Consumer called complaining that front wheel axle broke while driving at 65 mph. Manufacturer was not contacted at the time of this call. However, dealer was contacted, and stated that the vehicle had no warranty, and the consumer would have to pay for the repairs.

- Galesburg, IL, USA

This report is about an ongoing problem with my Mercury Mountaineer that first occurred in November, 1998, and continues intermittently to this day. Usually in temperatues under 55 degrees, a high pitched whistle/squeal sound can be heard from the body front, both right and left. Ford is aware of this problem, and has addressed it in their tsb 5506, NHTSA item #SB605189. The cause is apparently the front axle seal(s), and Ford's solution is temporary, to lubricate the affected area. They supposedly are working on a permanent solution, although it has been nearly a year since they identified the problem, over a year since I reported it to my dealership. Upon writing to Ford about my problem, they assured me the problem was non-degenerative, I.e. not a safety issue, and they were working on a solution. In the meantime, I should have the temp. Solution applied. However, I have had the temp. Solution applied 4 seperate times, and each time, the noise comes back after just a little while. Each time the temp. Lube is applied, it quells the problem for a shorter and shorter period of time. Given the fact that the temp. Solution is less and less effective over time, as well as the fact that the whistling/squeling noise sounds as if it is a metal-on-metal type of sound, I challenge Ford's claim that the problem is not a saftey issue, and feel it may be only a matter of time until the tires break off or the axle seal collapses. I have no confidence Ford is pursuing a permanent solution-developing new seals I assume (given that they have supposedly been working on it for a year). My dealership has been 100% understanding and helpful, but cannot provide a solution that does not exist, although they continue to assure me a permanent solution is in the works per Ford. I feel I have exhausted my options in pursuing information and a solution to this problem, and am very worried that my safety is at risk from a defective, poorly designed front axle-tire assembly.

- Bloomingdale, IL, USA