Ford Problems

IT IS a disgrace and Ford should do something about it. A failure on such a vital component should simply not happen. The failure of one brake hose will cause the loss of braking in one system, but you should still have the braking effect of the second system, even if it is substantially diminished. One brake service centre told us it regularly saw failed brake hoses, usually front but also back on occasions, on Falcons and Territorys, but they're usually on high-kilometre cars such as taxis. A taxi operator told us they routinely replace the hoses on any BF Falcon they buy before it goes into service simply because of the high rate of hose failure. It is claimed by people in the trade that Ford designed the hoses too short and they are under tension when installed. The aftermarket, and we believe now also the Ford replacements, are a little longer and don't have the problem. It should have been a recall campaign and Ford should have fixed all cars.

I DON'T doubt you are angry at having suffered such a scare, but your car has been fixed. Hopefully Ford is looking after other owners as well. Ford rightly won't take any notice of what you tell them about other owners' cars. That's for the respective owners to take up with the company and seek resolution. If you really want to take it further, consider a class action suit.

IT IS time Ford recalled these cars and replaced the brake hoses to ensure the danger is eliminated. It's very fortunate no one has been killed as a result of these failures. A veteran of the industry, a brake expert, is astounded that it hasn't been the subject of a recall.

HAVING worked in the engineering side of the industry, I can't believe a dangerous problem like this has escaped Ford's notice. Even worse, I can't believe it wasn't the subject of a recall. As you say, the sudden failure of a brake hose and the loss of braking is a major concern for anyone driving a Falcon or a Territory. I'm not trying in any way to play down the problem, but you don't lose total braking effect if a brake hose fails. The braking system is designed so that if a front hose fails you still have the rear brakes to use, and vice versa.

LOOK for a switch out of a wrecked Falcon -- or even other makes and models -- that's a similar style to yours and install it in the dash. If that doesn't appeal there are switches available on the aftermarket that look neat and tidy and won't be an eyesore. You could also try your local auto electrician. They often have the sort of switch you want.

IF YOU have someone other than a Ford dealer work on your car you will have to pay. As you've consistently reported the problem, and presumably have documentation to support your claim, you could persist with Ford and try to get them to cover the repairs. You might have some success, but I don't like your chances.

BRAKE shudder is a widely reported problem with the Falcon and is usually caused by warped discs. When the discs warp you might be able to fix the problem simply by skimming the discs and fitting new pads. You probably need new discs, but be warned that they will probably warp in no time as well. Most mechanics work on skimming the discs once, then replacing them when the problem returns. Discs last 50,000-70,000km in most cases before they need replacing.

I'M SURE Ford would be most unhappy about its dealer acting in this way, but it has little control over what happens once the cars leave the factory. From what you say, the dealer appears to have misrepresented the car to you and you have cause for complaint, if not compensation. I would pursue legal action against the dealer.

YOU can adjust the rear end, but its not often done. It would only be done if you see odd tyre wear.

MY EXPERIENCE involved driving a current FG Falcon with the optional dedicated E-gas engine, which used 18 litres/100km. That was the average consumption as indicated by the trip computer during the time I had the car. It's important to remember fuel consumption varies tremendously and can be affected by many things such as driving style, tyre pressure, engine condition and tuning. The fuel economy you say you get from your car is on the low side of average.