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Ford Freestyle Rear Brakes

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Comments

  • bellaspopbellaspop Member Posts: 14
    Hi upsetincali,

    My dealer said the parts and labor were covered under the 3 yr 36k warranty. He presented himself as knowledgeable about the rear brake issue when I spoke to him on the phone. I also printed a copy of the tsb, TSB 06-22-17 that specifies the replacement procedure and part number of the replacement pads. I found a link to the TSB from a post on this forum, I believe its #64 in the rear brake problems list. I guess I was just lucky to find an honorable business. Living in Fairfield County, CT there must be a dozen Ford dealerships within a 20 mile radius of my house. I just kept calling until I found one that wanted to do the right thing. The dealership where I bought the car gave the company line that they wouldn't replace the brakes free of charge because "Ford won't do it if its over 18,000 mi."

    Good Luck
  • nibyaknibyak Member Posts: 26
    My first set of rear pads was replaced for free at 25,000 miles. The dealer said that they were covered under my extended warranty. I didn't argue with him. Unfortunately, the replacements only lasted about 16,000 miles. I replaced them with ceramics myself and am watching them very closely for wear. So far at 5,000 miles, they show almost no wear.
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    Mine slows down on modest city grades. Yours isn't working right.
  • kpevavkpevav Member Posts: 41
    I have found the same as stevedebi, there is not much deceleration (compared to any other car I have owned). It's not a complaint, just something I thought came with the CVT. I also test drove another Freestyle about a year before and noticed the same thing.

    When you say that, "Yours isn't working right," do you know whether an adjustment can be made either to the software or to the CVT to provide more deceleration?
  • stevedebistevedebi Member Posts: 4,098
    "Mine slows down on modest city grades. Yours isn't working right."

    Not talking about grades - flat terrain, and slowing from 35-40 MPH; the FS simply likes to keep going. It does slow down, but much more gradually than other cars I have owned.
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    I just came back from a little trip and re-evaluated the slow down aspect. On flat terrain the slow down is a bit more gradual, but the hill calibration works fine.
  • catmouracatmoura Member Posts: 29
    I paid for my first rear brakes on my 05 SEL (made 3/1/05) at 18,740 mi and paid for that one. 6 months later and at 27333 mi I needed a new rotor and pads. They paid for that one.

    What type of Freestyle do you have?
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    I bought my 06 Limited Freestyle AWD this past October with about 19K miles. I really do like the car, although I have noticed substantial brake dust in the rear and after reviewing these posts, it obvious what the problem is. I've noticed uneven wear in my rear rotors. I feel pretty confident the Ford dealer who sold me the car will not take the hit on this repair, so I am prepared to pay for this repair. I've looked into aftermarket brakes and found the EBC slotted and dimpled rotors and EBC Greenstuff Brake pads. http://www.buybrakes.com/store/EBC-GD7325 On their website, the cost for these front and back rotors and brake pads are $605. My Question is the following: If I'm going to have to pay Ford $500 for a brake job, wouldn't I be better off investing a little more on these rotors and pads? Does anyone know if these would help with the brake problems on the Freestyle? If I purchase these, would a local mechanic or repair station be able to install them, or should I inquire if the local Ford dealer would install them for me. I know this was a long post. I apprecaiate any responses.
  • sportmansportman Member Posts: 23
    I tried to go the EBC route for my '05 LTD AWD. EBC could not deliver. I got in a time crunch, bought rotors from Ford and Ceramic Pads by RAYBESTOS. Total cost is much less than EBC and so far (3000 miles) they are quiet, produce much less dust and the pedal feel is great.

    A moonlighting Ford mechanic installed everything - my total cost (parts and labor) was $265.
  • richfig23richfig23 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the tip Sportman. So EBC did not have the rotors in Stock? Even though i'm sure the EBC rotors would look great and perfom better, $265 sounds much better to me than >$600 now that I am a family man (10 years ago would be different). I also live in North Jersey (Elmwood Park). If you think your moonlighting Ford Mechanic would be willing to do mine as well, I would appreciate a referral? My e-mail address is richfig23@yahoo.com. Not to get political here, but I totally agree with the sentiments in your profile. I thought I was the only Jersey resident that felt that way.
  • bizarroronjbizarroronj Member Posts: 27
    March 2006 - After 22,000 km, brought in my FS for servicing and mentioned a grinding noise coming from the rear.
    Service dept. told me pads were shot and both pads and rotors needed to be replaced to a tune of $500+
    Raised a bit of a stink and dealership agreed to pay all but $150.
    Feb 2007 - only 10,000 km later and the pads have to be changed AGAIN! I can understand that the dealership can only do so much. They report what they see and do what needs to be done, but worn pads after 10,000 km is crazy. And the front pads are still fine!

