Noisy Disc Brakes

[cgn9tom]

I bought my 2007 Sport Trac last December with just a little over 10,000 miles. My son drives our 2001 Sport Trac that we bought new. The brakes on the 2007 start squealing, usually after everything has warmed up and driving slow, as in town. They squeal when the brakes are released, not applied, and quit once up to a speed higher than a crawl. Is there any way to stop this, or is this inherent to the Sport Trac's disc brakes? I have never had disc brakes do anything like this before, and the brakes are in really good shape, as would be expected with less than 18,000 miles. Also, I haven't been able to pin it down to a particular wheel yet, still looking. Any ideas?

Other than that, I love this '07. It is just what I expected, especially after having the '01. Thanks for any help that you can give me. BTW, I am mechanically inclined, just looking for someone that has also had this experience with their ST. Thanks again.

 

[cgn9tom]

It appears after doing a little more research that this might be the high pitched squeal noise from the rear axle area while driving at low speeds.
I am going to have it checked by my Dealer and reference associated TSB's. Thanks.

 

[cgn9tom]

saga continued

So I took my '07 SportTrac by the Dealer that sold it to me and told him of the problem, and explained the TSB's associated with it, and I get a blank stare and a response of "if I look up TSB's on that vehicle, I'll get over 40".

Then after test driving it, they tell me that it's the front tires whining and it needs an alignment. After I explained once more that it's a metallic high pitched noise they agree that it's probably not the tires. After inspecting it again, I'm told the brakes appear to be OK, but we couldn't find any other problem, just drive it and take notes as to when it happens. This could be long and drawn out or I could take it to another FoMoCo Dealer that happens to be closer anyway. What to do?

 

[Xjman1]

Been lurking this site for a while, but after seeing this post I had to register. I too have been dealing with this issue and have had my truck on atleast 5 times on this. They have turned the rotors due to scoring, still made noise. Replaced the brake pads and still made noise. Finally they found faulty pads with chunks of metal in them and replaced them again. Worked well until about 3 weeks ago and it started again.
Dealer always stated they cannot duplicate the problem, so will not tear into it until they do. Sad part is my buddy works in the service dept and is tired of this deal as well.
I love this truck and would love to stay Ford Loyal, but am at wits end here and may pursue a lemon law or trade in on a small car.
Bottom line, have them check your brake pads or replace them with non Ford pads at your expense. I would but buying this thing new it should be covered by warranty. IMO

 

[cgn9tom]

Do you mean the pads had chunks of metal in them other than what is already in semi-metallic pads? I expect some noise from semi-metallic pads, but not to the extent of what I have been hearing. If that is what is really the problem, even though under warranty, I will replace them myself with aftermarket pads. Pads are relatively cheap, and easy to replace....and would probably actually save me time and money dealing with the Dealer and the gas to get there and back. Thanks for your input...I will let you know what I do, and if it is successful.

Also, will not go away from Ford, especially in this day and age. I also don't think that this will be covered under the lemon law. IMHO

 

[Xjman1]

Yes there was a nugget of metal in the pads about 1" long by about 1/2" wide and 1/4" deep.

Yeah I try to support Ford especially since I come from a family of Ford employees but this has gotten annoying. I could replace the pads and may end up going that route.

Lemon law lawyer say I have an excellent chance of returning it with as many times as it has been in the shop but it is me holding back. Worse thing to me is they have turned the rotors 4x and that is a lot of material removed. This means I have to suck up the cost of new rotors sooner than later.

 

[BigV]

I love this truck and would love to stay Ford Loyal, but am at wits end here and may pursue a lemon law or trade in on a small car.
Bottom line, have them check your brake pads or replace them with non Ford pads at your expense. I would but buying this thing new it should be covered by warranty. IMO

Make no mistake your problem with service is not ford it's the dealership. My wife had a honda with a tsb for 3rd gear grinding and popping out of gear. Guess what they could not duplicate so they would not fix it. They tell me if it is a warranty issue after they take it apart they will cover it if it's not then I have to pay. I traded in the accord and bought her a mariner. Some dealers are very **** when it comes to customer service others could careless.

 

[Xjman1]

I have friends all throughout this dealership, they even had a Ford rep on site a few times. The dang things are temperamental as now they are not making any noise.

 

[Mike10]

My 07 Explorer XLT has the same brake squeel, just had the 80,000 km (50,000mi) brake service done and they still squeel. Did you try aftermarket pads (and rotors) yet ?
Is it still squeeling ?

 

[cgn9tom]

Yes, mine is still squealing. I haven't tried anything yet, and my SportTrac only has 19,000 miles. I ride my motorcycle most of the time, so I don't know when I'll try something on it. Still trying to get a better handle on what exactly it is. I still don't believe it is the brakes. Also, it only happens at very slow speeds after everything has heated up on the drive train and brakes. Take care.