The contact owns 1998 Lincoln Town car. While driving at any speed, the contact hears a squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the dust cover on the lower ball joint of the front passenger side was worn, and the ball joint was cracked. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 98V322000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The failure mileage was 168,000. Updated 10/14/08. Updated 10/16/08.

- Lula, GA, USA

1998 Lincoln Town car made a grinding sound underneath. Consumer stated that the vehicle had to be towed to a dealer. He stated that he saw a front ball joint dragging on the ground. The consumer stated the ball joints did not have any grease fittings. The consumer had all of the ball joints replaced. The consumer discovered a recall regarding the ball joints. However, no one informed him there was a problem.

- Youngstown, NY, USA

The contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Town car. While accelerating at 15 mph, the passenger side control arm detached from the ball joint. The mechanic replaced the ball joint. The driver side control arm and ball joint failed shortly thereafter. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 122,447 and failure mileage was 75,000.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

: the contact stated a squeeking sound was heard coming from the front right wheel. The contact treated the wheel with wd-40 and the sound went away. Also, while driving 10 mph in a parking lot, the right front wheel fell off. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, who determined that the upper and lower ball joints had failed and were replaced as well as steering gear. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 12/18/06.

- Burley, ID, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle does not react correctly when the steering wheel is turned. There was a recall, #98V322000, concerning the lower ball joint. The recall work was performed prior to purchase, but the problem has returned. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic.

- Westfield, NJ, USA

While driving 20 mph, the ball joint snapped. This caused the consumer to go into a ditch, which avoided a severe collision. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, who did not resolve the problem.

- Scottville, MI, USA

When braking, the steering wheel would pull hard to the right. This made it hard for the driver to maintain control of vehicle. The brake rotors were warped. Also the lower ball joints were replaced, the engine light illuminated, the dealer found the evap canister solenoid valve leaking.

- Lake George, NY, USA