Front end fixed! NOT

[dhawke98]

Well for those of you following my fun with the dealer, here's an update.
&*(&%*$%*%$(&*)*(&!
Ok, now that that's out of my system.
The dealer called today and said the car was ready. They had replaced the tires, coil springs, lower control arms, and tie rod ends.

I went in and the Service Manager and I took it for a ride. The car pulled pretty hard to the right again AND was vibrating. When we got back to the dealership the advisor asked how everything went. I let him know that I was a little disappointed and was not accepting the car. The service manager agreed. Then the advisor said he too had noticed that the car was still pulling and the tech had said that was normal on the stretch of road we were on. The manager said, "no, it was pulling pretty hard..." "with the alignment the way it is, it should have been pulling left if anything." Heck the thing was in the other lane in 50ft.

So, tomorrow, they rebalance the tires then swap them side to side and see if the pull changes sides.
Maybe I should trade it in on a GTO?

[TAF]

Man...I'm really sorry to hear this. Have you got an SVT Ford dealer near you with (most likely) some better wrenches and more accomidating service for high-performance cars? Most of us have been able to find better luck in that venue.

[merc406]

The balljoint measurement on both sides were the same?
Was steering wheel centered or close, when stopped and looking at the frt wheels.
Alignment man, a newbie or not using the correct alignment tools needed for Marauder?
Caliper hanging up?

[vegasmarauder]

I would also add to take a look at the rear end geometry. Bent or out of spec rear parts will give a strong pull to one side even with the front end specs right on. It is a normal part of the alignment to check the rear geometry, but some mechanics try to short cut it. If the front a rear ends are right on then I would look to a damaged (or out of spec) power steering control valve. There is a torsion bar built in that may be biased to one side. This will cause a pull to one side that won't show up on the alignment rack. I had this problem with a 58 Ford Retractable. I strongly think there is another issue besides the alignment. The problem is most modern mechanics can't diagnose unless the "computer" tells them what is wrong.

[Bigdogjim]

dhawke98:
Others have given you food for thought. Again for the second time in hours I agree with TAF, look for a Ford SVT dealer. I am finding out first hand that the selling dealer makes all the differance in the world.

[dhawke98]

Thanks all. This is getting to be a pain. I think I will print the posting and take it in with me with your ideas etc. This dealer is listed as an SVT dealer as was the last one. Uhg.

[David JP]

Thanks all. This is getting to be a pain. I think I will print the posting and take it in with me with your ideas etc. This dealer is listed as an SVT dealer as was the last one. Uhg.
Ohhhh, don't get me started.....
It's sad to say that these tekkies can't tell the difference between a turd and a snickers bar. I've personnally had it with them and would rather pay my wrench to do the maintenance on this car. Unless the tranny falls out or the engine blows, these moronic buffoons will never touch my car again.

[dhawke98]

I'm getting there myself! I wish some of the tech I read about on here (for mods etc) were here in Phoenix!

[dhawke98]

Well they "finished" it again. slight drift to right, but no pull and no vibration! WOO HOO, now we start the oil consumption test.

[frdwrnch]

All of 'em can be fixed, some just take longer (and cost more) than others.
Now that you have the service manager on board and he agrees the issue exists then it's just a matter of him "inspiring" the technician to keep going to find the root cause. The tech may be burnt out because he's replaced all these parts and still has a problem. Logic would dictate that it's not a part problem but an adjustment issue. This could be caster split, rear alignment, tire pull or a combination of these factors. I recommend giving them another "at bat" because another dealer would have to start at square one and may end up using more of your time. Good Luck!

[dhawke98]

Thanks for the input. I am sticking with this dealer so far. The service manager and advisor were telling me that the tech that has been working on my car was talking about putting out a sign that says, "NO MARAUDERS, NO MATTER WHAT!" I would venture a guess that he is burnt out.

[TAF]

The service manager and advisor were telling me that the tech that has been working on my car was talking about putting out a sign that says, "NO MARAUDERS, NO MATTER WHAT!" I would venture a guess that he is burnt out.
And they (Mercury) want to come out with an '05 1/2 Supercharged Marauder??!!

I've stopped by Lincoln/Mercury dealerships before periodically to see/look at any Marauders they have on the ground. If you get in a conversation with anyone (salesman, service manager, etc.) They usually have this type of attitude...."We had some...couldn't sell them...had to literally give them away..."

So...an '05 S/C ought to be REAL popular with the boys used to dealing with the "bluehairs".