Parking Brake Woes

[CFlat]

Oi,

Want to share another Ford experience with the group.

Had my parkbrake adjusted at around 30.000 k's by John McGrath Ford in Woden.

This was because the parkbrake lever had "gone vertical". They charged me $83 to carry out this procedure, which I argued unsuccesfully.

Vehicle was back soon after because of the swoosh/grind/squeak/complain noises come from rear discs due to handbrake shoes dragging. The parkbrake was adjusted without charge.

Vehicle was back to them again for same thing, swoosh/grind/squeak/complain noises coming from same place, again adjusted without charge and an explanation given that this is "common/normal"

At 45000km service, I again requested that the swoosh/grind/squeak/complain noises are a constant cause of parking lot embarassment and would you please fix the %&*#@&^ thing!!

Collected the car after this service (Friday 5th November) and was told that the rear discs and parkbrake shoes are badly worn and need to be replaced, and that this is NOT a warranty item, as brakes are normal wear and tear. WTF!? Maladjustment of brake shoes is apparently my fault!!

I was charged $53 for this adjustment, and the swoosh/grind/squeak/complain noises STILL PREVAIL!

Rang 13FORD that afternoon and spoke to Hamish, who says "not under warranty". I argue my point during a 35 minute phone call where I sit on hold for most of that time while Hamish speaks to McGraths. Finally Hamish says he'll ring me back by Tuesday 9th Nov. Hamish didn't ring!

On Thursday 11th November I ring 13FORD again, and am told that Hamish is busy on the phone, but is looking after my complaint and will ring me back in 15 minutes. Hamish didn't ring back!

I am a further 6 days down the track, and still no Hamish.

Oh, almost forgot, I did get an email from Ford a few days ago, proclaiming the new BA Falcon as "Car of the Year". Better not forget to ring Hamish and offer my congratulations!!

If you have the dreaded swoosh/grind/squeak/complain noises eminating from your parkbrake, dont put up with it.........you gonna end paying for new bits.

NOT HAPPY JAN !!

Ciao

Steve

[Antisocial]

The exact same dealers 'fixed' my handbrake for the same problem in dec last year and 'only' charged me $42.90.

Still makes the noise and points skyward once again....

[ducatijb]

Mate this problem has been going on for years with Ford.... and they just don't give a

I ended up loosening it off so I didn't have to listen to the thing

[CFlat]

Anybody interested in a presenting a collective case to Ford? This ain't gonna go away.

Steve

[Antisocial]

I intend to present my case by replacing my Ford with a new 'Non Ford' next year.

[CFlat]

Exactly my intention, but I still have to deal with a sh*t handbrake and that crappy grinding noise for now. Won't be any more McGrath vehicles in my motoring future! A lot depends in Hamish now!!!

Ciao

Steve

[TURBO4LT]

I did the same thing

Mate this problem has been going on for years with Ford....   and they just don't give a 

I ended up loosening it off so I didn't have to listen to the  thing

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[CrankyBen]

"Won't be any more McGrath vehicles in my motoring future!"

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Oh just great! When I called you asking how that dealer's service was, you told me "no problems!"

So off I go and buy me a T from them... 2 short months later, how the song has changed!

Pity mine isn't a company car, "the man" isn't gonna pay for me if (when?!) mine all goes bottom-up.

Remind me to make sure they NEVER adjust my handbrake!

[Henry]

Surprised there isnt a service bulletin or something on this.

I had an ineffective swooshing handbrake and asked for it to be fixed twice at 2 different dealers. No charge either time, so it sounds like you guys are being diddled.

After the second adjustment the thing just wouldnt work at all.

Took it back and waited for 2 hours. Was told that this is a known issue and apparently the shoes warp but they dont know why.

Anyway, they replaced the shoes under warranty and all is well.

[CFlat]

OK, anybody from the dealers want to comment on the frequency of this problem and what fixes were applied? Obviously a fairly widespread problem, and on top of my 3 new gearboxes, 2 timing cover seals, 1 crank angle sensor replacement, 2 front disc machinings bla bla bla ............. had a gutfull.

Dealer won't admit liability for maladjustment/warped shoes/bent bits/whatever and Ford won't even recognise my existance, so feel a bit out on a limb!!

Steve