Our Territory drops a ball joint [Archive] - Australian LS1 and Holden Forums

BLQWN

24-02-2008, 04:48 PM

I get a call from the wife yesterday, she's just pulled into a parking bay at the shops with our 3 kids and heard a loud bang and reckons the car is hard to steer and wont move.
I rang a mate with a tilt tray to go and get it and drop it to the local Ford dealer as it's booked in for it's 80 k kms service 8am Monday.
I get there to find the car half in the bay, front left wheel laying over and the lower control arm on the ground.
I got under for a look and there is the ball end of the joint hanging of the stub axle!!!!
I'm telling myself to remain calm and maybe they will fix it under some sort of warrenty, but I'm also doubtfull at the same time.
Spose I should be gratefull it happened there and not in front of traffic???
We bought this car from the dealer and as it is my wife's car, have had it serviced by them from when we got it at 22 k kms, WHY DOES THIS SHIT HAPPEN?

If you have one -get it looked at!

RyanIAm

24-02-2008, 04:59 PM

Lucky, glad it happened in a parking space rather than on the road!

KPWISHN

24-02-2008, 05:02 PM

You or the Mrs haven't been launching it over the mini bridges in Port Mandurah have you? :)

Lucky it didn't happen at speed.

BLQWN

24-02-2008, 05:06 PM

You or the Mrs haven't been launching it over the mini bridges in Port Mandurah have you? :)

Lucky it didn't happen at speed.

Nah, not unless you've seen her doing it!

LSavvy

24-02-2008, 05:07 PM

BLQWN

24-02-2008, 05:10 PM

Yeah lucky it wasn't on a freeway and i don't know why this shit happens!, while you got the bonnet up check under the guard for rust, we had one at work (Gov Fleet) that was rusting at the top at approx12-18mths, it was never pranged either.

Interesting you say that - it had 2 noisy front wheel bearings replaced after 30 k kms, they came out rusted and the service guy asked me if we drove in deep water.
No we havent but maybe in it's previous life as a Ford executives car it did?

KPWISHN

24-02-2008, 05:11 PM

Nah, not unless you've seen her doing it!

:lol: Nah, just saw a similar thing happen a few years ago to a mate. :lol:

Surely Ford will fix it under warranty. If not trade it for a Toyota. Can't be beat for the family.

BLQWN

24-02-2008, 05:16 PM

:lol: Nah, just saw a similar thing happen a few years ago to a mate. :lol:

Surely Ford will fix it under warranty. If not trade it for a Toyota. Can't be beat for the family.
It's been a great car - 7 seater, DVD, etc, but it's about 4 weeks off being traded in on either a Kluger, Mazda CX9, or ......a beemer, it's gotta have 7 chairs and a bit of comfort, the Captiva's a bit small for us. The decision is up the wife on this one!

Tyre biter

24-02-2008, 06:06 PM

WHY DOES THIS SHIT HAPPEN?

A cheeky response would be because it is a Ford!

More seriously, my bride also has a Terry and when you know more as to the 'whys', perhaps I'll have it looked at by our Ford dealer. I'd be interested to see what you learn.

As an aside, a few months ago I was visiting Melbourne and read the letters to the Motoring Editor and learned that a number of Terry's have suffered complete brake failures. This gained my attention and in response I wrote to Ford enquiring about the same, specifically if there was a problem, and how I/they could ensure it didn't happen to us.

The response...gutless. Absolutely gutless. No recognition of any problem, no recognition of any comments attributed to the issue by their Geelong based staff (not merely a dealer rep), and no advice as how to overcome the issue. The response concluded with a line similar to; "if you experience any problems please take it to your dealer". Yeah, just brilliant, and after my wife and boys have been buried under the business end of a truck or somesuch, you can be absolutely sure I will be knocking on your door Henry. Just a fantastic response from the oval!

Now I should qualify my opinion by saying that I haven't liked the car since just after day dot, it is a barge, its thirstly like all get-out, it has less storage room than the s/wagon, and IMO the platform has not proven to be very smart having lived with it. However the official line from Ford in response to my genuine concern has ensured that I will never, ever again plonk down my hard-earned on any one of their products.

