The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the front upper and lower ball joints were worn. The dealer was notified who informed the contact that they would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileage was 47,944. The lower ball joints had to be replaced. Updated 05/06/11

- Lagrange, GA, USA

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4X that is mainly used for driving to work. It is only taken off the pavement to unload materials or remove wood, etc from the back of my property. I had new tires put on at 75,000 miles and was told that I needed wheel alignment. Since I questioned this, I took it to the dealer for the alignment. They told me that my ball joints needed replacement for $500, which I also doubted. I told them to do the alignment but not the ball joint replacement. I have had no reason to suspect that the ball joints are bad but if they are then I would like to have them replaced. I am 65 and have gone through a lot of cars. I have had some for nearly 200,000 miles but this is the first time that I have been told that the ball joints need replacement. I have contacted Ford and they provided not help. They said to take it to a dealer and that they will probably charge me to look at it.

- Conyers, GA, USA

: the contact stated upon inspection of the vehicle the ball joint boots were noticed deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they replaced the lower ball joints. The manufacturer was alerted. The upper ball joints failed as well. The timing cover gasket was replaced. Updated 03/22/06.

- Repton, AL, USA

While driving consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and mechanic notified consumer that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. However a independent mechanic determined that lower ball joint wore out.

- Lajas, PR, USA