    I called Ford customer service, not expecting much, but just needing to vent a bit.

    (I also haven't mentioned having to have the CD player changed twice, the gas guage once, and the transmission completely replaced).

    This is most definitely my last Ford vehicule.
  • washewashe Member Posts: 1
    At 15,500 K miles my rear break pads were shot. One side was down to 1MM the other was worse and damaged the rotors. I do not have an extended warranty. The dealer covered the rotor replacement under my std warranty but I had to pay $275 for new pads and labor after they had my car for a week. I complained to Ford Cust Serv - no assistance there. I then complained to the service manager at the dealership. After 2 days of calls they came back with an offer of a free oil change and break check in 5K miles.
  • rick2456rick2456 Member Posts: 320
    I agree. My FS is the same way (2005 SEL AWD). There is almost no braking from the CVT compared to other vehicles I have owned.

    >
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    I have a 2005 Freestyle, now with 15,000 miles on them.

    Because of all the reports on this forum, I had my mechanic check my brakes today when I had my oil changed.

    After 2 years and 15k miles, the fronts still have 80% wear left on them, and the rears still have 90% wear left on them.

    Granted, I think I drive/brake a lot differently than a lot of people. When I ride with other people, they scare the heck out of me. For example, at highway speeds, they'll approach a atack of obviously completely stopped traffic ahead at full speed, then put on the brakes (heavily) at the last possible moment. If I were driving, I would've let off the gas and started coasting long before, so that I could ease into the brakes gently and come to a nice smooth sotp.
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    BRAKES... they are BRAKES... Why is this a challenge?

    Cars have BRAKES to stop them.

    Windshields in your car BREAK after a stone has hit them or you hit a wall when your cars BRAKES fail.

    Work with me already...
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    OK, give a hand here. How does one go about spelling ZOLOFT? Hint- take a look at the bottle you forgot to open this morning. ;) Seriously, I get irritated by spelling at times, and the next thing I know, another typo. Not all posters here are native Americans either, and I'll guarantee they spell in english better than I could ever do in their language, I applaud anyone for trying. If I don't get too rushed I'll go for the spell checker when available, but that doesn't help between brakes and breaks either.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Why is this a challenge?

    Do you have an comments on the Freestyle brakes? :)

    tidester, host
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    When did they start installing those? How do I get some?

    Mark.
  • haulthault Member Posts: 130
    There was a TSB on the rear brakes. I believe it covers some or all of the repairs. I purchased after market ceramic pads and had the FORD dealer install them. They acknowledged FORD had a known problem and I was charged a nominal fee for the install. I had 18,000 miles on my 2005 FWD. At the time I had little pad left on the rear and the fronts looked fine.
  • den123den123 Member Posts: 5
    Ok, I have now been added to the list of Freestyles with bad brakes. I have NEVER had to replace brakes on any car before 50,000 or 60,000 miles. My 05 Freestyle has just turned over 25000 miles. No problems whatsoever before now. And just fyi, I don't use my emergency brakes. Last week suddenly started hearing grinding sound coming from right rear passenger tire. Brought car in yesterday, need brakes, needs machining, needs all that stuff that I can't remember what it was called. I mentioned the TSB, but because I have 25000 miles, nothing is under warranty. And to top it all off, my tires are bad. Cracks in two of them greater than 1 1/2 inches long. What's up with that? I was so discouraged, as I absolutely LOVE my Freestyle, but this puts me over the edge - and reminds why I haven't purchased a Ford before now. Sorry, I just had to vent. This is totally unacceptable.
  • kbbbmallardkbbbmallard Member Posts: 7
    Been following the posts and haven't posted for a while. Just to refresh, my rear pads were replaced at 18000 miles. 2005 awd. I was lucky because of this site I caught mine before any rotor damage. Dealer paid 50% of the cost so I wasn't too upset. My 18" Pirelli tires are going to need replacing by about 28000 miles. No help there. Now that the Freestyle is going to become the Taurus X. I am sure our resale values will suck.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Nonsense. There is always a good market for a good clean used vehicle. If you take good care of your Freestyle, it's value should be little affected by the name change at trade-in time.
  • carstenbcarstenb Member Posts: 37
    i can well understand that this is upsetting but were the pads still ok at the 20k service (should have been checked then)? with the now known issues i would expect that the dealer takes extra care and recommends replacing them if they are not good anymore for the next 5k miles.

