Taurus troubles

[Mark K 2]

Dad broke a right front spring on his 2002 Taurus. Seems to be a common problem according to the parts guys I've called. I wouldn't mind the broken spring. It's just that it takes out the tire in a big way when it goes. Dad chose to sacrifice the temp spare tire and wheel to get the car home (three miles). Makes sense. Towing would have been $100. A new temp spare and wheel at the junkyard is $10. Anyway...



$102 a pair for new springs from the local dealer. Motorcraft was cheapest that didn't require major shipping fees for overnight delivery. A mechanic buddy will replace them for $80 on Tuesday morning. Dealer wanted $550 total. Indie shop wanted $480



Front end alignment needed?

 

[David Ponder]

Mark,



Since you have to remove the strut from the knuckle to replace it, A front end alignment would probably be in order. You can get it close by marking where the strut bracket atached, but it wont be perfect and you might cause extra wear to the tires.



Ford had a recall where they installed basically a plastic sleeve on the front springs so that if it DID break, the spring wouldnt rupture the tire. Did your Taurus have this sleeve on it? If so, and the spring ruptured the tire anyway, you might call Ford to complain. Our 2001 had the sleeve instaleld many years ago after we got a notice in the mail. (We've owned it since 2002) On ours, both the BACK springs broke and there is NOTHING from Ford on the back ones. Have them checked while you have it in for service.

 

[Mark K 2]

That recall only covered up to 2001 models. The only thing the Ford parts guy said after I told him I needed front springs for a 2002 Taurus was, "We have a sale on tires this week."

 

[Mark K 2]

Holy ****. A T135/70D16 tire costs $150. Called seven junkyards and finally found a new Taurus 16-inch donut spare complete with wheel for $25.



Why the hell do those replacement temporary spares cost so much?