Not because their products are awful, in fact I very much like the Focus and even the new Mondeo, and had I not experienced this outcome I'd probably consider these models when replacing the Terry in the near future. But this type of dismissive response has left me and my cheque book cold on that company. Having said that, I am not proposing that other manufacturer's (including Holden) have been any better in many folks experience.

Sorry, it seems I got somewhat 'off subject' for the past several hundred words or so. Again CV8ZED, I'd be interested to learn the reason for the failure please.

Cheers

lowriding

24-02-2008, 06:18 PM

Yeah lucky it wasn't on a freeway and i don't know why this shit happens!, while you got the bonnet up check under the guard for rust, we had one at work (Gov Fleet) that was rusting at the top at approx12-18mths, it was never pranged either.

they are not too bad a car in design- unfortunately just rubbish built like most cars Ford makes these days . Oh yeah you wanna see rust lift up the rear seal at the tailgate :flipoff: i guarantee it .

LSavvy

24-02-2008, 06:46 PM

they are not too bad a car in design- unfortunately just rubbish built like most cars Ford makes these days . Oh yeah you wanna see rust lift up the rear seal at the tailgate :flipoff: i guarantee it .

The rust i was refering to is where it bolts to the frame at the top under the gaurd, The Terry at work has long gone to Auction, Seems like there going to be rust buckets by the sounds of things.

redvxr8clubby

24-02-2008, 07:31 PM

Maybe the joint failing when turning into to a parking space is no coincidence - like the click click noise you when a FWD car with failing joints on full lock. Just be thankful it didn't happen at speed, as others have said. They are getting quite a reputation for rust. The more you hear of these reports the more you wouldn't want to own one for much more than it's first few years.

BLQWN

24-02-2008, 08:01 PM

Just be thankful it didn't happen at speed, as others have said.
Mate, I am VERY thankful, but ball joints don't just fail after 80000 kms, especially on a fully serviced and maintained car, no matter how or where my wife parks.

Ford POS:vpo:

A cheeky response would be because it is a Ford!
Cheers

Yeah I copped some shit buying a ford, but when asked why I just said, Cos I don't want my kids wrecking a good Holden - you know, baby vomit, milk bottles etc.

Again CV8ZED, I'd be interested to learn the reason for the failure please.

Cheers

No worries mate, will keep you posted.

Red Beard

24-02-2008, 08:39 PM

I've got a couple of mates with territories, the one with the AWD Ghia has had the ball joint problem as well, loud bang in his driveway one morning, even gouged the driveway, ford covered parts cost, he had to cover labour. The RWD TX guy had his electronic throttle fail twice in traffic, put his foot all the way down with no result, he had to shut the car down and restart to get it to move, Ford reset the computer reluctantly, it worked. They didn't think this could happen in a triple redundant system. The best one though is when the window drops out of it's track and then you can't shut the door. This is a known design fault with the territory, but they only fix it on a case by case basis. Some cars have been in 6 times for this fault.

All vehicles have faults, but I wouldn't be buying a territory with my own money.

bpm

24-02-2008, 09:31 PM

i have seen this a couple of times on AUs and once on a BA. they wear out slowly, so whoever is servicing the car hasnt been checking them.

CarlFST60L

24-02-2008, 09:32 PM

I hope BMW didn't copy the ball joint design off the X5 too :hide:

Ned_Flanders666

24-02-2008, 09:41 PM

I hope BMW didn't copy the ball joint design off the X5 too :hide:

The BMW X5?

EDIT: Lol. Nevermind, I saw the other thread on the Territory. I hope they didn't copy that ball joint design either.

EvokeWM

24-02-2008, 09:51 PM

Ball joints failing on Territories are a known problem. There are long threads in Australian Ford Forums on the problem. Hopefully they have solved the problem now as the Terri front end is used in the new FG Falcon (with minor redesign to suit the new Falcon).