    it is not nice but pads may not last longer than 25k miles these days (i am used to that from the pads we had over in Europe) but they should not go from "plenty of pad left" to damaging the rotors within 5k miles.

    i regluarly check the pads because i am aware now and i dont want to ruin the rotors. the pads and the right rotor on our FS were replaced free of charge at the 15k service. currently at 22k and no obvious wear.

    Carsten
  • den123den123 Member Posts: 5
    I don't remember it coming up at previous checks, no one saying hey, you're going to need your brakes rechecked soon, but with all of these postings, I probably should have done a better job of keeping up. I certainly will now, since I imagine I'll need another set again soon. Drat. :(
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    All Ford dealers are required to go over a multi point inspection sheet with you at every service. This includes telling you your brake wear.

    Mark
  • fordwrenchfordwrench Member Posts: 70
    Unfortunately Ford stores are NOT required to fill out the inspection forms. Furthermore if an unqualified quick lube tech is filling them out he/she might not be looking too closely at rear brakes because the front are supposed wear out first, faster. I don't know what the answer is, possibly asking about the rear brakes specifically.
  • nibyaknibyak Member Posts: 26
    When I purchased my 2006 in January 2006, Ford was offering a Free 25,000 mile Ford service contract. My dealer also included a Free State vehicle inspection for the life of the car. On every visit to the dealer for service at 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, and 25,000 my brakes were listed as "light wear" and were checked in the Green box (not yellow or red). At the same time I had the 25,000 mile service performed I also had the State inspection done. In the time it took for my car to go from the service bay to the inspection bay, the rear brakes went from "light wear" to "these need to be replaced so you can pass inspection". The good thing is it was covered under the Ford 25,000 service plan. At 40,000 my wife hit a curb and cut the sidewall on a rear tire. I decided to have all four tires replaced at a Ford dealer near work (85 miles from home) and the inspection sheet said heavy wear on the rear brakes. I replaced the pads myself at 41,000 miles. I have 10,000 miles the new pads (autozone ceramics) and they still look really good. It was cold I didn't feel like measuring them.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I replaced the pads myself at 41,000 miles. I have 10,000 miles the new pads (autozone ceramics) and they still look really good. It was cold I didn't feel like measuring them.

    Were they hard to replace? Did you have to get special pads with wires running from them to ensure that the brake pad warning light doesn't remain on all the time?

    I've replaced disk pads in my old Escort and Cougar and it was simply a matter of taking out two screws, removing the old pads, using a C clamp to push in the piston, put in the new pads and screw them in. It was easy to do, but with my Cougar, the replacement pads didn't come with the wire, so the brake pad warning light remained on all the time, although the pads were fine. I'd rather not have that same problem with the Freestyle.

    With the Freestyle do you need a special tool to push and turn in the piston?
  • nibyaknibyak Member Posts: 26
    The replacement was pretty straightforward. There are no wires, and no brake pad warning light for that matter. You do need a tool to rotate the pistons while compressing them. There is a cheap tool ($8.99), which is used with a 3/8" ratchet; that fits into the indentations on the pistons so you can rotate them. That’s the one I used. There is a better tool ($39.00 - $99.00) that fits into the caliper and makes the compression easier. But other that that, it's just two bolts and it's finished.
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    I'm not quite sure how to interpret the following- on AWD, does it mean only that both axles need to be changed or it isn't applicable, and for the warranty statement, what exactly does that all mean?
    Printable View (51 KB)
    TSB
    07-5-9 REAR BRAKE DRAG, NOISE, DUST, AND/OR PREMATURE PAD WEAR

    Publication Date: February 28, 2007

    FORD: 2005-2007 Five Hundred, Freestyle
    MERCURY: 2005-2007 Montego

    This article supersedes TSB 06-22-17 to update the Service Parts and include a production fix date for some vehicles. The production fix date excludes Freestyle AWD vehicles.

