I own a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. The steering in the vehicle began locking up at a certain spot when turning. This would cause me to push the steering wheel into the turn a little harder which unlocked the steering causing me to veer left or right. I took the car several times to different shops. They would lift the car and check the suspension and give it a clean bill of health. The problem persisted and got much worse. I took the car to yet another shop and insisted they take it out and drive it a long distance. The mechanic didn't get out of the parking lot, came back and made me leave the car. He insisted it was a problem with the steering box and this was replaced. I picked up the car on a Friday and on Saturday drove over the mountains. It was a hairy ride, the problem was not fixed and the curvy roads made driving downright dangerous. I took the car to a mechanic at my destination and he inspected the car but this time he disconnected the tie rod ends so he could rotate the wheels with weight on them. One of the ball joints on the drivers side was nearly locked solid. The drivers side ball joints were replaced and that fixed the problem.

- Beaverton, OR, USA

The contact owns a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle veered to the left and right. The dealer suggested that the contact may want to have the tie rods repaired, although they were not covered under warranty. A local mechanic stated that the tie rods were fine and no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 85,000 and current mileage was 86,000. Updated 03/26/08.

- Omaha, NE, USA

While backing out of driveway left ball joint fell out of vehicle. Dealer contacted. Consumer also stated left tir rod end and ball joint failed, and also the right side is in poor condition, dealer replaced the outer and inner tie rod ends.

- Barberton, OH, USA