These probs are usually due to the parts supplier having QA probs after all the initial pre-release testing has been done.

I had an SX Territory Ghia (2004) and sold it in early 2007. I didn't have any probs with it but it had only done 30,000kms. It was a great vehicle though. Took it off road several times with no probs.

Wish I could say my WM Caprice was reliable. Today the rear door small window chrome trip came off (looks like it only has a few small smears of glue holding it to the rubber underneath) and the aircon totally failed. That makes twenty faults since I got it in Feb 2007. Back to the dealer - again.......

planetdavo

25-02-2008, 06:22 AM

WHY DOES THIS SHIT HAPPEN?

Unfortunately, anything manufactured can fail. My street alone has several Territory owners, and all are happy with their choice.
I remember years ago, when I started out in a little aftermarket parts shop, HQ-WB Holden's would OFTEN drop a ball joint, sending the corner of the car onto the ground...

keen

25-02-2008, 10:46 AM

Sorry to here about your issues with your territory . Ive got a turbo territory ghia. I love it, its an awesome family car. Goes like stink as well. Ford service and warranty are excellent as well ive found.

BLQWN

25-02-2008, 10:48 AM

My street alone has several Territory owners, and all are happy with their choice.
[QUOTE]
Don't get me wrong- it's been a great car for nearly 3 years, and I think they are a good car, I just won't be buying one again.

[QUOTE=planetdavo;1157075]Unfortunately, anything manufactured can fail.
Yeah I know, but a lower ball joint?, mines not even a 4WD, and I'm sure some of those would have taken more of a pounding than ours..

Got a call from the dealership, the new ball joint's on it's way, they will need to fit that first to assess any more damage - I hope they do BOTH sides???
keep you posted

OzJavelin

25-02-2008, 11:28 AM

Unfortunately, anything manufactured can fail. My street alone has several Territory owners, and all are happy with their choice.
I remember years ago, when I started out in a little aftermarket parts shop, HQ-WB Holden's would OFTEN drop a ball joint, sending the corner of the car onto the ground...

Yeah .. I remember that back in the late eighties? A whole heap of HQ-WB balljoint batches failed. Mate of mine had a WB ute that dropped one at about 40km/h heading up his own street.

My AU falcon ute had both ball-joints replaced at about 39,000km; supposedly KNOWN issue with them too ..

paulvdb

25-02-2008, 02:47 PM

Don't get me wrong- it's been a great car for nearly 3 years, and I think they are a good car, I just won't be buying one again.

Yeah I know, but a lower ball joint?, mines not even a 4WD, and I'm sure some of those would have taken more of a pounding than ours..

Got a call from the dealership, the new ball joint's on it's way, they will need to fit that first to assess any more damage - I hope they do BOTH sides???
keep you posted
CV8ZED - Please have a look at the Fordforums Terri site as a few common known bugs are discussed including this one and the window problem. As far as I'm concerned I'm thrilled to bits that these problems are openly discussed amongst users so we can all say "it is a common problem". Imagine doing that with a Toyota! (they do have their own problems too).

From prior memory the ball joint problems seems to have a few causes but essentially parts QA/QC in Australian manufacturers is not good enough. Unit cost gets a higher priority than whether the part is OK and installed well.

I have simply been very calm and rational with my minor niggles and Ford have come to the party every time. The only bummer is that the service guys should have picked up the problem in the ball joint BEFORE it fell out of the car - this is more of an issue with the indifferent car servicing guys at dealerships in Ford/Holden.

planetdavo

25-02-2008, 04:34 PM

Imagine doing that with a Toyota! (they do have their own problems too).

Do "normal" (as opposed to Supra/
AE86/old twin cam Corolla etc) Toyota's have enough passionate customers to even get a forum off the ground?....:eyes:
I can vision the Camry forum now...
"Does anyone know how to repair that touch parking scrape on the corner of my front bar? I hit a pole today at the shops", or, "those young whippersnappers in Commodore's are just downright annoying, aren't they, trying to force us out of the right hand lane when we do 40km/h in the 70 zone, minding our own business"....

