Steering/Suspension problem

[eXplorerchic]

Hey guys I've got some questions and maybe someone can help me out or at least give me your opinion on what I should do...
Well, about a mouth ago I started hearing a loud squeaking noise in the font end when I would turn the wheels, stop, or drive over bumps. So I took it up to the local Ford dealership to get it looked at. They told me that they thought that replacing the arm bushings and joints, control arms, tie rod ends, and swaybar bushings (all covered under warranty) should fix it. (also told me whoever had it before me didnt take care of it and parts were rusted kinda bad underneath in the front). Anyway so they had it for 2 days fixed all of that and just got it back today. Started off ok no squeaking, then the more I drove it the loud noise came back. Annoying as ever
So what do ya'll think? Shop will be closed until Monday so I've got time to hear some suggestions on what all it might be.
I guess I'm going to have to call them Monday and have it sit in the shop again

 

[mrboyle]

The first thing I'd do is look under the front and see if it looks like there are any new parts under it. If they replaced anything the new parts will be relatively clean (compared to the rest of the parts) and shiny. It sounds like they may have just sprayed the old bushings down with penatrating oil and told you they replaced them. The safest way to prevent someone doing this to you (if this is what they did) is to ask to see the parts they replaced, when you pick your vehicle. If they did the work they claimed to, they should have no problem showing you the parts. If they didn't they will give you the run-a-round (saying they had to give the old parts back for warranty purpose or something). Even if the old parts need to be returned for warranty they will still be in possession of them and shouldn't have a problem showing them to you. I hope this isn't the case and you are able to get the problem fixed, but if it is don't take any crap from them. If the service writer gives you the run-a-round, ask to speak to the head service writer. If he gives you crap, ask to speak to the dealership's manager. If he gives you crap, keep going up the ladder until someone takes notice.
NOTE: This method works best if you aer assertive and there are other customers within earshot.
Good luck and I hope for the best.

 

[eXplorerchic]

they used new parts....I just got it back from being in the shop again...they repaced the ball joint in the steering colum, seems to have fixed all the noise for now Hopefully its all ok. They did relpace several parts, which is good. He did tell me that it was rusted pretty good and to keep an eye on it (front end) I'l probably gonna need shocks and said calipers would be next to replace (not warranty covered) How much is a set of front calipers going to cost me? And Is there anything I can do to keep the rust from getting any worse on the parts up front. Geesh! an its only a 2000!

 

[mrboyle]

Don't park it in water! At least they did what they said they would (not common for dealers). Providing they relubed the caliper slides when the reinstalled them (after doing the front end work) I don't see why you are going to need calipers anytime soon. The calipers are sealed to keep dirt/water out, so whatever caused the front suspension to rust should have no effect on the functioning of the caliper.