    ISSUE:
    Some 2005-2007 Freestyle FWD, Five Hundred, and Montego vehicles built before 11/29/2006 may exhibit rear brake drag after being parked for an extended period of time, brake noise, excessive brake dust and/or premature pad wear on one or both wheels.

    ACTION:
    Follow the tsb Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

    SERVICE PROCEDURE

    Replace rear brake pads with revised parts following a revised service procedure in the online Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-04.

    WARNING: WHEN INSTALLING REVISED REAR BRAKE PADS ON FREESTYLE AWD VEHICLES, IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO INSTALL REVISED FRONT PADS TO MAINTAIN PROPER BRAKE PERFORMANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S WEIGHT.

    NOTE: THE LH CALIPER PISTON TURNS CLOCKWISE TO MOVE THE PISTON BACK INTO THE CALIPER AND THE RH CALIPER PISTON TURNS COUNTERCLOCKWISE TO MOVE THE PISTON BACK INTO THE CALIPER. USING THE SPECIAL TOOL, COMPRESS THE BRAKE CALIPER PISTON INTO ITS CYLINDER. WHILE ROTATING THE PISTON IN THE APPROPRIATE DIRECTION, A FORCE TOWARD THE PISTON MUST ALSO BE APPLIED WITH THE TOOL, OTHERWISE THE TOOL WILL SLIP OFF THE PISTON FACE AND PISTON WILL NOT SCREW INTO THE CYLINDER.

    Tip: If the piston is unintentionally rotated in the wrong direction and the internal threads lose contact, the piston can be screwed back into the cylinder. If the Piston boot seal loses contact around the piston, replace the caliper because contamination may have entered. It may take a couple full turns before the threads engage. Be sure that the piston is aligned with the cylinder and a force toward the piston is applied while rotating.

    NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MACHINE THE REAR ROTORS USING THE ROTUNDA ON-CAR BRAKE LATHE UNLESS ROTOR RUNOUT AND/OR RUST ARE EXCESSIVE. MACHINE THE REAR BRAKE DISCS IF THE DIAGNOSIS HAS REVEALED REAR THUMPING OR GRINDING NOISE WHILE BRAKING. HEAVILY SCORED BRAKE DISCS, SIMILAR TO THAT CAUSED BY PADS WORN DOWN TO THE BACKING PLATE, SHOULD ALSO BE MACHINED. IN ORDER TO MACHINE, DISCS MUST BE ABOVE THE MINIMUM THICKNESS TO MACHINE SPECIFICATION. REFER TO WSM SECTION 206-00 FOR DISC MACHINING INFORMATION.

    PART NUMBER PART NAME
    7F9Z-2200-A Rear Brake Pads
    8G1Z-2001-A Front Brake Pads

    WARRANTY STATUS:
    Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
    IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

    OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
    070509A Use SLTS Operations If Available; Claim Additional Diagnosis Or Labor Performed As Actual Time Actual Time

    DEALER CODING
    BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
    2200 42

