lyko

Hi all, Thought I'd put my two bobs in..... Just like everyone else, I forked out extra $3K so I wouldn't get the shudder of the stocko's. No one told me the squeal was for free! Been back to dealer three times until they had the upgrade pads available. Once installed I thought problem had been fixed but returned after 2,000 k's. Got jack of the rubbish spun by Ford so went to specialist brake pad company in Melbourne called Race Brakes. Seems that the PBR caliper isn't the best design going round. According to the guys at Race Brakes, main problem is that the pads move around slightly under braking. Also, the pistons in the front caliper are the same size - what should be the case is the the leading piston should be larger than the rear piston to give greater pressure to the leading edge. This is what AP Racing do with their calipers (I was shown one when I visited). Furthermore, the 'overlaping grooves' on the discs are also a no-no, but that another story...Anyway, the guys at Race Brakes install one of their own sets of pads with a tapered edge (reason for this is that the squeal occurs from the edge of the pad). I've also got some glazing on my discs due to the stop start Melbourne traffic (and my gentle driving style!). The problem will never be totally eliminated as I do get some 'slight' squeal when cold, but nothing like I had to endure with the Ford pads. My car has done about 8,000k's (total 37,000 k's) and I'm much happier. Another advantage is the brake dust that would coat the front rims after 2-3 days has been reduced dramatically. Cost all up (pads, machine and labour) $140. I trust this helps guys. regards.....Lyko

Hi all, Its been very interesting reading your coments re: squealing brakes. I have a T with the Premium brakes. I drive the car from home to work and back (60km round trip) on sealed roads (no dirt roads). The car has done 3,500k's and its been back to Ford twice. Results are as follows: * first visit - remove and re-surface discs. No squeal for a couple of days, then problem returned. * second visit - tighten bolts and clean discs (sounds like something you would say when you haven't even looked at it!) Also, as my 18's are covered in brake dust, I seriously doubt they took the wheels off because you would see fingerprints on the rims. I hope Redhawk is correct and that a 'warranty' fix is on its way. Even though it doesn't affect the performance of the brakes, its very annoying and frustrating. Nothing worse than pulling up to a set of lights with sqealing brakes! I will certainly be calling the dealer again on Tuesday. With these brakes standard on so many FPV GT's, you would think that it would be an easy fix. Turbocrazy, let us know how the QFM pads go. regards, Lyko

Thanks Zapxr6t and CJF077. I already feel part of the family!

Hi all, After months of visiting the website (which is fantastic!) and reading all the comments, I have finally picked up my XR6 Turbo. Its been three weeks since I collected it from City Ford and I just can't get enough of it. I need to make up excuses so I can drive the thing (just going to the milk bar for some milk honey!). The car is truly superb! It has smooth, strong power which just keeps coming. The ride is really good, especially with the optional 18's. The interior is a huge improvement over the AU, and the exterior is spot on. Details of my car are as follows: Automatic, Phantom, 18" wheels, Performance brakes, FPV sports steering wheel, Premium sound system, XR scuff plates and mats and tinted windows. I ordered the Performance brakes because of the 'brake shudder' stories I read on the site as well as first hand accounts from friends who also have that problem with their turbo's. The only down side is I get heaps of brake dust and slight squeeling when they get hot. Its more an annoyance that anything else, but if anyone out there knows of any brake pads that have reduced brake dust, please let me know. Also, you may find this weird, but I asked the dealer to remove the turbo badge from the boot. Its certainly surprised a few SS's! Anyway, got to duck down to the milk bar for some bread! Cheers everyone. Regrads, Lyko PS Sorry if my message is in the wrong forum - just finding my way around.