BLQWN

25-02-2008, 05:49 PM

Going to pick it up in 15 mins, service guy rang and said I have to pay for it now but Ford will do a credit for some part of it???
He reckons the other joint was ok, and although both were checked last service these things sometimes happen, like one can wear out in a couple thousand kays and they won't be able to pick it up - it maybe a faulty part by the sounds of it.
Back soon

planetdavo

25-02-2008, 06:07 PM

Main problem with ball joint type items is that most are fully sealed these days. Most of the time that is a good thing, but if the joint has gone dry, there is no way to pump any grease into them, so only a short distance is required for them to suffer catastrophic failure through heat from friction. This can easily happen between the 6 or 9 month service intervals (depending on model there).

nudenut

25-02-2008, 06:46 PM

Do "normal" (as opposed to Supra/
AE86/old twin cam Corolla etc) Toyota's have enough passionate customers to even get a forum off the ground?....:eyes:
I can vision the Camry forum now...
"Does anyone know how to repair that touch parking scrape on the corner of my front bar? I hit a pole today at the shops", or, "those young whippersnappers in Commodore's are just downright annoying, aren't they, trying to force us out of the right hand lane when we do 40km/h in the 70 zone, minding our own business"....
Camry forums would also be a lot more difficult to organise, because they would have to be the "meet at Ethel's place on Wednesday for a morning cuppa and a chat" type - most Camry drivers look like they would have trouble getting their heads around these new-fangled computer thingummies ... :smilesandbanana:

planetdavo

25-02-2008, 06:58 PM

Camry forums would also be a lot more difficult to organise, because they would have to be the "meet at Ethel's place on Wednesday for a morning cuppa and a chat" type - most Camry drivers look like they would have trouble getting their heads around these new-fangled computer thingummies ... :smilesandbanana:
Yes, the term "wireless" would have a TOTALLY different meaning.....:hide:

BLQWN

25-02-2008, 08:34 PM

Ok Ethel, back to the Territory problem....it cost $401 to replace the lower contol arm (complete with balljoint) and the service guy has put a "goodwill claim" into Ford in good faith that, as the car has an excellent service history with them they should help pay most or some of the bill.

The wife spent the arvo new car shopping and likes the Kluger.
cheers

Ghia351

25-02-2008, 09:18 PM

BLQWN

25-02-2008, 09:46 PM

...check its DSC "abilities" first....

aaaah, please explain?

M&Ms

25-02-2008, 10:02 PM

aaaah, please explain?

Last months's wheels magazine.... Put simply, Kluger taking a corner, Kluger ending up on its side.

Ghia351

25-02-2008, 10:04 PM

aaaah, please explain?
DSC didn't kick in early enough in a specific DSC Wheels mag test, Toyota's reply not very convincing.

seldo

26-02-2008, 12:10 AM

That sort of catastrophic failure is simply unacceptable! Just imagine if that had happened half an hour later when driving at 60kph....or even 100kph....?? Ford should not only fix it but should also do a recall due to the potential for a major consequent accident. It's not as if it is failure of a part that is simply an inconvenience like a radio or a heater, it is a failure of a component that not only has the potential to cause an accident, but is most likely to do so with almost certain major or even fatal consequences.
Not good enough Ford! :vpo:
On a lesser note - a mate just bought an X5 second hand with about 60k on it and I am most impressed. Have a look at one CV8ZED. I'm not a fan of these SUVs (hate using that yankie term) at all, but the X5 is streets ahead of anything else like that I've driven.
Back to my rant though - bore it up 'em CV8 - it is a serious issue and Ford need to face the music and accept responsibility!

VYR8HSV

26-02-2008, 04:25 PM

RED R8

26-02-2008, 04:36 PM

Send Daz (RED R8) a PM. His wife has a kluger. & they love it..

