I have a 2008 F350 6.4L diesel 4X4 and while towing my 9000 lb 5th wheel last weekend I noticed a squeak from the rear wheels at low speed. It sounded like a brake squeak but it didn't go away when the brakes were depressed like it would if the calipers were sticking. I brought it to the dealer and, after looking at it, he told me that one of the bolts had pulled through the backing plate. To R&R the backing plate is about $700. He said he has, in the past, put an oversized washer on the bolt and it would work fine, as long as I was not, on a regular basis, towing heavy, which I don't. He also suggested that I not use my emergency brake unless I had to. I told him to go ahead with the "fix".
Does anyone have any experience with this type of fix and is it worth trying (~$100)?
Are backing plates a systemic issue with these trucks? I have Ford Extra Care but the backing plate is only covered on the Premium Care warranty...go figure.

 

Update on backer plate issue...The dealer called me back and advised that he looked further and found that the backing plate was covered under the Extra Care extended warranty. He will be changing both rear backer plates.

 

We have the same issue. Ford said they will not cover the backing plates. What dealer did you go through to get them done?