NHTSA Complaint #10554360 — 2012 FORD F-350 SD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER A ROAD BUMP AND THE FRONT END SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED THE UPPER BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE NEW TRACK BAR AND STEERING DAMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 1/7/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE HE WAS EXPERIENCING A VIOLENT SHAKE IN THE STEERING AND THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING LINKAGE. THE DEALER EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER, THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAD BEEN MODIFIED AND THE SHAKE WAS DUE TO A 2 INCH LIFT, WHICH HAD GIVEN THE TRUCK TOO MUCH NEGATIVE CASTER, AND IF HE WANTED IT CORRECTED, TWO NEW BALL JOINTS ADJUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE INSTALLED A T A COST OF 4500. THE CONSUMER DECLINED THE REPAIRS, AS HE DID NOT BELIEVED THAT CASTERS CAUSED VIOLENT SHAKES.UPDATED 01/15/14