'04 Super Cab w/ Under 20k - Front Brakes Squealing Badly

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sleepdog@optonline.net - 27 Jul 2006 16:31 GMT

I bought this truck new and I have about 19.4k miles on it. A few
weeks ago the front brakes have started squealing badly. I looked at
the rotors this morning and they look like they are getting very
scored.

I was thinking just a quick tear down, cleaning, heat grease
application on the pads would do the trick, but now looking at the
rotors I doubt that is the case. The rotors look like they must be
turned to fix the noise issue.

Does the 3yr MFG warranty apply in this case? For under 20k I think I
will have a hard time eating the cost, and I know what the Ford dealers
charge for rotors, etc. I know I have to call them but just wondering
if I had any rights in this case.

I also have TSB 05-21-19, Front brake roughness - shudder while
breaking. I wonder if I have the old style rotors and if they are
contributing to the problem. The new style has 47 fins.

Thanks,
msleeper

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Jeff Strickland - 28 Jul 2006 02:30 GMT

>I bought this truck new and I have about 19.4k miles on it. A few
> weeks ago the front brakes have started squealing badly. I looked at
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Does the 3yr MFG warranty apply in this case?

Probably not. Ask Ford.

I think that you must ride around with your left foot resting on the brake
pedal, and this causes the brakes to wear out prematurely. You could also
live in an urban area where the freeway traffic is stop-n-go, and you mash
the gas to get going and mash the brake to stop again. This also causes
severe brake wear. Either way, you've managed to wear the brakes out and I
seriously doubt the warranty will give you any comfort.

For under 20k I think I

> will have a hard time eating the cost, and I know what the Ford dealers
> charge for rotors, etc. I know I have to call them but just wondering
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> breaking. I wonder if I have the old style rotors and if they are
> contributing to the problem. The new style has 47 fins.

I think you are getting ready to purchase a new set of rotors. I would NOT
buy these from the stealership if I was faced with this problem.

After fixing the brakes, I take special care to be sure I followed further
behind the car in front so I could avoid using my brakes more than is really
necessary, and I'd have my left foot amputated so I did not rest it on the
brake pedal.

Resting the left foot on the brake pedal causes two problems, one you just
found out about, and the other being that those behind you have no clue when
you REALLY are using the brakes, and when you are being a bonehead and
resting your foot on the brake pedal.

Just for the record, I routinely get more than 50,000 miles from my brakes,
so I know a bit about what I am telling you to do.

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sleepdog@optonline.net - 28 Jul 2006 04:04 GMT

> I think that you must ride around with your left foot resting on the brake
> pedal, and this causes the brakes to wear out prematurely. You could also
> live in an urban area where the freeway traffic is stop-n-go, and you mash
> the gas to get going and mash the brake to stop again. This also causes
> severe brake wear. Either way, you've managed to wear the brakes out and I
> seriously doubt the warranty will give you any comfort.

Thanks for the input but just for the record I have never in my life
driven with my left foot on anything other than a clutch pedal and only
when shifting. I do hit a lot of stop and go city traffic during my
evening commute, sometimes in the morning too on the highway.

I just can't believe 20k and I need rotors!!!! This has never happened
to me before.

Thanks

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Picasso - 28 Jul 2006 11:56 GMT

I can believe it. I don't know any ford truck that was ever any good on
brakes. i remember always having to do the pads at least every 20k
kms. now the rotors, maybe not. but you say you bought it used??? are
they warped, or worn?

>> I think that you must ride around with your left foot resting on the brake
>> pedal, and this causes the brakes to wear out prematurely. You could also
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Thanks

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sleepdog@optonline.net - 28 Jul 2006 13:51 GMT

> I can believe it. I don't know any ford truck that was ever any good on
> brakes. i remember always having to do the pads at least every 20k
> kms. now the rotors, maybe not. but you say you bought it used??? are
> they warped, or worn?

No, truck was bought new in March of 2005. Only has about 19.4k miles
on it right now. The rotors are not warped, I hand torque the lugs
each tire rotation to 150 ft lbs. I am seeing what appears to be
excessive scoring on the driver's side rotor, the passenger side does
not look as bad. I am going to have to let it go for a few more weeks
until I have the time and money to tear them down and inspect and
possibly replace the pads and rotors. I might consider getting the
rotors machined, given the price of new OEM rotors.

Thanks

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Jeff Strickland - 29 Jul 2006 17:33 GMT

>> I think that you must ride around with your left foot resting on the
>> brake
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks

Sorry to make a suggestion that you are an idiot. It turns out you are fine
with the left foot, but one has to explore the possibility ...

All I can think of is that you must drive in such a manner to require the
brakes too much. I also do a lot of stop-n-stop driving, so I follow at a
distance that allows me to coast a lot when the brakes lights come on two or
three cars ahead of me. I suppose the guy behind gets pissed, but he'll get
over it. At least I don't have to buy brakes all of the time.

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Jeff - 28 Jul 2006 18:34 GMT

>I bought this truck new and I have about 19.4k miles on it. A few
> weeks ago the front brakes have started squealing badly. I looked at
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> breaking. I wonder if I have the old style rotors and if they are
> contributing to the problem. The new style has 47 fins.

It sounds like a normal wear and tear issue. Unless there is something in
the TSB about rapid brake wear.

However, you have nothing to lose by taking the truck to the Ford dealer.
Either, they may be surprisingly cheap, or, you might get lucky, and they
will cover it.

Jeff

> Thanks,
> msleeper

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jsmith - 03 Sep 2006 15:29 GMT

I think Ford puts CHEAP brake pads on at the factory. My 1992 Ranger needed
REAR brakes at 22,000 miles (almost unheard of), but the front lasted over
70,000 and were replaced during a caliper replacement because of stuck
pistons. The replacement rear brakes currently still look new after over
60,000 on them..

My 2002 work van (E150) needed new front pads and rotors turned at 24,000,
but the replacement pads have worn less than 50% at 49,000.

Just CHEAP factory brakes to save on manufacturing costs in my opinion.....

>>I bought this truck new and I have about 19.4k miles on it. A few
>> weeks ago the front brakes have started squealing badly. I looked at
>> the rotors this morning and they look like they are getting very
>> scored.

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