<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt1>I have a 2003 EB Expedition, loaded. Over the past year of ownership 6+ times, randomly and intermittently when applying the brakes at low speeds (only) and in dry, snow or wet road conditions the truck shuddered, the brake pedal felt spongy and it seemed as if the brakes wouldn't catch to stop the truck. The only way I could stop the truck was to pump the brakes. I contacted the dealership throughout and they told me to add air to the tires, see if it happened again, etc. Well, it occured again last month I drove the truck directly to the dealership and with 17,000 miles on it they replaced the brake pads (2nd time) and replaced the rotors (both were shot they said). They did not turn the rotors, they replaced them.
Yesterday while driving approx. 35mph, dry road conditions, coming to a stop sign this occurred again. Can anyone shed any light/advice/input/knowledge as to the potential problem and how to deal with with this issue.
Update:The dealership just called to say they put about 100 miles on the truck and could not recreate the "episode". That this is a "normal occurance to have this happen. I do not believe this as it happens randomly, intermittently and with little commonality.
Much thanks in advance for any assistance.
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Sounds like the ABS may be acting up? Had it kick in one time in my 03 and scared the heck outta me! Pulling my bassboat in the rain, it kicked in stopping for a red light....But only had it do it that one time (and only when it was supposed to). Go down to any AutoZone and see if they can scan the ABS system (they scan computers for free assuming you will buy parts from them). See if there are any codes, may be a faulty wheel speed sensor.

 

The Tech at the dealership said it might be the ABS yesterday when I took it in. Now they say the ABS system checked out OK? I've been told that it is all documented which doesn't help my confidence or safety should it occur again. Thanks for you input. I am keeping notes.

 

Make sure that you have the issue documented in the service record so that your surviving relatives can drive exotic foreign cars and think of you and the sacrafice you made for them. I will complain about alot of things on my Exp, the brakes and their stopping ability is not one of them. Go to a different dealer. I would also look at the less than worth a crud Continental Tires that won't grip if you hit a spot of duck crap. As you can tell I really think highly of Fords choice for shoes on my Exp. What was the manufacturer of all those tires on the Explorers that flipped?? Oh yea those were Firestone tires build to the vehicle manufacturers specs.

 

This problem you're having with the A.B.S. brakes is the same one I've had on my '98 Expy-it has happened a half dozen times and never happens at the stealership when I take it in for service on my extended warranty.I replaced pads/rotors and it happened again two days later. My pops bought a new 2004 f-150 and it happened to him with less than 100 miles on the truck!! I think it may have something to do with brake dust on the A.B.S. sensors but I'm no technician. All I know is it's DANGEROUS as the vehicle will not stop(I lose about 60% of my braking when this happens.) I'm headed back to the stealership A.S.A.P. with a mad-on!!!

 

Moneypit F-150....you hit the description right on the rotor! I have had it back to service again and they replaced the Advancetrac module. Their thinking was the Advancetrac was kicking due to a short in the module causing the problem. I've only had it back a few days and all is well. But now it is a wait and see because it is a random and intermittent. Thanks for your input. Perhaps mine can help you. I have all my documents, service invoices, etc. now in the hands of a lemon law attroney, just in case.