Ford Problems

IT'S not a problem, but normal wear and tear I would suggest. I would guess your discs are in need of machining, or even replacement.

THANKS for your input. It sounds like Ford had taken care of the problem and Dennis and Helen should go back to their dealer and ask for the fluid change.

THEY were a good unit; they had good ground clearance and a locked diff, so they were quite competent in all but the toughest off-road situations.

IT WAS wrong you weren't told the tonneau wasn't covered by the factory warranty if that's the case, though I doubt Ford would sell a product on a new car that wasn't covered. I suggest you follow Ford's suggestion and see the dealer from whom you bought the car and have them both fix it and explain their poor communication.

THE Jackaroo should be OK, but I'd look at a Pajero, which I think would be a better choice. As for the Falcon, the cars you are looking at have to be seen in isolation because of their age and kilometres. The Falcons are generally tough, but are known to have problems with radiators and head gaskets. At that number of kilometres I'd have the auto transmission carefully checked, particularly if you intend to tow.

I'M NOT sure what your experience has been with the Falcon, but before you dump it and spend money on a replacement, I'd try to fix the issues that concern you. The main problem with the Falcon when towing is the automatic transmission. I'd install an external transmission oil cooler, which will ensure the auto doesn't overheat and will remove the chance of having a problem with the factory oil cooler in the radiator.

I THINK you should query it. Worn ball joints are not only expensive to replace -- and it seems that is part and parcel of owning a Territory - they can be dangerous if they fail, as they are prone to do. That yours need replacing at 18,000km is beyond my comprehension. Ford should replace them at no cost to you.

A GOOD tip, one that clearly works for you.

FOLLOW the dealer's advice to start with. When you finish washing your car open the doors and let any excess soap drain away, and finally chamois the steps and surrounding area dry. You could also consult a four-wheel-drive specialist and see what they do to retain the bright appearance of the side steps on other cars. If you feel you want to continue dealing with Ford, there's no other way but to maintain the rage and certainly put your complaints down in writing and send them to the company.

I HAVE driven several E-Gas Falcons from Ford and have observed the vibration you talk about in at least one of them, a one-tonne cab-chassis. My reading of the vibration was that it was definitely driveline-related and I would have had the tailshaft checked if it was my car. You could have the driveline inspected by an independent mechanic, but that will cost you money, so I would keep up the pressure on Ford.