The contact owns a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. While backing out of the driveway at 1 mph, the outer left front tie rod detached. No prior work was done to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the outer tie rod end detached due to lack of grease. The dealer replaced two inner and outer tie rod ends and two adjuster sleeves. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 103,000. The consumer stated the tie rod was worn out from the inside due to lack of grease. Updadated 06/08/07.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

While driving 30 mph front driver's side tie rod fell off. As a result, the steering wheel was unable to turn in either direction. The cause has yet to be determined. The original tie rod end was assembled with no grease and could not be greased.

- Marshall, MI, USA

While parking at a low speed, the front right tie rod fell off. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership repaired the tie rod....other tie rod on left side was about to fall off and the other two were badly worn. No place to grease, so it mudt be life time.

- Shakopee, MN, USA

The consumer took the vehicle in for an oil change and the mechanic stated that the left tie rod needed to be replaced because there was too much play in the tie rod.

- Lorain, OH, USA

Front outer tie rod froze, causing driver to lose control of vehicle. Dealer indicated rods were replaced at owner's expense. The steering wheel became rubbery before the tie rod froze, and was hard to control. Four weeks later, the lower ball joints failed.

- East Bridgewater, MA, USA