Front end knocks at idle speed. Took to dealer 3 times they say it is characteristic for this make & model. Called Ford, took truck back to dealer again that is when they called it characteristic. But told dealer & Ford just started doing this. Both said they were going to do nothing, noise still there. All I want is it fixed, I feel it is not normal for any car/truck to have front end knock at idle speed. *****dims 11 IVOQ entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis******769320.

- Chicago, IL, USA

I own a 99 Ford Ranger that has a problem of excessive outerwear on the right front tire. I've replaced the tire twice and tried to have the vehicle aligned by big O tire in vallejo, ca. I was told that every other Ford requires an after market camber kit installation in order to perform a front-end alignment. I visited wilson-cornelius Ford in vallejo, who confirmed that it is a common problem. I called Ford's customer service who was no help, because the three year manufacturer warrantee has expired. Additional, Ford refuses to look at the vehicle at their own expense. I content that this is a manufacturer defect and should be repaired at Ford's expense. On the positive side, I was able to purchase a camber kit (part # fmc F5tz3B236A), which are merely two identical specially designed bolts that cost $41.98/each. This just does not seem right, nor should one expect to incur costs to make a vehicle adhere to a manufacturer specification. Please help. Thank you.

- Vallejo, CA, USA

While driving 45-50 vehicle vibrates very hard which may cause loss of control. Dealer replaced part of transmission/tires, but won't replace wheel which may be causing the problem.

- Dittmar, MO, USA

While driving hit a bump and lost control, took to dealer, and they could not duplicate the problem. One month later, problem occurred again. Took to dealer again they said wheels were pulling to the left. Dealer told consumer to take some weight out the truck. Consumer said if going over a speed bump entire car shakes uncontrollably.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Suspension alignment--dealer has made two attempts to correct constant wandering of vehicle toward low side of road. Unable to correct, vehicle drifts unless constantly corrected. Brake system--first reported to dealer as severe grabbing/pulling to right (vehicle will almost change lanes). Rotors machined, then pulled left. Dealer tried same remedy again, returned to pulling right. Last attempt, tried to correct suspension/front-end alignment problems to alleviate braking problems. Head lights--failed without warning at interstate speed. Running lights continued to operate. Spontaneously turned on again after about three minutes. Dealer unable to diagnose/correct failure.

- Flowery Branch, GA, USA

When applying brakes vehicle would pull to left or to right. When driving at highway speeds consumer would hear loud/weired rubbing noise. Consumer took vehicle to dealer. Dealer felt noise was coming from driveline and front end alignment, but could not correct defect.

- Bend, OR, USA

Shocks were wore out at 12000 miles causing tires to chat as you drove down the road, dealer replaced shocks and rotated tires shocks went out again at 15000 miles now waiting to have them replaced again one shock is leaking oil.

- Wood River, IL, USA

While driving over bumps the vehicle jumps to the left side severly which may result a crash. Also front tires are having abnormal wear and tear. Dealer is aware of the problem, but cannot determine the cause or have a solution for the problem.

- Sacremento, CA, USA