Pete

Too right Pete the wifes Kluger is by far the best car I have ever owned or driven...big call considering we have had 30 cars and drove a different car every night for 9 years in the car industry. The Kluger Grande is outstanding in every aspect build,performance,fuel economy and as a family bus not even the X5 I looked at or the Volvo XC90 came close...just get one you won't be disappointed..

Danv8

26-02-2008, 04:41 PM

BLQWN

27-02-2008, 08:59 AM

Sh*t has me worried now since my mrs and I got a 07 terry (because of its versitility) Its hers more than mine really. But maybe me and her researched a bit more about them. Have to admit its one hell of a comfy travelling car.

Don't stress about it, just ask them to keep an eye on the balljoints.
We are selling ours now because the time is right, (had it nearly 3 years) and I don't regret having one - they are a great car, big, comfy and great for the kids.
cheers

Too right Pete the wifes Kluger is by far the best car I have ever owned or driven...big call considering we have had 30 cars and drove a different car every night for 9 years in the car industry. The Kluger Grande is outstanding in every aspect build,performance,fuel economy and as a family bus not even the X5 I looked at or the Volvo XC90 came close...just get one you won't be disappointed..

Yep I agree, signing up for a Grande this morning - anyone want to buy a Territory? 25k
cheers

vecommo

27-02-2008, 05:43 PM

What I would like to know is, why Ford hasn't issued a recall for this, seeing that it is a known fault?
VE's have been recalled for trivial things such as seatbelt clips and fuel hoses, yet here is an issue with the Territory which has the potential to cause a major accident, yet we haven't heard a peep from ford.
Are they going to wait until a Territory driver's ball joint collapses at 100kmh and sends them into the path of an oncoming family? Criminal......

RED R8

27-02-2008, 05:49 PM

Nice purchase Chris the Mrs will love it...

planetdavo

27-02-2008, 06:18 PM

BLQWN

28-02-2008, 09:30 AM

Nice purchase Chris the Mrs will love it...

As a wise man one wrote - happy wife, happy life....

Big_Valven

28-02-2008, 10:13 AM

Hmmmm, seatbelts that wont lock in properly and fuel hose clips that might burn the car down to the ground are "trivial"? :confused:

Yes, because a seat belt clip that's made out of slightly inferior steel, or a fuel hose clip that may fail causing fuel leakage / fire would be slightly less important than half the front suspension dropping out of the car at high speed.

I suppose if you put it very realistically:
Fuel hose clip breaks: fuel leaks everywhere / catches alight, people notice fire, stop and get out. Car burns to the ground.

Seat belt latch is weak: You actually need to have a crash to notice this. Car load of 5 people, 1 latch fails, 1 person may die.

Ball joint drops at speed: pretty much inevitable accident. Car may spin, or roll, or spear off into tree / other car / oncoming traffic / off a cliff. At 100km/h or more I wouldn't like to see the chances of the occupants surviving.

So instead of being a minor consequence, this would actually CAUSE the accident.

planetdavo

28-02-2008, 04:43 PM

All still major, however you look at it...
The big thing with this problem though is whether it's simply "wear and tear", or more than that. All things wear out, and heavy things like these put plenty of load on everything.
If the problem was at the levels some suggest, it would seem highly likely a GOVERNMENT ENFORCEABLE recall would have been issued!
Note the two underlined words there.

stargazer

02-03-2009, 07:16 PM

We have a 2004 Terry. Took it to the mechanic 10 weeks ago. He checked out the ball joints. They had no play - nice and tight.

The car popped its drivers side ball joint yesterday. Mechanic cannot believe it because he has just checked it and it seemed good.

Luckily we too were in a car park so it happened when we weren't really moving. The mechanic said that if we were driving when it happened the wheels momentum would have slammed it into the passengers under carriage.

Contacted ford and at the moment they aren't being of any help. Not willing to accept liability. I will be forcing the issue of change with ford because our families ride in these expensive machines every day and it seems we are literally taking our lives in our hands with these cars.

I am pressing for ford to take our part to the production team to assess what has gone wrong and for them to fix it. As it stands our mechanic has no alternative but to put in the same part that failed us in the first place.

