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Why Is Ford Escape Braking Criticized Here and in Consumer Reports?
I am looking at an Escape to replace a Chrysler minivan. But the review in braking is giving me second thoughts. Is the Flex a safer vehicle? Don't need seven seats but also don't want older, drum brake technology.
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Comments
The old tech wouldn't bother me; I'd focus on braking distance and brake response.
-Drum brakes are an older design.
-Disc brakes are a newer design.
-Drum brake shoes can last somewhere in the 100-150k miles.
-Disc brake pads last somewhere between 20-30k
-Drum brake shoes are difficult and expensive to replace. .
-Disc brake pads are easy and cheaper to replace.
-Drum brakes provide adequate performance.
-Disc brakes provide good performance.
-Drum brake system emits very low to no brake dust into wheels.
-Disc brake system emits brake dust into wheels.
I think a case can be made that modern drum brakes provide good performance (i.e., more than just adequate).
I still have the original drums on my minivan at 129,000 miles. The rear disc pads on my wagon have been changed at least once at 69,000 miles. The rear discs aren't so easy to change on my wagon because of the emergency brake stuff in there.
I fully accept your comment on that modern drum brake systems provide good performance. It is clearly proven by the addition of ABS in rear drum systems, longevity of shoes, and the fact that they are still widely used and chosen by car manufacturers.
You are also correct on the DIY friendliness on "some" rear disc brake systems. Systems that use the same read pads to apply force for parking purposes can be a little tricky and difficult to work with. On the other hand rear disc systems that use a built in drum and dedicated shoes for parking purposes are a much friendly DIY set-up.
I honestly think that for the duty that the rear brakes do any option whether it is drum or disc will be more than efficient to slow and/or stop a vehicle. My wife's 2004 Escape Limited 4WD has drums, my 2006 Mazda5 Wagon has discs and I do not feel inadequacy from either. I beleive that the disc set up is really put in place to make the vehicle "look" nicer and to sell replacement parts more often, hence the fact that pads do not last as long as shoes. Just my $0.02
I :shades: like the look of disc brakes and i plan on up grading the wheels thanks.
I am almost sure that you can swap drum brake system to disc brake system. I have never done it nor heard of someone doing it, so the information I am providing it is solely based on my parts catalog. I work for a dealership and based on my catalog the rear trailing arm, knuckle (spindle), and hub assembly are the same for drum or disc brakes. You will have to replace, brake hoses, caliper mounting brackets, calipers, parking brake shoes, and of course rotors. Here are the part numbers and total list price for this swap. These are from a 2005 Escape, since it was the first year rear disc was offered. (again this information is for reference only and I am not liable for anything that comes of it)
6L8Z-2553-A (RIGHT CALIPER)
6L8Z-2552-A (LEFT CALIPER)
6L8Z-2B540-A (RIGHT CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET)
6L8Z-2B540-B (LEFT CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET)
5L8Z-2A753-AA (PARKING BRAKE SHOES)
5L8Z-2C026-BA (ROTORS) (QTY. 2)
5L8Z-2282-AA (RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE)
5L8Z-2282-AC (LEFT REAR BRAKE HOSE)
Total cost new from dealership for all these parts...about $975
Can somebody help me out.
Thanks