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

    Copyright © 2007 Ford Motor Company
  • lanbabalanbaba Member Posts: 45
    Anyone noticed that the TSB for the rear brakes stated:
    "This article supersedes TSB 06-22-17 to update the Service Parts and include a production fix date for some vehicles. The production fix date EXCLUDES Freestyle AWD vehicles. "
    But in the following lines:
    "WARNING: WHEN INSTALLING REVISED REAR BRAKE PADS ON FREESTYLE AWD VEHICLES, IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO INSTALL REVISED FRONT PADS TO MAINTAIN PROPER BRAKE PERFORMANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S WEIGHT. "
    Why the heck it mentions AWD if this tsb is only for FWD? I want my AWD's repair cost for the rear brake back! :lemon: :sick: :confuse: :mad:
  • angelpahangelpah Member Posts: 5
    I took my Freestyle That has 20,000 miles on it for an Oil change when I found out I needed Rear Breaks, at the cost of over $300.00 bucks!!!!!
    Whats this all about.... The tech told me it's because of a bad Design.... Duhhhh... Do we have any recourse in this?
    To think I have stock in Ford, not much thank goodness.
  • pnewbypnewby Member Posts: 277
    I took the TSB to mean that the date was not for the AWD, only for the FWD models, so all build dates for the Freestyle are eligible. The only thing I don't understand about this is the line reading - "IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part." Does this mean 3-36 or the same old runaround of 12-18?
  • theapemantheapeman Member Posts: 13
    our 2005 freestyle needed new rear pads and rotors at 8000 miles. wife heard brake noise and took the car in - pads completely worn and scoring the rotors. this was shortly after an oil change and free multi point inspection. the brakes were supposed to have been in good shape. they couldn't have even looked at them - do they do any of the other checks? did they even change the oil????? but repairs were done free under warranty. my 1980 bmw had pad wear sensors!!! i just found this forum while looking for info on changing the pads because they are completely worn again at 20,000 miles. i'm doing it myself using akebono ceramic pads.
  • cbutler2cbutler2 Member Posts: 4
    :mad: I too have had a major problem with my rear brakes...I have a 2005 Freestyle which I purchased in February of 2006. At 28,000 miles I noticed an odd noise coming from my brakes, took it in, my rear pads were gone, it was just about metal on metal...they said this was normal wear (every mechanic, except Ford mechanics, have told me that you should have to replace your front brake pads at least 2 times before you replace your rear pads), they were going to charge me 165.00 to replace and turn my rotors..i took it to my mechanic I trust...when he was putting the brake pads on, he noticed that my caliber was pushed all the way out and not working, we ended up having to replace the caliber as well...of course Ford would not pay because my warranty was void due to the fact that a mechanic other than Ford had worked on my brakes...my mechanic purchased the caliber for 100.00..they cost over 200.00 a piece if you go to Ford...this type of caliber is only made by Ford...I was told it was on back order due to the demand for it (makes you wonder if there is not a problem that Ford will not own up to???)....anyway, worried this may happen in another 28,000 miles, I am trading my Freestyle in on anything but a Ford! If they had owned up to there poor design and workmanship I would keep it!
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    No excuse on the poor rear brake issue, but if you would have let the dealer fix the brakes for $165, they would have replaced the caliber under warranty, so it might have been cheaper just to have had the dealer complete the repair in the first place. $165 isn't a bad price for a rear brake job. But in any case, it seems extreme never to buy another Ford because of bad rear brakes that cost you $200? I don't like the rear brake issue either, but it's pretty well known now so I'm watching my rear brakes and the positive aspects of the Freestyle far outweigh the negative...in my opinion.
  • theapemantheapeman Member Posts: 13
    i think your major problem is your mechanic. 28000 miles may be a little soon, and fronts should go first, but that's not bad. if there really was something wrong with your caliper, then ford would have replaced it for free. but your caliper must have been working or you wouldn't have worn out pads. and of course the piston in the caliper is all the way out - your pads were worn!!! maybe your mechanic doesn't know how to move the piston back in - it has to be turned or screwed in, which is easier with a special tool; clockwise on the left side, counter clockwise on the other side.
  • cbutler2cbutler2 Member Posts: 4
    Well, I had thought of that, but I would just about guarantee you that they would have found a reason not to replace the caliber under the warranty for free anyway (I could imagine the scenario that due to my brake pads being worn which caused the caliber to subsequently break, I would be responsible???). In my opinion when I brought my car to the Ford dealer, they knew about the caliber being an issue but of course would not own up. Did I mention earlier that this part is on back order?? From what I was told, they have about 600 on back order. Just remember that when your warranty does run out (not to say that they will replace the caliber even when you still have warranty left on your car!) and your calibers and brake pads have to be replaced, you will be out well over $450, not including labor. Brakes are not something you mess around with...this is a very serious problem and in MY OPINION makes this car unreliable as well as dangerous..
  • cbutler2cbutler2 Member Posts: 4
    He had the special tool...from what he told me..the piston had broke...go figure!
  • freealfasfreealfas Member Posts: 652
    It's a caliPer not caliBer unless you are talking about rifles(but hey, at least you know the difference between brake and break). How did your mechanic get his hands on a caliPer if there are 600 on backorder to solve your problems a secret handshake or something or is he just special because he's not a Ford Tech. Sour grapes because you screwed up and didn't take it to get warranty work is your screw up, not Ford's. And your "just about guarantee you" doesn't hold any water because there is NO WAY to know right now so live with your mistake and quit complaining and go buy anything but a Ford if you feel you need to.

