NHTSA Complaint #10254006 — 2001 MERCURY SABLE

DROVE 10 HOURS FROM LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY TO CARLISLE PENNSYLVANIA. STOPPED AT A HOLIDAY INN FOR THE NIGHT. NO PROBLEMS NOTED WITH THE CAR DURING THE DRIVE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP 2001 MERCURY SABLE IN HOTEL PARKING LOT, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. TIRE WAS REMOVED BY AAA AND THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION SPRING COIL WAS FOUND TO BE FAILED WITH A PORTION MISSING. THE REMAINING END OF THE COIL HAD EMBEDDED ITSELF INTO THE INNER WALL OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CREATING A GOUGE. THE TIRE DID NOT RUPTURE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO L.B. SMITH FORD LINCOLN MERCURY LOCATED AT 1100 MARKET ST. LEMOYNE, PA 17043 (717) 697-2273 BY AAA. THE RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN. ONE (1) PART NO. 4F1Z*5560 WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. ONE AST*52* SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLY WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. ONE REAR TIRE WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH A 9007*1004552* P215/60R6 TIRE. THE TIRE WAS MOUNTED AND BALANCED. ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE ALIGNED. TOTAL CHARGE FOR THE REPAIR BY THE DEALERSHIP WAS $504.47. *TR