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Why Is Ford Escape Braking Criticized Here and in Consumer Reports?

12 messages,  Last post on Mar 19, 2009 at 4:44 AM

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#5 of 12 Re: Why Is Ford Escape Braking Criticized Here and in Consumer Reports? [vg33e power] by steve_ HOST Nov 17, 2008 (10:57 am)
Replying to: vg33e power (Nov 17, 2008 7:42 am) Good list.   I think a case can be made that modern drum brakes provide good performance (i.e., more than just adequate).   I still have the original drums on my minivan at 129,000 miles. The rear disc pads on my wagon have been changed at least once at 69,000 miles. The rear discs aren't so easy to change on my wagon because of the emergency brake stuff in there. Replies to this message: vg33e power (Nov 17, 2008 2:27 pm)
#6 of 12 Re: Why Is Ford Escape Braking Criticized Here and in Consumer Reports? [steve_] by vg33e power Nov 17, 2008 (2:27 pm)
Replying to: steve_ (Nov 17, 2008 10:57 am) Steve,   I fully accept your comment on that modern drum brake systems provide good performance. It is clearly proven by the addition of ABS in rear drum systems, longevity of shoes, and the fact that they are still widely used and chosen by car manufacturers.   You are also correct on the DIY friendliness on "some" rear disc brake systems. Systems that use the same read pads to apply force for parking purposes can be a little tricky and difficult to work with. On the other hand rear disc systems that use a built in drum and dedicated shoes for parking purposes are a much friendly DIY set-up.   I honestly think that for the duty that the rear brakes do any option whether it is drum or disc will be more than efficient to slow and/or stop a vehicle. My wife's 2004 Escape Limited 4WD has drums, my 2006 Mazda5 Wagon has discs and I do not feel inadequacy from either. I beleive that the disc set up is really put in place to make the vehicle "look" nicer and to sell replacement parts more often, hence the fact that pads do not last as long as shoes. Just my $0.02
#7 of 12 disc/drum by travis03 Mar 14, 2009 (2:42 pm)
Does anyone know if you can swap the drum brakes for disc brakes on the 2003 escape, and if any one sells a kit ?? I like the look of disc brakes and i plan on up grading the wheels thanks. Replies to this message: vg33e power (Mar 16, 2009 7:26 am)
#8 of 12 Re: disc/drum [travis03] by vg33e power Mar 16, 2009 (7:26 am)
Replying to: travis03 (Mar 14, 2009 2:42 pm) travis03,   I am almost sure that you can swap drum brake system to disc brake system. I have never done it nor heard of someone doing it, so the information I am providing it is solely based on my parts catalog. I work for a dealership and based on my catalog the rear trailing arm, knuckle (spindle), and hub assembly are the same for drum or disc brakes. You will have to replace, brake hoses, caliper mounting brackets, calipers, parking brake shoes, and of course rotors. Here are the part numbers and total list price for this swap. These are from a 2005 Escape, since it was the first year rear disc was offered. (again this information is for reference only and I am not liable for anything that comes of it)   6L8Z-2553-A (RIGHT CALIPER) 6L8Z-2552-A (LEFT CALIPER) 6L8Z-2B540-A (RIGHT CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET) 6L8Z-2B540-B (LEFT CALIPER MOUNTING BRACKET) 5L8Z-2A753-AA (PARKING BRAKE SHOES) 5L8Z-2C026-BA (ROTORS) (QTY. 2) 5L8Z-2282-AA (RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE) 5L8Z-2282-AC (LEFT REAR BRAKE HOSE)   Total cost new from dealership for all these parts...about $975
#9 of 12 FORD ESCAPE BARS ATTACHED TO BACK TIRES by gregoryayca Mar 18, 2009 (2:28 pm)
I am interested in buying a 2009 Ford Escape but I noticed that this SUV has some metal bars attached to each of the back tires (you can see them from behind) , These bars look too close to the road. In the event I mount on a sidewalk or go over a bumper or just if I pass over a big rock, it could damage the bar . Also I noticed that my Jeep Liberty and others SUVs dont have such bars. Can somebody help me out. Thanks Replies to this message: vg33e power (Mar 18, 2009 3:59 pm) bdyment (Mar 19, 2009 4:44 am)
#10 of 12 Re: FORD ESCAPE BARS ATTACHED TO BACK TIRES [gregoryayca] by vg33e power Mar 18, 2009 (3:59 pm)
Replying to: gregoryayca (Mar 18, 2009 2:28 pm) The bars you are referring to are lower suspension control arms and most independent suspension (without a solid axle, and body-on-frame) SUV's and cars have them. Some are just more noticeable then others. Your Jeep is a independent front suspension but it has a solid rear axle in which the control arms run from front to rear rather then center of vehicle to outer part of the vehicle (the rear suspension is not independent).
#12 of 12 Re: FORD ESCAPE BARS ATTACHED TO BACK TIRES [gregoryayca] by bdyment Mar 19, 2009 (4:44 am)
Replying to: gregoryayca (Mar 18, 2009 2:28 pm) I wondered about the control arms that you mentioned. However, we have had our two Escapes, 2007 and 2009 on some fairly rough trails and no problems with them at all regarding contact with rocks, etc.

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