LT Focus brake failure

Harryin Ford · 08-07-2009, 02:33 PM

Today, my 1 year old focus’ break failed when I was driving to work. There were “click” noise and the car was shaking when I tried to stop the car (at around 40k/hr). The break power was very weak. I tolled my car to the dealer and they charged $110 to repair it (don’t know what wrong with my car yet), shouldn’t these be covered by the warrantee?

marg99 · 08-07-2009, 07:55 PM

Can you tell us what the dealer said was wrong?

melbzetec · 08-07-2009, 08:40 PM

Sounds like brake pads to me.

And no, not under warranty as it is a consumable

ptwhite2003 · 10-07-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melbzetec

Sounds like brake pads to me.

And no, not under warranty as it is a consumable

Not so fast, pardner.

Some 20-odd years ago I had a new Laser that wore its front pads down to the backing plates in a matter of months. It was found that a dodgy return valve in the master cylinder was keeping a slight pressure on the pads at all times, causing them to wear prematurely. Got the master cylinder fixed and the pads replaced under warranty.

If our friend's Focus is only 12 months old, that sounds pretty young to go through as set of pads already, so maybe it's worth investigating.

Of course, I don't know anything about his driving methods, LOL.

BlackLS · 12-07-2009, 12:45 PM

Still even with the pads worn down metal to metal the it still should have good braking force. And you'd probably would notice grinding over a click noise.

I recon its something to do with a hydraulic leak, like a hose broken or loose, or bleed outlet coming off.

dave_vic_ozz · 12-07-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harryin Ford

Today, my 1 year old focus’ break failed when I was driving to work. There were “click” noise and the car was shaking when I tried to stop the car (at around 40k/hr). The break power was very weak. I tolled my car to the dealer and they charged $110 to repair it (don’t know what wrong with my car yet), shouldn’t these be covered by the warrantee?

It could be anything.

You may have kicked up a coat hanger, ripped the hose and had 1/2 brakes to pull it up with. I cannot remember but either Front and back or RF LR and LF RR are separate systems.

Blown seal on a caliper. Who knows.

You need to ask.

#Russ#Es# · 13-07-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harryin Ford

Today, my 1 year old focus’ break failed when I was driving to work. There were “click” noise and the car was shaking when I tried to stop the car (at around 40k/hr). The break power was very weak. I tolled my car to the dealer and they charged $110 to repair it (don’t know what wrong with my car yet), shouldn’t these be covered by the warrantee?

You didn't refuse to pay the $110 until they told you what the problem was? Or at least ask if/why it wasn't covered by warranty??

Could also be as simple as a faulty washer, had one in mine and was losing brake fluid (rather slowly)...was fortunate to pick it up before it started doing any damage.

BlackLS · 13-07-2009, 12:21 PM

Yeah the Focus is RF LR and LF RR

marg99 · 17-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Pity this sort of posting is unhelpful to any other focus owner but at least someone gets things off their chest.

Velociraptor82 · 18-07-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marg99

Pity this sort of posting is unhelpful to any other focus owner but at least someone gets things off their chest.

I dissagree as tomorrow you may find yourself suffering from the same symptoms and by reading this thread (once we have the conclusion as to what it was) you'll know what to look for.