Rear Axle RECALL.

[joeuser742]

Sounds like it's official.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...ture-risk.html

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[phil-l]

Yup. Here's an AP item:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...f3AxAD9HRT2J00

Also on Autoblog:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/o...rear-axle-risk

[phil-l]

Now that I'm reading more closely...

Interesting: Apparently, the recall doesn't *replace* the axle with an improved design. From the Business Week articled linked above:

"The company will repair the recalled vehicles free of charge by installing brackets to reinforce the rear axle, Ford said in the statement."

Has anyone seen these brackets? I've seen pictures of some catastrophic axle failures that would seem to be beyond what I'd want a reinforcement bracket to handle.

[Seizer]

Read this letter about it. Sounds like if it has not cracked you get brackets. If cracked wait for parts, etc....

http://nhthqnwws111.odi.nhtsa.dot.go...0V385-5548.pdf

[AvalonJohn]

Phil-l,

Interesting that the design won't be changed. Most likely, Ford will put the same part (rear axle) back on the van and figure the car will die before the replacement axle cracks. I was wondering the same, if a better design (one that isn't prone to corrosion) would be developed and installed if cracked ... guess that would cost Ford too much money for a car/van they don't even make any more. I'd be concerned of buying a Ford Flex since its the same frame. Wonder if I can get them to put in the rear springs I have in my garage for free since they will have to replace the axle?

AJ

[12Ounce]

My rear axle shows where drippage has fallen on it.. but there is no corrosion yet. I "intend" to clean the axle thoroughly.... and plaster on some roofing sealer or something.

[Seizer]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

My rear axle shows where drippage has fallen on it.. but there is no corrosion yet. I "intend" to clean the axle thoroughly.... and plaster on some roofing sealer or something.

12Ounce my axle cracked in two spots, where the condenser drips and in the u channel itself on the passenger side of the vehicle. So if your going to take the time to do this, maybe do the whole darn thing.

[Ed_Strong]

I took mine to the dealer to get the axle inspected and was told that my vehicle does not fall into the recall. I ask how's that when everywhere I read it calls for model years 1998-2003, and the Ford Tech told me that its based on where the van was build.

I didn't buy it but there was nothing else I could do, later on I ran across this post... LOOK HERE!

So it seems that the ones built at the Oakville Assembly Plant are the ones in question. I have to look at mine to see where it was built.

[phil-l]

According to Wikipedia, *ALL* Windstars were assembled at Oakville:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windstar

It matters where the van is operated: The recall text I've seen includes a list of wintertime salt-using states.

[Seizer]

Originally Posted by Ed_Strong

I took mine to the dealer to get the axle inspected and was told that my vehicle does not fall into the recall. I ask how's that when everywhere I read it calls for model years 1998-2003, and the Ford Tech told me that its based on where the van was build.

I didn't buy it but there was nothing else I could do, later on I ran across this post... LOOK HERE!

So it seems that the ones built at the Oakville Assembly Plant are the ones in question. I have to look at mine to see where it was built.

If your in one of the states listed tell em to stuff and fix it.

Took mine in today. Dealer was great, looked at it, yep its cracked in three places. Parts won't be available for a month here's a rental car 15 minutes later. Ford dealer did good by me.

[Ed_Strong]

OK, so the dealer calls me today to enquire about my experience with the visit yesterday, so I explained what happened with the van not listed on the recall and the axle not being checked at.

And was told that they didn't know about this recall yet, (not on their systems yet, (so my van would not show up for it) that they had a few calls asking about it but they didn't have an official word yet.

So then, if my van is on the recall list, I would get a letter from Ford Motor Co on the issue and instructions on how to proceed.

How can one tell by the VIN number where the vehicle was built? My door post tag does not say and all it reads is "Made in Canada" but I think that mean where the tag was made, not the van!

[catvents]

Originally Posted by Ed_Strong

OK, so the dealer calls me today to enquire about my experience with the visit yesterday, so I explained what happened with the van not listed on the recall and the axle not being checked at.

And was told that they didn't know about this recall yet, (not on their systems yet, (so my van would not show up for it) that they had a few calls asking about it but they didn't have an official word yet.

So then, if my van is on the recall list, I would get a letter from Ford Motor Co on the issue and instructions on how to proceed.

How can one tell by the VIN number where the vehicle was built? My door post tag does not say and all it reads is "Made in Canada" but I think that mean where the tag was made, not the van!

Ed, look at your VIN number at the 11 th digit which should be "B", indicate the assembly plant code. "B" is the factory code of Oakville Ont. Canada. I think all the Winnies come from that factory plant.
The owners of the vans implied in this recall ( states where the salt is used for the winter time) should be advised starting on september 27 th. According to what I have readed, Florida and others southern states will probably not be included in this recall.

[cabron1]

Are Canadian provinces covered in the recall. Nothing I have read says anything about that. I bought my Oakville assembled van in Canada, and drove it in a area where extensive salt is used on the roads.

[catvents]

Originally Posted by cabron1

Are Canadian provinces covered in the recall. Nothing I have read says anything about that. I bought my Oakville assembled van in Canada, and drove it in a area where extensive salt is used on the roads.

Yes, all Canadian provinces are included, in addition to numerous US states.
see this link:
http://www.examiner.com/automotive-n...ar-recall-list

[cabron1]

Thank you very much. I am going to take a good look at it. appreciate your response.