Component
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The lower ball joint in your vehicle's front suspension is what connects the control arm to the steering knuckle. It's like a sturdy, flexible elbow that helps your vehicle steer smoothly. In some models, this joint wasn't tightened properly when it was installed.
Risk if Unfixed
If the ball joint attaching nuts aren't tightened correctly, they can become loose and eventually break. This could cause your vehicle to lose control, making it harder to steer or brake - which could increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will inspect the nuts that hold the ball joint in place. If they're loose, they'll tighten them to the correct specification. If the joint is damaged, they'll replace it for you - all at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATIONS WHEN THEY WERE ATTACHED TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS ARE NOT ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED, THEY CAN LOOSEN AND, ULTIMATELY, RESULT IN FRACTURE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. IF THE BALL JOINT FRACTURES, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE TWO BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS. VEHICLES WITH LOOSE BALL JOINT ATTACHING NUTS WILL EITHER HAVE THE FASTENERS TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, OR IF NECESSARY, THE BALL JOINTS WILL BE REPLACED.
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