this is a defect.

- Onaway, MI, USA

Failure of tie rods on Ford F150's.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

Failed tie rod end at 57,000 miles causiing complete loss of steering. No warning. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the freeway.

- Farmington, MI, USA