Front Brake Issues

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Mar 18, 2014 | 02:12 AM

truckmatters

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Front Brake Issues

I'm travelling with my 5th wheel in the U.S. On the way back to our RV tonight, my right front calliper seized and I expect that I will have to replace it tomorrow. This will be the fifth set of callipers on my '07 F350 SD DRW with a 6.0. The truck has 120k miles on it. The factory brakes lasted 57k miles, and since then I have had to replace them about every 20k miles. I have had work done in Florida, Indiana, Ontario and today, I'm in Georgia so quality of work isn't in question. I am leaning toward lack of excellence in design. Who said "quality is job one"? "Built Ford Tough" has taken on a whole new meaning for me.
Anybody got a fix that will last more than 20k miles?

Mar 21, 2014 | 11:01 AM

LightningRyan

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From: Milton, Ontario, Canada

All been done at the dealer with OEM parts?

Mar 21, 2014 | 08:45 PM

truckmatters

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Yep, all been done at bona fide Ford dealers with OEM parts. Always followed the Ford company line and replaced both front callipers and put in new pads. This time I went to a local guy who replaced the right (passenger) calliper and said the pads looked good so he put them back in and told me the rotor was ok.
He also opined that he doesn't like phenolic pistons for several reasons. I didn't have time to get into it but in some cases, I think he might have a point. I've towed the trailer 350 miles since repair and it seems to brake evenly, with or without the 13,500 lb. load behind…. still have 1500 to 2000 before I get home so we'll see.

Mar 21, 2014 | 08:54 PM

JWC 3

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From: Tennessee

When these failures happen , has anyone mentioned caliper pins sticking ? I see pins stick often and smoke calipers from excess heat build up . It is a known issue . Rears are a bit more prone to it , but , I see it often on front calipers also . A routine of removing and cleaning/greasing the pins can help . I do not even live in a salt belt area , but see it often . Best of Luck !

Mar 21, 2014 | 09:52 PM

truckmatters

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Thanks JWC 3.
No service technician has ever suggested 'sticky pins' until recently one of my sons mentioned that it's an easy fix to take them out and lube them as proactive maintenance. He learned it from the technician who services all the trucks where he works.
I live in southern Ontario which is a "salt corridor" and have been given to believe that it's a winter issue and that I have to drive the truck more often in the winter to prevent the callipers from sticking and subsequently melting the phenolic pistons. I'm a little disappointed to hear that it's a "known issue" and hasn't been included in service bulletins. I don't have access to a shop where I can do it myself, but I am going to figure out a way to stay ahead of it.

Mar 21, 2014 | 10:13 PM

JWC 3

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From: Tennessee

Try lubing the pins to stop this from happening . This is not just a Ford issue , it is common on many makes ! A seldom driven vehicle is more prone , as are salt belt vehicles . Preventive maint. , pull the pins , clean bores , lube , check bellows ( pin boots ) and reinstall . Once or twice a year , 30 min. tops ! Best of luck !

Mar 21, 2014 | 10:18 PM

JWC 3

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From: Tennessee

One more thought ... I do not live in a salt heavy area . But Pad guides should also be clean ! If you are having issues , It would pay to pull the pads while cleaning the pins . Clean and lube the pad guides as well as the pad contact points ! I see a lot of used vehicles from northern climates , the pads can tend to bond to their slides causing issues also .