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Ford Falcon: Squealing brakes

I HAVE written to Ford boss Tom Gorman expressing disappointment with his company's inability or lack of commitment to solve a brake problem in my BA Falcon. I bought the car new in 2003 and noticed that the brakes squealed when first applied. I have taken it back to the dealer three times and each time they have resurfaced the rotors and pads, without effect. I got the impression they thought I was complaining about something very minor, but I regard it as a major issue and the only one I have with the car. Once, the service manager suggested I brake harder and later, which I found amazing advice. Ford's customer assistance centre said it could not be cured. I eventually got a letter from Ford, not from Tom Gorman, saying my car was within its specification and similar to other BA Falcons. I would appreciate your advice regarding the problem. Can it be solved? And what is your view of Ford's attitude?

CarsGuide approached Ford for its help in solving Stephen's problem, and it sent an engineer to assess the car. A new set of brake pads was fitted and the car was given back to Stephen, apparently fixed. He thought otherwise and asked us to drive the car. The noise we heard was a swishing noise rather than a squeal. There are a couple of possible causes: a warped disc, or the park brake pads rubbing against the disc while driving along. The PBR park brake has a problem which allows the pads to drop out of position and rub on the disc. This can be checked by gently applying the park brake a notch or two while driving -- enough to reposition the park brake pads. If that's the cause, the noise will stop for a short time until the pads drop out of position again. If the noise does cease when the park brake is applied, there isn't a fix. If it doesn't go away, look for a warped rotor. The best fix is to install better quality rotors from a company such as Disc Brakes Australia.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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