Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Ford Freestyle Rear Brakes

24567…10

Comments

  • northlakesnorthlakes Member Posts: 368
    I believe the rear Freestyle rotor is larger than the front, but the front rotor is ventilated with dual calipers. Though true that dual calipers will have more area than singles, I think your Speedy misled you.

    ~70% of braking force needs to be up front - that's where the momentum transfers when you brake. If you put too much braking in the rear, the rear wheels lock up. ABS prevents that, but ABS 'throws away' the excess braking to prevent that. If you determine how much braking is needed front and rear (as in most modern vehicle), and design accordingly, it is not an issue. The electronic force distribution fine-tunes that balance.

    Personally, the Freestyle brakes haul this vehicle down to a stop very rapidly in a straight line. They feel better than stopping with Blazers, Explorers, and Escapes in my book. Fortunately, I have never had my Freestyle in for repair in two years of ownership. It has been great. :shades:
  • gigpeb7gigpeb7 Member Posts: 2
    I called Ford customer service, 3 weeks ago, and they agree there is a problem but are not sure how to resolve it. The three independant auto repair shops I went to believe it to be a design flaw in the rear braking system. I agree, everyone with this problem needs to contact Ford directly. The dealerships aren't going to do anything about it.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Can't you be more specific? Just what exactly is this supposed "design flaw"? I'm asking as one who has had no problems with his Freestyle's brakes. Mine was an 04/05 build. I believe Ford went with a different brake pad starting in 02/05. Was your's built prior to that?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    This issue seems to be related to brake pads, not rotors. It appears to be an issue that was addressed.

    ALSO EBD only compensates when ABS is actively managing braking.

    Mark.
  • northlakesnorthlakes Member Posts: 368
    Here are the specifics on the Freestyle brakes (all dimensions in inches):

    Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
    Front brake diameter - 12.5
    Front brake width - 1.1
    Front brakes - ventilated disc
    Rear brake diameter - 13.0
    Rear brake width - 0.4
    Rear brakes - disc

    :shades:
  • carny1carny1 Member Posts: 1
    My car is a the dealer today to have the rear brakes replaced at 32,000 km. In all the years I have driven Ford's I have never had to replace brakes before 70000km. I'm very disappointed in learning how many others have experienced this and Ford has not issued a recall. I have lodged a complaint with Ford Canada and my dealer and I have told them that if a recall is issued I expect full refund on the cost of these brakes.
  • passat_2002passat_2002 Member Posts: 468
    Could you be a little more specific? Is it the pads only that need replacement? And is your Freestyle an '05 model that was perhaps built before mid-February 2005? They went to a different pad after that date.
  • jane37334jane37334 Member Posts: 3
    I would like to know how this turns out. My pads and rotors had to be replaced & turned at 29,900 miles and I elected NOT to have the dealer do this.
    Ford tells me this is not covered by the bumper-bumper warranty...I wonder where the brakes are then?
  • kbbbmallardkbbbmallard Member Posts: 7
    Well I am jumping into the discussion about the back brakes on my 2005 Freestyle. Just had the rear pads checked out because of what I have read on this site and they are worn out at 19500 miles. My dealer gave me the number for Ford and I called and they researched the problem and said there are not tsb's or any information about this problem. I would like to hear from anyone who has got satisfaction from Ford and who to talk to.
  • coldcrankercoldcranker Member Posts: 877
    (from a past post): Ford came out with TSB 05-4-7 in March of 2005. This TSB called for replacement of brakes on 2005 models built between 5/17/2004 and 2/9/2005. Give that number to the dealer to help them find it. The reality is that the dealers usually don't have time to wade through a sea of TSBs looking for something, so its usually good when the consumer has the number for them.
  • kbbbmallardkbbbmallard Member Posts: 7
    Thanks to coldcranker for the TSB. I spoke to my dealer and my freestyle was built april 1, 2005 so it is not covered by this TSB. If there is anyone else who has had rear brakes replaced and got help from Ford or thinks they deserve it, reply back.
  • dgmacdgmac Member Posts: 4
    Ford has updated the TSB.

