1998 Ford Contour: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Brakes · 133,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford contour. The contact purchased brakesafe front disc pads for the vehicle. Approximately 30 miles later, a grinding and rattling noise was heard and an outer lining on the padding fell off. The contact took the vehicle to the mechanic and was informed that the pads were defective. He purchased new pads, which he felt worked as they should have. He attempted to call the auto parts store from where he purchased the defective pads, but they would not assist. He also called the corporate office and received no assistance. The contact filed complaints with the federal trade commission and ohio attorney general. The serial number and part number were unknown. The current mileage was 135,000 and failure mileage was 134,970. Updated 06/25/08. *cn the consumer stated passenger side caliper was warped and the rotor was damaged. Updated 06/25/08

Filed Aug 7, 2003 · Lights · 93,000 miles · IN

Consumer noticed a grinding noise while driving. Took to dealer, dealer stated the 2 front coil springs were broken. Please provide any further information.

Filed Feb 11, 2002 · Seats · NY

Seat was repaired because of squeaks and broken stabilizer bar under the seat base. Seat was stabile after repair with no more squeaks. I got into the car today, and as I turned to grab my seatbelt, the seat back suddenly gave way. I can no longer use the back of the seat to support myself while driving. The contour is being taken to smith-cairns ford on 2/11/2002 for repairs. I am not going to pay for the repairs becasue I think that ford shoud consider this a safety defect. I have never had a car, only 4 years old with 76,000 miles and have a problem like this with the seats.

Filed Dec 19, 2001 · Suspension · NY

Front wheel bearings failed at about 40,000 miles. One side was completely failed, other side was in need of replacement. I noticed sudden grinding noise and checked for cause. Had bearings replaced. Could have been worse if I had not recognized the problem. No warning as to failure. Wheel bearings should last more than 40,000 and should not fail suddenly.

Filed Jun 21, 2001 · Brakes · AZ

When applying brake pedal to make a gradual stop front brakes grind. Vehicle was taken into repair shop, were mechanic stated that front brake pads were too soft, and rotors have wornout. Please give any further details.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Suspension · PA

I own a 1998 ford contour, VIN #[xxx]. About a month and a half ago, I was preparing to travel onto interstate 79 to go from meadville to erie, pennsylvania. Less than a mile from my home on harmonsburg road, I heard a "pop" and my vehicle felt like it had a flat tire. I traveled about another quarter of a mile to a gas station and checked the tire. It appeared to be okay. As the vehicle was becoming hard to steer, I decided to return home. I put on my flashers and traveled at 25 MPH back to my home, a straight one mile drive from the gas station. When I turned left into my driveway, I heard a grinding sound and my vehicle would no longer steer. As soon as I was off the road, I turned off the engine. The tire was flat, and the car leaned to the right-front. At a very low speed, the car seriously tipped toward the ground on the right front side. At a faster speed, it could easily have flipped several times. I was very shaken by this incident, and I have been uncomfortable driving this car since this first incident. My husband attempted to change the tire and found that the suspension coil spring had snapped and embedded itself into the tire. We called the aaa to have the car towed to lake view ford in conneaut lake. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 10, 2001 · Transmission · NY

When turning or bearing to left there was a loud grinding noise. Sound got louder, and vehicle started pulling to left. Consumer went to firestone to have vehicle checked out for vibration. Firestone took it for a drive to listen to it. Bearings and seals were shot, and needed replacemet. Also, lubrication had dried up. *ak

Filed Apr 24, 2001 · Transmission · KY

I have taken my car into robke ford numerous times to try and find what the grinding noise is when turning my steering wheel after numerous visits they have decided that I need a new axle and axle bearings. I am trying to find if there are any manufacture recalls/defects. I've been told that under normal circumstances a car does not need an axle with the low miles on the car. When turning the car mainly to the right the noise is extremely loud (people stare). I worry about the safety of my child and myself while driving. I've contacted ford customer service more times than I can count to get this problem resolved and I've gotten no where. I've been told the cost of the repair is 670.00, and I feel that ford should be paying for this. Since I don't have an extended warranty (which I don't know if that would pay for this) they won't look into this matter for me. I was told to bring proof into the dealership of all regular oil changes to prove that I have maintained my car correctly. Please help me in what steps I should be taken to get this matter taken care of before someone gets hurt/killed. Thanks for your time, dawn kennedy.

Filed Dec 21, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Consumer heard a squeaking and grinding noise coming from brakes. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said rotors needed to be changed, and 60% braking power was left on rear. Consumer had brakes changed at 26,212 miles, and at another 25,00 miles they need to be changed again.

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Transmission · WA

3rd gear syncronizer failed. Transmission is difficult to shift into 3rd gear. Grinding sound present when shifing into 3rd, even with the clutch pedal pushed all the way in.

Filed Aug 16, 2000 · Transmission · OK

When attempting to shift into 3rd gear, gears grind severely.

Filed Nov 15, 1999 · Brakes · GA

When applying brakes a heavy vibration will occur. Also brakes will squeak.3 set of brakes rotors have been replaced.