1999 Ford Explorer: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · CA

Vehicle had been to the repair shop three times for the pads and rotors being defective. Also, seemed to be an issue with other consumers. *ak the consumer stated that the brakes squeak even after the repair.

Filed Jun 6, 2004 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · IN

While driving at 70mph, flat, smooth road, I felt and heard a "thud" from left front area of vehicle, followed by high pitched squeel, pulled off road and did a visual check & found nothing out of place, or any loose or missing pieces.*ak pulled back onto highway, slowly increasing speed, everything seemed fine. After 5 to 6 miles I had to apply breaks hard, vehicle pulled abruptly to the left as I pulled back to right it pulled very hard to right w/ a grinding noise, had to slow to 30 MPH to maintain control until reaching a service facility. Upon inspection the mechanic found the left front hub bearing had failed, he explained it would have become uncontrolable if I continued to drive it. Hub bearing was replaced with a new unit, old part is still available, I have sealed in box replacement came in.

Filed Aug 26, 2003 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · NJ

While driving, a grinding noise can be heard and the brake pedal has to depressed almost down to the floor to stop the vehicle. The dealer has attempted to repair the brakes six times; cause of problem has not been determined. Please provide further details.

Filed Jul 10, 2003 · Transmission · NJ

Vehicle shut off without warning.*mr while attempting to merge into traffic, the vehicle made a grinding noise and did not move. There was no warning lights indicating there was a problem. *ts. The dealer informed the consumer the transmission had experienced an internal failure.

Filed Jul 3, 2003 · Brakes · VA

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning left driver side wheel has a squeaking noise while applying the brakes.

Filed Nov 20, 2002 · Brakes · TX

Consumer took vehicle to the dealership to have the brake pads replaced on july 15, 2002, however while on her way home there was still a rubbing/grinding noise, consumer returned to the dealership on july 23, 2002 because of the continuing noise, but the technician stated he could not find a problem, consumer returned again because the noise had become worse, the vehicle was making a noise whether the brakes were being applied or not and was very apparent at 30 MPH, consumer then received a call from the dealership stating that they had possibily ruined the bearings when the rotors were being turned, consumer was also informed that the rotors were improperly machined and if they were to re-cut them it would take them out of regulation thickness, consumer is seeking reimbursement for the rotors, because they were not needed until they were machined improperly.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Brakes, Lights · FL

Consumer has complained to dealer that steering wheel shakes out of control. Steering makes dashboard rumble like front end has hydraulics. Turning vehicle right or left, steering shutters hard. Consumer would have to add a quart of power steering once a week. Dealer found power steering leaking, and replaced rack and pinion and realigned vehicle. On 6-29-01, vehicle was taken back to dealer for still having the problem. Dealer found nothing wrong with vehicle. Problem has not been remedied. *ak the brake light switch was inoperative causing the brake lights to be inoperative, the brakes squeak and the dealer treated the pads with an anti squeak solution, the A/C blows out warm air due to a leaky compressor and o-ring, the torque converter failed causing the transmission to lock up, passenger side goodyear tire blewout while driving, the window on the right side shakes when going up or down. Nlm

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Brakes · FL

Brakes have been a problem since december 2000. There has been extended stopping distance. Also, brakes constantly squeaked. Abs light was repaired, but intermittently went on and off. Dealer stated "that ABS light being on would not affect brake system". On july 10, 2001, brakes were still squeaking. Consumer left vehicle at dealer's for a month, and dealer stated that rotors were warped, and pads worn out. Dealer resurfaced and replaced pads for both front and rear rotors on dec-20-2000. Also, dealer replaced pads again on 4-27-2001. On 6-29-2001, brakes had excessive brake dust. Dealer couldn't find problem. On 7-10-2001, dealer test drove and heard squeaking. Dealer cut and replaced rotors. But, problem still exists.

Filed Aug 4, 2000 · Transmission · NJ

Drive train-high pitched squeal/whistle noise from front end at speeds 20mph to 55mph. Four attemps by the ford agency have been made but the noise still remains.there have been a total of 14 reports made to the federal safety agency for 1998 & 1999 for the same problem as I interpret some of the web site reports. No safety defec tlisted in summary.

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Body, Brakes · WA

Brake lights do not stay on when brakes are applied. Lights come on, but go back out while brakes are still being applied. Dealer has seen vehicle, and said that it is normal. *ak brake switch has been replaced 6 times and power booster has been replaced with no remedies, brake pedal makes a popping noise when released. Message center, miles per gallon, is inaccurate and has been replaced, however consumer states it still does not work. Rear suspension squeaks and groans over bumps, consumer states there is too much roll stiffness built into suspension, alignment checked and toe set due to vehicle wandering. Water leaks inside door frames. Automatic transmission is reluctant to downshift unless the accelerator is pressed flat to the floor. Inside rear view mirrow mounted too low. Consumer states squeaks and rattles show up all the time in the interior of the vehicle, rattles in dash, drivers door area, and b pillar. Cd changer jammed twice. Limited emblem replaced twice. Speedometer reads too fast.

Filed Feb 18, 2000 · Transmission · OH

Ongoing intermittent problem with a squealing sound coming from front axle. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on five occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Vehicle is currently in the process of being bought back by the dealer as a lemon. *ak

Filed Nov 15, 1999 · Brakes · AZ

Had heard a high pitch squealing noise. Brakes became mushy. Heard a clunking noise, brakes still mushy. Finally no brakes at all. A bolt fell out of brake pads. Entire brakes system became damaged.