    Check this link out.

    http://www.myford500.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7336
  • tom_holsingertom_holsinger Member Posts: 58
    My experience with a pair of Taurus/Sable station wagons, a Toyota Camry XLE and a Dodge Caravan has been that front and rear brakes needed replacing at about 50,000 miles.

    I have about 11,000 miles on my 2006 Freestyle. My wife drives it now and I've told her to listen for rear brake noise. We've loved it in the year we've had it - no problems, and its cargo volume has been very helpful.
  • dnashdnash Member Posts: 35
    I noticed in reading the TSB that it says FWD only. Has anyone with AWD been experiencing similar brake issues?
  • kbbbmallardkbbbmallard Member Posts: 7
    Yes, my freestyle is a 2005 Ltd awd. New information, my dealer put the new brake pads on today and decided to pay for 1/2. Luckily I caught the problem before any rotor damage was done. Pads are supposed to be the same as before so it will be interesting to see what happens in another 20,000 miles.
  • dn006dn006 Member Posts: 6
    My 2005 Limited AWD with just under 18,000 miles had to have a set of tires today to replace those sorry Pirellis. I replaced them with the Goodyear Assure Confortread.

    As if that wasn't bad enough, now it appears I have only about 10-20% brake pad life left on the rear brakes. Even the rear rotors are thinning rapidly. This just plain sucks!

    Before I go visit my local dealer, has anyone had any success with getting the dealer to help out with this issue? I have no idea what this is going to cost, otherwise. Also, are there after market rotors and pads that may be better than OEM?

    Thanks!
  • kbbbmallardkbbbmallard Member Posts: 7
    Welcome to the club, I had my pads replaced at 20000 miles and my Pirelli's are wearing fast. If your pads were not completely gone, your rotors should not need replacing. They were very thin from the beginning. My dealer agreed to pay for 1/2 of the pad replacement cost. Ford decided that that would be adequate for me at this time. Everyone with this problem should contact Ford customer service and let them know about their problem. Maybe if there are enough squeeks we will get some grease. Dealer is in McPherson Kansas.
  • lanbabalanbaba Member Posts: 45
    See my previous post. Mine was a 05 Ltd AWD, and had the rear rotors replaced at 8.5k miles. I guess I need to talk to someone at ford again.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    lanbaba:
    I guess the engineers at Ford have never hear of "cross drilled rotors"! (They dissipate the heat better than the stock original equipment rotors.) If Ford included these rotors as part of the package, it would probably raise the price of the vehicle about $100.00 dollars. But then, the customer would not have the "fun" of going back to the dealer over this issue. So, on second thought, it is much better for the company to put out a product with a problem, and in the process, scare potential customers away from making a purchase. But, Ford wants people to purchase American vehicles! Lets all connect the "dots" on this issue! ----Best regards. ----- Dwayne ;) :confuse: :sick: :cry:
  • sportmansportman Member Posts: 23
    I have ordered EMC cross drilled rotors and EMC ceramic(Green Stuff) pads for the rear of my '05 Limited. I believe they will be a major improvement. My theory is that Ford took the brakes from Volvo for the front and used some version of a Ford model for the rear. The proof to me is the dust build-up - rear wheels get filthy wheras the fronts stay relatively clean. I suspect good ceramic pads on front and Ford's "keep the service department prosperous" metal sintered on the back.
    I will let you know how the new brakes work out.
    I would be interested to know how your new Goodyears are performing?, did they require much weight to balance? do they feel smooth if you "accidentally" find yourself going way over the speed limit?
  • haulthault Member Posts: 130
    I had my Ford dealer put ceramics on the rear. I was tired of the dust and fast wear. I did not know about the TSB. Maybe I can get my install money back. I would have installed them myself except I did not know about the "special" tool to turn the pistons in.
  • dn006dn006 Member Posts: 6
    Follow-up

    Went to my local Ford dealer and they will NOT pay for the new pads. They said that IF it was under 12,000 miles they may consider some compensation.

    We will be having new brakes put on at a local shop who is about half the price of the dealer.

