I'm getting concerned

[jerrym3]

My TBird's mechanical twin, 2004 LS, only has 34,000 miles, but in addition to the idle starting to get rough (COPS are covered), I'm hearing a suspension or steering noise from the front. Taking it in tomorrow.

Steering rack was replaced under warranty at 17,000 miles.

Now my 2003 TBird has 17,000 miles.

Starting to get a little concerned.

[HeelBird]

Re: I'm getting concerned

My '02 has about 85,000 miles.......only major issue thusfar has been the COPS and A/C blend valve replacements that I just did. Other than that, it's smooth sailing..

[jerrym3]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Rough idle, COPS issue (1), problem covered.

Suspension noise, bushings worn front and rear, approx $600 parts and labor.

Bushings at 34,000 miles? What happened to "At Ford, Quality is Job 1"?

I'd hate to see how Job 5, whatever it is/was, turned out, because Job 1 isn't that great.

I expect wear/tear maintenance issues on any car, but not this soon. Even the Lincoln shop manager says these cars (LS's and TBirds) are high maintenance vehichles.

[AZTB]

Re: I'm getting concerned

...Even the Lincoln shop manager says these cars (LS's and TBirds) are high maintenance vehichles.

That's contrary to what my dealer tells me, Jerry. The service manager states he very seldom sees a TBird in for service (except mine!).

[5bird7]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Jerry, the reports here of steering problems or suspension problems haven't been common. I think the odds are in your favor for your 'bird to not experience those problems, though with age, we will see more reports here about them.

[redbirdsal]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Jerry, the reports here of steering problems or suspension problems haven't been common..

Actually, it's been a problem for a while..just do a search on bushings, sway bar links and ball joints.

Remember, CARTOY had the rear sway bars replaced on both sides at under 40K miles. She has more rubber deteriorating now.

[DKest3963]

Re: I'm getting concerned

JERRY
I think your dealer does not see many T Birds at all. Since the lack of large numbers of Birds in any area would keep a service manager to almost never see a bird. I know my selling dealer for both birds we have had only about 6 for all 4 years. The LS Lincoln was not that popular in this small Texas town. Most of the Lincolns were Town cars & navigators.
Best
Dennis

[jerrym3]

Re: I'm getting concerned

True, Dennis, but they are close twins under the skin, so maybe he just lumped them all together.

However, there's a number of Birds in the Bergen County, NJ, area, and the number of Ford dealers has been reduced greatly. Maybe he does see more Birds than we think.

I'm hoping my L&M dealer makes it. I don't trust the remaining local Ford dealer at all.

I wonder if the LS/TBird's "almost" third twin (?), the Jag S, has the same mechanical issues?

[redbirdsal]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Jerry, did you look at the suspension while your Bird was on the lift?

Guess I don't understand what you're hoping for.
Either you have worn suspension, or you don't.

[jerzeebird]

Re: I'm getting concerned

My 2002 Lincoln LS has 197,395 miles on it and has been very trouble free. Still looks good and drives well. Good luck with yours.

[jerrym3]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Sally, don't understand your question.

No, I left the car with a reputable Lincon dealer and I did not go under the car while on the lift. The noise was enough to tell me something wasn't right. Sounded worse than my 148,000 mile 1994 Tbird and/or 212,000 mile Galaxie.

I was hoping for a car that didn't need suspension bushings with less than 40,000 miles.

And oxygen sensors (22,691), and trans solenoid repair (20,351), and steering rack (17,5750), and heater control valve (33,705), and window regulator (35,550), and COPS (35,400) all with under 40,000 miles.

The LS is a great car to drive, but mechanically, it's a dog, and the retroBird is a mechanical twin.

That's why I'm concerned about the Bird.

[Jim Young]

Re: I'm getting concerned

Just had my rear stabalizers arms replaced for second time. you will hear a clunking noise when you go on rough road with top up... they have one joint that the grease dries up in and causes the problem... Ford should have put a grease fitting in it.. one by each rear wheel an L looking arm with connections on each end.

[Leroy]

Re: I'm getting concerned

I believe all these bushings are covered under the Premium Care Warranty? Leroy

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[Toystoretom]

Re: I'm getting concerned

I just had my 03 up on a lift and saw no issues with any bushings. I have 118K on it. In fact, I was kind of impressed with how good everything looked under there.

Bushings might be something that potholes ruin......

[94mcd]

Re: I'm getting concerned

I believe all these bushings are covered under the Premium Care Warranty? Leroy

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Yes, they are covered. Had both rear stablizers replaced and new bushings as well. Total cost with ESP= $50 deductible. My Ford mechanic noticed the bushings were bad when I told him about the cluncking noise and he said he would replace the stablizers as well. The dealership is Tri-Star Ford in Tyrone, PA. If you ever need service there, ask for Dennis Kelley. Any time I have service done, he is always the mechanic assigned to work on my car.