Just took my 2004 Lariat screw to the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation. It currently has about 20,200 miles on it. My steering wheel was wobbling when I hit the brakes, so I asked the service rep. to check the rotors while the wheels were off. This was happening before, and the dealer cut the rotors once already when the truck had about 6,000 miles on it. The dealer called me and told me that my rotors needed cut again. He also advised me that the warranty on this edned at 18,000 miles, and it would cost me $120.00 to have the rotors cut again. Now I know from reading on this website that there was a TSB on these. The dealer said Ford will not replace the faulty rotors if they can still be cut.
What do I do now? Keep paying to have these bad rotors cut every few thousand miles? Pay to replace them now and be done with it? (I will not be going to the dealer for this). Should I just keep riding them until it will not pass inspection?
What kills me is that Ford knows the rotors are bad yet does nothing. I called the 800 number, and they did not seem interested and told me the service tech was right. I asked to speak to a manager, but none were avail, and are supposed to call me in a few days.
Sorry for being so long winded, but I am trying to be as specific as possible...Maybe blowing off some steam too. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

I understand your frustation, but your dealer is right. If the rotors are not
under min spec. Ford will not replace them. They are aware there is a problem and they have update rotors out, but if your out of warrenty your pretty much out of luck. My advice is to replace them not cut them again. They labor cost is almost the same and the repair will last longer. I know some techs who have replaced the rotors before they are under spec and ford sends the warrenty claim back and the dealer ends up lossing money. Ford has gotten very picky on brake repair. We have to send all the old rotors back with thickness measurments or they wont pay for it. Also you don't have to have the work done at the dealer but i would buy the updated rotors from them. They are much better then stock. and you could do it yourself 30 min job. Also a tsb is just a bulletin to help techs find and make repairs faster. Just because there is a tsb does not mean it is warrenty. Unlike a recall that is always covered under warrenty. Some guys get the two confussed. Hope this helps.

 

I am SO glad this was pointed out. I have been meaning to mention this numerous times and keep forgetting

 

Drifter - I am working through the similiar issues. If the service tech was to read the TSB's, and there are several out on this item, he/she would see that Ford DOES NOT WANT the techs turning the rotors. The latest TSB's require that a new updated rotor be installed. I recieved this info direct from Ford. Check to see if your truck was built pre 11/18/04, the TSB specifically targets these trucks.

If you only have 20k on the truck, it should still be covered under warranty. The issue of them not being under minimum spec should be irrelivant at this point.

I would suggest you print the TSB reports located on this site, and speak to the dealer again, if no success, try another dealer. It sounds like they are not playing honestly.

I have been fortunate to have a great service dept. that has really hepled me out in trying to correct my problems. Best of luck

 

I have heard rumors of the updated rotors, but when did they start using them. I was warned repeatedly by my dealer about being easy on the brakes for the first 1K miles. But if you ask me, these things are under-braked (not a real word, I know). I know they are almost 3 tons, but it takes a lot of pedal pressure to bring it to a stop, unless you start braking 1/2 mile away. It just seems that Ford is well aware of this problem, with the warnings from the dealer, the TSB, the updated product, and the recommended solutions (including paying out of pocket to get the "proper" fix).

I would definitely pay for the new rotors at this point, as each time they are cut they get weaker and more prone to warping.

 

Azfordowner is correct. I dont think i made this clear in my post. I general ford wants rotors measured before they are replaced. one exception is if the rotors have been update as with the f150's. so yes the tsb does say to replace the rotors based on the build date.

drifter pm me your vin number and i will look in to your specific situation.

 

4.6 ranger - Are you a ford tech? If so can you fill us in on what the rack/pinion has to do with this brake vibration issue? I read in a post a few days ago about a guy who had the rack/pinion adjsuetd and it solved some of the vibration. I'm not a mechanic so I'm lost on this one.

Thanks

 

reforder - I believe the TSbs on full rotor replacements date back to the end of 04/ early 05. I was told that they are on rotor update number 3 (recently released). I had updated rotors number 1 and 2, and both have warped in nearly the exact same mileage. (approx. 5-6k after install). Haven't tried the updated rotor number 3 yet.

The orginal TSB do not instruct techs to do the full replacement, just turn and possibly new pads.

 

Sorry to hear that you are having trouble getting the new rotors drifter. I too had the dreaded brake shudder and I took it in and went round and round with the dealer. I finally had to take it to another dealer, show them the TSB and they replaced them no questions asked, and replaced them under warranty. My truck had 34,000 miles on it with an early build date. They never said anything about the rotors being within spec to turn again or anything to do with an early build date being required.
If I were you I would be persistent. Go to another dealer and see what they say. These rotors are around $700. for both so I would be very persistent before you hit 36,000 miles. After that you are SOL.
These new rotors are awesome. match them up with some ceramic pads and you have much better braking with little or no dust.

 

Oops, didnt mean to be too over zealous about describing a set of front rotors. I am sure I will get feedback on that.
However, I am very satisfied with the new rotors after about 6000 miles. I believe I have the updated rotor number 3.

 

Don't know what the thickness of the rotors has to do with anything, if they are warped and thumping , they are bad and should be replaced, regardless of the amt. they are worn.. Had mine replaced at 15,000, my dealer did not bat and eye, replaced them & put on new linning..

 

Had the shudder, took it in, they called and said the rotors were warped, and they replaced them, no questions. 15,000 miles.

 

My rear rotors were replaced with brand new ones at 12000 miles. It took a lot of persistance but I got it done!

 

I just got my truck out of the shop because of a brake vibration. I have 9800 miles and they turned the rotors first and tried to give me the truck back. I informed him that I had TSB 04-26-11 which states to replace the rotors on 04/05 trucks with a build date before 11/18/2004. He informed me that this TSB had been replaced by TSB 05-06-21, but I did not independently verify. Anyways, the new TSB had the same Action - REPLACE THE ROTORS on trucks built before 11/18/04. He tried to tell me that Ford did not want them replaced but turned even after reading the TSB. I got another call from him after requesting to speak with the supervisor that my rotors were being replaced via the TSB.

My point is go in there with the TSB in hand, make them look it up on there system and show it to you. They cannot dispute what it says. I simply printed the TSB 04-26-11 from the Front Brake Issue thread (2nd page) and used it. The dealers hate the fact that we are more informed, but they get can over it.

 

Can not understand why some Ford shops cut the rotors..Go to any brake shop, have them look up specs. for the 04-05 F150.. They will tell you these rotors are not servicable, not to be turned down..Problems , they must be replaced not turned...End of story. Maybe the problem is some Ford shop foremans can not read, thats why they don't know this or about any TBS's