    Has anyone had any relief by contacting Ford direct? By the way, thanks for all the replies!
  • dn006dn006 Member Posts: 6
    Interesting theory about the brakes. You are absolutely right about the rears dusting and not the front.

    As far as the Goodyears, they seem to be holding well so far and required just normal weight. I haven't been over 60 yet as I have just been on backroads and my wife normally drives it daily. They seemed fine.

    The toe-in on the car was out quite a bit, especially on the front left which caused significant wear on those sorry Pirellis.

    I believe my naext vehicle will not be a Ford product.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    dn006:
    That is "GREAT" public relations on the part of Ford and the Ford Dealer! Lets connect the dots on this issue. Ford produces a family of vehicles that have problems with early brake pad / rotor wear. The condition is very visible because of the brake dust. The Ford dealers know about this condition, ---- but ---- neither Ford or the Ford Dealer will do anything about the condition after 12,000 miles. You cannot purchase this type of product advertising from a high priced Madison Avenue firm in New York City! Yes Ford, ---- you are doing an outstanding job with regards to selling your products! Keep up the great work. You will be out of business very quickly.
    On the other hand, all Ford would have to do is admit that there is a problem, install cross drilled rotors on the rear of the vehicles with the appropriate pads, and move on! Ford could then use this issue as positive corporate advertisement for product quality, and a concern for the Ford customer base. Word of mouth advertising is the best form of product advertising. The people on this forum would be singing the praises of Ford!
    I hope someone in the Ford Corporation is reading this forum. Best regards. ---- Dwyane ;) :sick: :confuse: :cry:
  • raschwartzraschwartz Member Posts: 5
    My '06 Freestyle with 24,000km is in for service today. The service advisor called to let me know my rear brakes needed replacement, but that there is a special program (warranty ends at 20,000km) that will limit the repair cost to 25% of the repair or C$100, whichever is less. So it looks like Ford is beginning to acknowledge the issue.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I don't think anyone will give Ford high points for advertising!!
  • carstenbcarstenb Member Posts: 37
    the pads and one rotor on our 05 Freestyle were replaced for free (we didn't even have to ask for it) 5 months ago and it had around 15000miles (24000km) on the clock. We got a loaner car too. It obviously really depends on the dealer and the relation you have with him or how much you insist. So far that was the only trouble in 16 months and 20000miles. I really cannot complain, did you read that Dwayne ;)

    Carsten
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    raschwartz & carsten:
    It is nice to see that Ford is starting to do the right thing with regards to this rear brake issue! BUT, ----replacing the rear brakes is only one part of the issue. The other part is correcting the problem of early rear brake wear. The rear brakes should NOT have to be replaced every 15 to 20 thousand miles. QUESTION: ---- Has Ford solved that part of the problem, or will they simply replace the rear brakes at a discount price for the life of the vehicle, for the original owner? There is either an operational problem or the quality of the pads and the rotors are not equal to the task of stopping the vehicle. More needs to be done with regards to this issue. ---- Best regards. ---- Dwyane ;):) :confuse: :shades:
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I guess it depends on how widespread is the issue. My rear brakes are fine at 43,000 miles, so it's hard to really say how widespread the problem really is across all Freestyles.
  • dnashdnash Member Posts: 35
    Same here. I have no brake issues at 30k miles.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    bobw3 & dnash:
    How do you account for your high mileage on your rear brakes? ---- Could the problem simply be a combination of city, (stop & go driving), driving style of the operator, the materials of the brake system and the amount of highway driving logged on the vehicle? Something is different about your vehicles! Let's explore this further! ---- Best regards. ---- Dwyane ;) :confuse:
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I drive pretty normally, and I think my brake wear is pretty normal too. With cars I've driven in the past, it was at about 70,000 miles before I needed to replace the disk pads, so this seems normal to me.

    As far as driving style, if I see a red light ahead of me I don't accelerate to the light only to slam my brakes on at the last minute. I just let of the gas and slowly coast to the light allowing for engine braking. If a car jumps ahead of me I don't care.

    On the highway I rarely use the brakes because I keep aware of my surroundings and don't drive too close to the car in front of me.