I would appreciate it if anyone can give me their story so that I can make ford sit up and listen.

steve_t

02-03-2009, 08:04 PM

What I would like to know is, why Ford hasn't issued a recall for this, seeing that it is a known fault?.....Criminal......

Seen Fight Club?
"A new car built by my company leaves somewhere traveling at 60 mph. The rear differential locks up. The car crashes and burns with everyone trapped inside. Now, should we initiate a recall? Take the number of vehicles in the field, A, multiply by the probable rate of failure, B, multiply by the average out-of-court settlement, C. A times B times C equals X. If X is less than the cost of a recall, we don't do one."

This is made so much worse by Ford making u guys pay for joint replacement (or part of)!!!

BLQWN

02-03-2009, 08:12 PM

A year on now..... but we got rid of ours and when I called our local dealership about the 'warranty claim' the answer was just "no sorry it wasn't approved".
Over $400 for a new control arm and ball joint AND fitting, for a broken balljoint that should have been picked up on a service (which was always done at the local ford dealership)
The wife told the service guys at least 3 time about the squeak coming from the front of the car, they even test drove it and told us nothing wrong!
Lane Ford Mandurah.

r8ls1

02-03-2009, 08:27 PM

Fu*ck that, anything but a ball joint. If car companies can no longer get their suspension staying in 1 peice they deserve to close their doors, no excuses :flipoff:

How is this happening to people at low speeds and hasn't yet caused a fatality is beyond me

Wear and tear my ass, I've seen older cars with steering joints looser than jenna jameson never drop a ball joint or steering joint, they used to be designed to not pop out of their sockets!!!

Lay off the Cocaine you sick f*cks, you might lose 1 billion if you make a proper balljoint??????? cars aren't mobile phones or toasters, you can't just go around selling junk that fails after 6 months when it travels at 100km/h +

stargazer

02-03-2009, 08:39 PM

We spend most of our weekends travelling along the highway between the coast and brisbane. Can you imagine the outcome with a family of five driving 110 kmh and this happening? Luckily for us we were only doing a couple ks in a car park.

I can guarantee that our car has not gone off road or been abused so there is not excuse for this happening.

Because we have chosen to not take our car to a ford dealership we are being told that ford is not in a position to financially assist us with our repair.

At the end of the day I want ford to go back to the drawing board and make a replacement part that will not break down so that we can all feel secure in the car we drive. What is the point of six airbags when the ball joints are useless???

vecommo

02-03-2009, 08:41 PM

Typical, another Territory balljoint failure. But no, according to Ford there is no problem whatsoever.
Those who have had either ball joints or brakes fail on these cars should approach ACA/Today Tonight and publicly expose these deathtraps for what they are and expose the criminal negligence of Ford for not lifting a finger to do anything about it.
If you value the safety of yourself and your family then don't touch one of these cars with a 20 foot pole!!!!!!!

stargazer

02-03-2009, 08:46 PM

I have arranged for my mechanic to replace both arms for me today with the hope that we should have another 30 k kms of safe driving. I have no guarantees but now I feel compelled to replace these joints every year at a cost of $800-$1000.

Not really what I signed up for when I bought the car but I don't think there is any other option available.

vecommo

02-03-2009, 08:50 PM

I have no guarantees but now I feel compelled to replace these joints every year at a cost of $800-$1000.
Not really what I signed up for when I bought the car but I don't think there is any other option available.

You're kidding right? You might as well flush your money down the toilet. There are plenty of other options... piss the thing off and buy another vehicle which has been properly engineered.

r8ls1

02-03-2009, 08:54 PM

You're kidding right? You might as well flush your money down the toilet. There are plenty of other options... piss the thing off and buy another vehicle which has been properly engineered.
yep................

redvxr8clubby

02-03-2009, 08:54 PM

So 2 of these fail in carparks, presumably popping out of the socket at or near full lock. Be thankful the problem is showing up in this circumstance not on the road at speed.

stargazer

02-03-2009, 09:05 PM

Too true but what if it did happen in normal driving conditions??? How many of these cars are on the road. How many do you pass in a day and are you comfortable knowing that they all have faulty ball joints which go without any prior warning at all?

