This is a picture of the passenger side, front suspension. I believe the frame has rusted out and this suspension part (arm of some sort?) is no longer secure mounted.
Can anyone confirm if this is correct conclusion? Is this fixable for a reasonable amount of money? I assume if this front frame is rusted this bad, then the back is not too far behind it? Wondering if it is worth fixing?
I only use this car to run around in, when I need to. Drive it less than 10 miles at time... lol
I was pulling into our subdivision, where there is a bump. Went over the bump, heard an unusual clunk and the car pulled extremely hard to the left. If I let go of the steering wheel, the steering wheel turns to the left. More cluncks going up the driveway, knew something was wrong!
um yes confirmed. the arm isn't attached. It's just hanging in mid-air. (not securely mounted). DO NOT DRIVE IT.
Ask your mechanic how much it costs to replace all that. My guess is that it will be more than the vehicle is worth.
This looks to me like it is a structural failure, … faulty stamping, most likely a crack developed during forming, … manufacturing of the part. Subsequently, rust assisted in an early failure. Common problem with faults in material itself.
Is it fixable? Anything is fixable, … you just have to find someone who is knowledgeable. Talk to a reputable body shop folks.
Otherwise, … for the 2003 model, rust does not seem to be much of an issue in all other visible parts. fwiw.
F.S.
Ford was tied up with Mazda at the time, and some Ford supplier delivered countless thousands of untreated frame parts.
The old Ford Windstar vans had the same issues, and many owners got free repairs.
That free fix is long over though.
I did end up getting this fixed. The estimate was 680-720 which was inline with what I paid. Also had to replace an upper control arm, unrelated to this rusted frame issue. Drives good now. Glad I got it fixed. Really did not want a car payment! 😀