    On long downhills I use engine braking.

    Again...pretty normal driving.
  • carstenbcarstenb Member Posts: 37
    all that has been discussed before. My understanding is that (some of) the break pads get dragged by the rotor and lock up, hence the early wear. The 2001 Ford station wagon (first year of that model) i had in Europe had a very similar issue with the original pads. Ford fixed it successfully with pads that had to be mounted rotation direction specific. Took me 30 minutes to mount them and after that i did not touch them again until i sold the car. I agree, it should not happen, but if that remains the only issue i am more than happy.
    On top of it there's probably the driving style. I am amazed how crazy some people drive, still accelerating although the lights are red and then braking like mad :confuse: Maybe they should just watch the road instead of chatting on the mobile phone or watching the navigation system...

    Carsten
  • raschwartzraschwartz Member Posts: 5
    In my case, the way I drive hasn't changed over the years, and I've had 20 new Fords in a row (a new one each year; fleet vehicles) from Tauruses, to Windstars, Escapes, Freestars, etc. and none has had this problem. My wife also has a 2001 Mustang which will need it's second set of brakes at about 120,000 km, which I would consider normal.
  • bellaspopbellaspop Member Posts: 14
    Hi Sportman,

    I'm researching replacement pads for my '05 Freestyle (SEL FWD 25,000mi). I've been reading all of these rear brake postings as well. I'll call my local dealer tomorrow and see where I stand with the TSB, but I was wondering how you were making out with your replacement pads and rotors.

    Thanks.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    As long as you have the tool to retract the pistons, it's pretty easy replacing brake pads, and unless you've ground into the rotors, there's no reason to turn them. Just jack up the car, remove the wheels, take the screws out to release the old pads, push in the piston (open your brake reservoir because the fluid will rise when you push in the piston), slip in the new pads, insert screws, pump brake to check, and pop on the tires. I've done it myself on my Cougar and Escort and it was easy. I'd just go to the auto parts store and see what they have.
  • dn006dn006 Member Posts: 6
    One thing I can assure Ford Motor Company, after one Freestyle and three Expeditions in five years, I have purchased my last Ford product!
  • dnashdnash Member Posts: 35
    I am a relatively aggressive driver, but I am likely to speed up approaching the light and then go through the yellow and coast back down. It is probably about 50-50 city/highway. I rarely get into situations where I have to get into the brakes really hard, but I do drive on the faster side. I don't know of anything specific that I do that would let my brakes last longer than average. I have the AWD Freestyle, which seemed to be missing from the brake TSB.
  • bellaspopbellaspop Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the info.
    It looks like my local dealer is aware of the TSB. He also says that if the car is under 3 yrs. 36k the replacement should not cost me anything. The longer I had him on the phone the more I got the impression they'll take care of you if you do all of the homework necessary to back them into a corner. I had the TSB 06-22-17 ready to be e-mailed if he wanted to read it again but he said he was familiar with it. After he told me they use a different pad as a replacement I made an appointment to have it done next Thursday. I'll let you all know how it turns out.
  • blue05blue05 Member Posts: 42
    If you don't have the special tool need to turn and push at the same time it can't be done . The parking brake is attached to the caliper . The arrows on the caliper tells you in what direction to turn the piston . I did notice Bosch name was on the pads and the dust boot on the pins the caliper slides on . IMO this must have been a package deal Ford buys the braking system from Bosch and they throw in the pads for FREE . ;)
  • musicalmerlinmusicalmerlin Member Posts: 4
    I've got an '05 with 22K miles on. It just failed inspection on the rear brakes. The dealership charged for replacing the pads and turning the rotors. They said it is a common issue. I then found out my father has a coworker with a 500 with similar issues. He's been told that Ford is coming up with a replacement set of parts for rear brakes. Sounds like larger rotors, etc. Anyone else hear about this? I'm planning on going in to make a big stink about it.