    BTW - Make sure you don't buy one of those zoomy Mazda's either as they are under the Ford umbrella as well.
  • cbutler2cbutler2 Member Posts: 4
    Okay, not planning on buying a Mazda...but I am looking at the Hyundai Azera. You seem to have a good grasp on cars..what do you think??

    Trust me, I really do not have sour grapes, I just wish that Ford had slapped some brake pads on my Freestyle when I had initially brought my car to them. I can not afford to replace brake pads yearly! My car before this, which was a Taurus, I kept for 10 years and loved it! I had hoped to have the same feeling for my Freestyle.

    Also, sorry i misspelled caliper, this whole time I have said "caliber", to Ford technicians and my mechanic, no one corrected me!

    Not much on e-mail lingo, what does "BTW" mean??
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Hyundais in general have a unibody that is not nearly as well designed other compaines.

    Hyundai makes up for lack of engineering and manufactoring abilty by sliping gizmos and gadgits on a car. This method is similar to trying to makea silk purse out of a sows ear.

    I hear for instance from people that the Azera has a harsh ride especially for the price range/catagory that it is in.

    When you have a weak vehicle frame, you cannot control NVH as well. Also you have to tune the suspension to conpensate for the weak frame which compromises ride and handling.

    Proof of a weak unibody is as close as the crash test results at www.highwaysafety.org. The Azera was rated M or Marginal (2nd LOWEST rating) in the Structure aspect of the side impact test. This was after Hyundai beefed up the Roof, floor and side airbags.

    Mark.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    by the way.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I dunno - I'd think people would be pretty sensitive to NVH with a new car unless the other NVH (new vehicle high) clouds their judgment. And if the NVH was that irritating, the JD Power IQS numbers wouldn't be so high.

    J.D. Power: Initial Quality Numbers Show Huge Increases for Hyundai (Inside Line)

    The same study showed big strides for Ford too, btw. :shades:

    Everyone else getting better braking getting the TSBs done?
  • tbyrd1tbyrd1 Member Posts: 1
    At 13,000 I replaced the rear brakes and had the rotors resurfaced. Ford paid since I had complained of excess brake dust. Now 13,800 miles later, again the brakes need to be replaced and are grinding the rotor. This time Ford says warranty is up after 12,000 miles. I will talk to a supervisor before I pick up the car and pay. Any helpful advise if they give me crap will be appreciated.
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    It is my suspicion that the rear brakes are not releasing completely after being parked after an extended period. The TSBs on this subject suggest this. It might be a caliper problem which would be covered under the 3/36 warranty or an extended warranty. Mine seem to be ok yet, but i am paying attention to the release of the parking brake and any noises or drag when first starting out.
  • barnstormer64barnstormer64 Member Posts: 1,106
    That could be, as I've had almost no wear on my tires after 15k miles . . . but I never use the parking brake.
  • bruneau1bruneau1 Member Posts: 468
    Use your parking brake. it not only is more secure, but it also keeps things in adjustment. Apply the parking brake before allowing the weight of the vechicle to rest only on the transmission prawl.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I've never used my Freestyle's parking brake, and I'm on the original pads at 43K miles. The parking brake isn't necessary unless you're on really steep inclines. Once the car is stopped, the Park setting on the transmission is enough...just don't roll the car into Park. Make sure it's completely stopped.
  • chica69chica69 Member Posts: 1
    I too had to have the rear brakes on my Freestyle replaced at 34,000 miles. The dealer states it is "normal" wear and tear. I am not a car mechanic. In fact, I really don't know too much about cars. I do know that the rear brakes should not be worn out at 34,000 miles nor should they be worn out before the front brakes. 2 days after I paid $475.00 to have the brakes repaired, (because of Fords apparent design flaw) Ford posted an updated TSB (07-5-9). In the meantime, the brake lights were staying on all of the time. I again called the service department and scheduled another appointment (4th appointment in 1 1/2 months) to have the brake lights fixed and to have the updated rear brake kit applied to my car. By the way, to those of you who own the AWD model, if they replace the rear brake pads, the front ones also need to be replaced due to the weight of the vehicle. My plan is to get rid of the car altogether. A shame since I have been a loyal Ford owner all of my life. Look out Toyota, here I come. If only Ford would stand behind their product...
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