Questions about my 1999 Mountaineer 5.0

[Mounty99]

1999 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0
206,000 miles

Short Version: My truck is getting up there in miles. Are there specific issues I should be on the lookout for (esp. related to safety)??

Long version: I read a thread a while back where a guy's U-joint was coming apart..and he supposedly he caught it just in time. I have recently been thinking about that thread..and what I should be on the lookout for in my Mountaineer. Things I have done to the mountaineer:

(1) replace radiator, water pump, fan blade, some pulleys, and thermostat
(2) change fluid in tranny, all three diffs, and replaced coolant
(3) replace iac and pcv valve
(4) replace front upper and lower control arms
(5) new shocks, new rotors and pads, new sway bar bushings

Everything else is original. Anything else to replace or check for wear? I appreciate any advice. Love this truck and hoping to go for 300,000 miles!!

 

[crunchie_frog]

Sounds to me like you are well on your way to 300k+ miles....

I maintain four 5.0s all between 150k and 200k miles. I would like to get 300k+ miles from mine also. I guess anything could happen but some of the "wear parts" that I have replaced that are not on your list are:

1. Rear differential pinion seal (I would not replace until leaking but something to look out for, I have had to do this on two vehicles) but not really a safety issue unless it leaks until differential is dry.

2. PM replacement of fuel pump and level sender. At some point your fuel pump may give up and you may get stranded. I have done one of the vehicles because of intermittent starting when the tank was below 1/4 full. Level sensor in tank can get corrosion on it and start sending false levels. I have two more fuel pumps in my garage I am planning on replacing another one of these soon and have the other when I need it.

3. You didn't mention brake fluid flush, probably good to do this every couple of years in my opinion.

4. I also have done power steering fluid flush/refill on all of mine, if you have not, it is simple enough and it probably smells burnt if you have not.

5. At some point, your camshaft synchronizer may start squealing, I have had to replace on at ~ 180K miles and I have another one that is starting to make a little noise.

6. If you live in the rust belt, check the metal brake line that goes over the rear differential, these can completely rust out and you will be left with no brakes. Same for the parking brake shoes, these can rust out.

7. I have had to replace one leaking master brake cylinder and one alternator and one DPFE sensor, two 1-2 servo springs ( I think these springs are pretty common failures), and more than one door lock actuator and power window motors.

8. I am surprised sway bar links are not on you list, probably you have done but minor job anyway.

7. I am sure you have done things like plugs, air and fuel filters,

Otherwise, I just treat symptoms along with the regular fluid and filter maintenance. Good luck...

 

[koda2000]

All of my Explorer's/Mountaineer's have around 200,000 miles, or more. I keep up with the PM on all of them. The main thing I do (other than fixing obvious problems, which are easily found by visual examination) is drive them with the radio off, over a bumpy road, and listen for any unusual noises. Any noise I heard is then investigated and repaired. Pretty much all safety related issues will make noise before becoming dangerous. Ball joints, sway bar links/bushings, brake pads, shocks, u-joints, wheel bearings, pulley bearings etc. Checking ball joints and tie-rod ends can also easily be done in your driveway with the aid of a jack. I'm hoping to see 300,000 out of all of my trucks and unless one loses a transmission, I see no reason that this goal is not obtainable.

 

[Mounty99]

Thanks guys. Awesome posts, and much appreciated! Hopefully, we will all get to see 300,000 on our odometers sometime in the future. Thanks again for the advice.

Mounty99