SSBarney

02-03-2009, 09:17 PM

48 years on and Ford are still having ball joint issues.
Back on the old XK falcon the car had a major issue with ball joints snapping like carrots.
Many car reviews have put it down to Ford designing cars for American Blvds, rather than the tougher roads of Australia.

48 years Ford and its still an issue! FFS its a very basic part of the engineering to still be getting wrong. To be charging people the cost of the parts is just ridiculous.

LSavvy

02-03-2009, 09:48 PM

I would not buy a Falcon or Terry knowing they have faulty ball joints and brakes. Profit/loss is worth more to Ford than the safety of their customers.
No wonder their not selling cars.

r8ls1

02-03-2009, 10:05 PM

If they can't spend the $$ on a proper ball joint, then at least pay to install the appropriate road signs Australia wide....

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3427/caution.jpg

Trek52

03-03-2009, 07:28 AM

There are 1000's of these things on the road and a few have ball joint problems and everyone wants to jump up and down. Come on any model car that has as many on the road as these will have problems.

They cant be to bad a car......

VX2VESS

03-03-2009, 07:30 AM

maybe that the key to the problem, on full hard lock they can come out.

simple don't turn and your safe.

Road Warrior

03-03-2009, 09:09 AM

Does this just affect '04 models or all of them?? The OP had an '04 model...

steve_t

03-03-2009, 09:38 AM

If they can't spend the $$ on a proper ball joint, then at least pay to install the appropriate road signs Australia wide....

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/3427/caution.jpg

Ahahaha.... gold!!

blacksv869

03-03-2009, 11:18 AM

hey guys, a few years back i had a bottom ball joint fall out of my HQ..... i was doing 70 slowing down for road works...load bang and it went right very hard.....never forget that day. :)

anyway, lesson to be learned NEVER buy a ford :goodjob:

nang3

03-03-2009, 01:02 PM

I would not buy a Falcon or Terry knowing they have faulty ball joints and brakes. Profit/loss is worth more to Ford than the safety of their customers.
No wonder their not selling cars.

really?
does anyone have any figures as to how many falcons and terry's this has actually occurred to?? not counting the 2 in this thread?

I know of ZERO falcons its happened to out of the coupla thousand XR6T and F6 owners on the ford forums i regularly forum'ise with???

aaron__aus

03-03-2009, 02:21 PM

really?
does anyone have any figures as to how many falcons and terry's this has actually occurred to?? not counting the 2 in this thread?

I know of ZERO falcons its happened to out of the coupla thousand XR6T and F6 owners on the ford forums i regularly forum'ise with???

If you actually took the time to search on google you'd find a lot of people with this issue. Look, even on the Ford Forum it's known as a common concern. With some replacing 4 joints.

Australian Ford Forums - Ball Joints (http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?p=2455767)

05guy

03-03-2009, 06:12 PM

Yeah lucky it wasn't on a freeway and i don't know why this shit happens!, while you got the bonnet up check under the guard for rust, we had one at work (Gov Fleet) that was rusting at the top at approx12-18mths, it was never pranged either.
AU,BA,BF all come with rust so it must be standard on the territory also. And before anyone gets upset my brother inlaw has had all of the falcons i mentioned and i saw this first hand.

stargazer

03-03-2009, 08:45 PM

I would like to think that this in not an issue but ford have told me that the ford territory ball joints need to be replaced every 30,000 klms because they are worn out.

This sounds excessive to me and not a one off issue. This is just the norm. When our ball joint popped out we weren't on full lock nor has the car ever been in full lock whilst we have owned it.

Suppose I'm probably a little sore since our current mechanical bill so far is pushing $1500 and we haven't gone to the panel beaters yet to fix the damage caused by the tyre when it was put on the tow truck.

And considering the mechanic checked our car 10 weeks ago and there was no play in the joint at all.