    As for Ford brakes going so early, I just had to change my '03 mustang brakes with only 40k miles on it, so something is fishy. It's a V6 so it isn't like I'm horsing around with the car.
  • nibyaknibyak Member Posts: 26
    The special tool cost me $8.99 at Autozone. It took about an hour to replace the pads. My 06 had the pads replaced buy the dealer free of charge at 25,000 miles. The passenger side inside pad (the one you can't see through the wheel) was just about metal-to-metal at around 40,000 (only 15,000 this time). I don't know if the dealer put on the revised pads or not but I figured I'd do it myself this time. What I did was remove the rotor and bolted the caliper back up and put a small block of 2x4 behind it so I could crank down on the rotating tool with out the rear of the caliper sliding in and out. The pistons retracted in just a minute with no problems. Passenger side counter clockwise, driver side clockwise. I used Duralast Gold Ceramic pads (not my first choice) from Autozone since they were all that I could find locally and I was in a hurry. Next time I will try the Rabestos ceramic pads, unless these Autozone pads solve all of the problems.
  • bellaspopbellaspop Member Posts: 14
    Hi musicalmerlin,

    If you scroll back to post #64 there's a link that'll take you to the TSB that describes the early brake wear that a lot of Freestyles are experiencing. My dealer is aware of it and is replacing the existing pads with ceramics, and I'm addressing the door latch recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 06V38300)also. Don't know if that applies to your vehicle.
  • blue05blue05 Member Posts: 42
    I purchased the same pads from AutoZone because of the lifetime free replacement warranty and good results from other pads over the years .If you look at the part #1071 other brands have the same numbers with different letters . Maybe they are made by one company and distributed under other brand names . You also may rent or buy the 11 pcs disc brake set part # 27111 from AutoZone . Just remember to replace your current pads when you have 30% or more pad left to keep your warranty in tack.
  • brentj1brentj1 Member Posts: 1
    Next in line...at 17,000 mi. I assumed the rear noise was wheel bearing b/c too early for brakes. Dealer initially agreed with my diagnosis, then checked brakes and saw they were down to 5%. Dlr. picked up half the cost of pads & rotors. Noise persisted, and second check confirmed rear wh. bearings were in fact cooked. Coming out of the shop today. Warrany covers the job. Dlr. attitude & loaner situation have been good, but...
  • rav4manrav4man Member Posts: 21
    Hello Ford Detroit,
    I know you are reading this.
    Wondering how the rear brake thing is
    going with your Freestyle "customers".

    Rears metal to metal at 25,000 miles.
    Front at 50%.
    I spent $320 at Goodyear for pads and rotors.
    2005 limited AWD. Your ford dealers want $75
    just to look at the thing and an estimate.
    Hey Ford Detroit, why dont you just sign on in
    here, or just email me on how I can get my $320 back,
    dont you want me to buy another Ford ???
    You really want me to go Toyota/Honda?

    Come on, Ford Detroit, just jump in here,
    going foreign soon... any body there in Detroit ?

    You can just email me how I get my $320 back...
    let me know, if you lose me, you lost america...
    you there ?
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,308
    the grass is always greener on the other side.
    totally babied, high end vehicle.
    i have been in a similar situation with other brands.
    if it were my freestyle, i would be upset, too.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,308
    um, er, since i forgot a few words, my post makes no sense.
    what i was trying to say was that my wife had an expensive wagon that need new front pads\disks at 30k.
    it was mostly driven on the highway and any loads were carried in our suv.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • packerpacker Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 and just had to replace the pads and rotors on the back at 24,000 miles. We bought the car used this past spring with 16,000 miles on it. It turns out that the previous owner already replaced the front brakes. Our dealer (Mac Easler Ford in Hendersonville, NC) didn't offer to do squat and made beleive that they were not aware of any brake problem with the Freestyle. I did the back brakes myself with the special tool bought from Autozone accompained by a 12" clamp to keep pressure on the simple tool. Once you get the hang of it, it's a breeze. But I tell ya, Ford has big time problems putting a car with brakes like these on the market. I think there engineers have their heads up their asses - and they wonder why the [non-permissible content removed] are takeing over the market??? I have been a Ford man all of my life, but I think this is the last one I buy. Toyota here I come.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,308
    maybe dale jarrett ford(now toyota) will take care of you. :sick:
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles