Ford Territory 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.

WE HAVE received several reports of rusty Territories since we published the first letter and it seems some are being repaired and others not. Let us know how you get on.

I'D LIKE to say you can believe the dealer, but I'd be wanting to replace the brake hoses. It's better to be safe than sorry.

KITS are available from the main LPG suppliers. I have driven a Tartarini injection system from Global Autogas Supplies. It drove well with no apparent problems. Other firms have similar systems available. There is one issue: the LPG tank usually goes inside the car, reducing interior room and eliminating the third seat.

HAVE you checked the engine to see if it is coming from there? It sounds awfully like the engine itself, perhaps a faulty valve lifter, because it goes away when the engine warms up. An engine noise might sound like it's coming from under the dash.

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.

Fords have a split-circuit braking system that ensures you at least have front or rear brakes after a failure of either system. Owners reporting no brakes when a hose fails on a Falcon or a Territory may feel as though they have lost all brakes, but they do still have some braking to stop the car. If a hose does fail the pedal will go almost to the floor before you get any braking effect. Australian design rules require carmakers to demonstrate there is sufficient braking power to stop the car if either the front or rear brakes fail. That's not much consolation for the person at the wheel and it simply shouldn't happen. We are taking this up with Ford and pressing for a recall of affected vehicles.

THE front diff seals are a regular issue with the Territory, but I haven't heard of a problem with the oil pan seal. It is odd that it can't be fixed with a new seal, so it's worth looking at other possibilities. I would doubt that it's a pinhole in the block. The only thing you can do is to pressure Ford until they do something about it.