I have a 2011 F350 with a little over 5,000 miles. Tomorrow it's going in to the dealer for the first oil change, plus I'm having them look at a few minor issues. So far on the list is of course the 2-3 shift flare and an odd wind noise just behind my left ear. The brakes also groan and squeak, and feel a bit grabby when starting from a stop or coming to a complete stop. Is this normal for these trucks?

My truck was a leftover 2011, built in December 2010 but not purchased until November 2011, so it spent a lot of time sitting on dealer lots. There's also an unusual amount of rust underneath for a new truck.

Minor issues aside I absolutely love the truck!

 

Nope, it's not normal. Totally unrelated, but my Mustang started doing this recently, and the dealer has done a great job taking care of me. They'll be putting new pads and rotors on if it doesn't stop.

My point is: you should have no trouble getting taken care of under warranty.

 

Thanks, I'll have them check out the brakes tomorrow.

 

I have a 2011 350 dually and my brakes have made the groaning/squeak noise since day one. It only happens when the brakes are dead cold and at very low speed (under 10mph) It seems to be worse when backing up. For example if I went out to the shop right now and started loading the camper on the truck (slow moving forwards and backwards) the noise is embarrassing. Once loaded and I take off down the road I never hear another noise. The brakes work great. Loaded with the camper and pulling a small utility trailer that has no brakes (15000 gcvw) the trucks stopping ability is awesome. I just figured it was just the characteristics of the brake pad material since the brakes work so well. Maybe the brake lining material chosen by Ford is a trade off between the noise and great stopping ability when warm or hot and loaded.

 

I think what you describe is exactly what I experience every day. The brakes are noisy when the truck stops backing up, inching forward, lining up the hitch ball, moving the truck 5 feet to do whatever. I would say it's normal and pretty much like the chimes on the clock at home, I only hear it if I think about it.......

 

Just got the truck back from the dealership. They could not duplicate the groaning, and apparently it is normal. Something to do with the type of brake linings used.

They did do the reflash for the 2-3 shift issue. I'll see if it still does it.

 

Can't reproduce...that's crazy.
Anyone can reproduce the groaning super duty brakes at a half mile per hour and 15 seconds of their time.

 

If you put some disc brake grease between the back of the pads and the calipers it should get rid of the noise. I have the annoying groan also but have not had time to do mine yet.

 

This is the same dealership that last year was ready to replace the starter under warranty, after I asked them to look at my squeaking exhaust pipe on my 6.4. I don't know how they came up with the starter being the problem, because the truck was squeaking after it was started. I know it was the exhaust because the squeaking would stop if I put my foot on the tip. Maybe a starter replacement pays well under warranty?

The brake groan does seem to be a lot worse when the brakes are cold and/or wet. It was much less noticeable driving home, especially after a couple of intentionally hard stops. Not a big issue. I mainly wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong.

So far so good on the transmission shifting after the reflash.