58 messages,
Last post on Jul 30, 2011 at 1:41 PM
You are in the
Ford Windstar Forum.
What is this discussion about?
Ford Windstar, Brakes, Van
#24 of 58 Re: Strange Brake Failure and Noise [od1]
by pine2002
Oct 14, 2007 (9:33 pm)
I HAVE A 2002 FORD WINDSTAR IT HAS BEEN GIVING US NOTHING BUT BRAKE PROBLEMS. WHEN WE GO TO STOP THE E BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON, THERES A VERY LOUD NOICE, AND AT TIMES WE COMPLETELY LOSE BRAKES... WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN THE THE DEALER THEY DONT HAVE A CLUE WHATS WRONG WITH IT, THERES NO BRAKE FLUID LOSE. THEY CUT THE DRUMS AND ROTORS, WE HAVE NEW BRAKES FRONT AND REAR. WE ARE IN THE HOLE $300.00 AND WE ARE STILL HAVEING THE SAME PROBLEM ACTUALLY THE VAN IS THERE NOW. CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP US WE ARE ACTUALLY SCARED TO PUT OUR FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE YET THE DEALER KEEPS GIVING IT BACK TO US..
#25 of 58 CHECK YOUR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH!!!
by kwelty
Nov 16, 2007 (10:08 am)
The recall that Ford recently did involves the cruise control switch and poses a real, very serious fire danger. Ford Windstars are not included in this recall (YET) but they have this exact faulty switch up to 02.
I post this HERE with brakes because this switch going bad allows brake fluid to leak all over this switch, your shifter switch on your transmission AND your transmission. As for your brakes, you WILL lose brake fluid, your brake lights WILL come on, and you can totally lose braking power if the leak becomes bad enough. As for the transmission, it will cause your shifter switch to short which can cause serious damage to your transmission. It's not just your cruise control that will no longer work if this switch goes bad. AND, the reason for the recall, fires can result, even when the van is not running. People have lost their homes because their Ford was parked too close to their house or in the garage. Google "Ford Windstar Cruise Control Switch" you'll find full details!
I have had brake issues for a year now and lost the cruise control last winter. I learned about this when I just had to have my transmission rebuilt and am on shifter switch #3 within one weeks' time.
My transmission issue is not 100% cured, but the new cruise control switch stopped the brake lights coming on randomly AND I have cruise control again.
If your cruise control switch has not been disabled or replaced with the new part available this past October 2007, then you need to take it to a Ford Dealership ASAP and have it fixed. They will charge you to do this, but I was told that WHEN Ford issues the recall for our Windstars (and that is very, very likely) we will be reimbursed for this. This is a very cheap part that can cause some very, very seriously expensive problems.
Hope this helps someone figure out their confounded brake issues and spares someone a costly transmission repair, or worse a car/home fire.
#26 of 58 Re: New Brakes [seloo]
by cowboysfan
Nov 18, 2007 (2:55 pm)
My husband is having trouble replacing the brakes on our 2000 Windstar. The lug nut that keeps the disc and roter on just won't come off! Any suggestions?
#27 of 58 Re: CHECK YOUR CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH!!! [kwelty]
by deisher7
Jan 04, 2008 (2:59 pm)
you are so very right. I had the same problem and my brakes went completely out, got that fixed but now my abs light stays on all the time again. do not know what to do to fix this problem.
#28 of 58 2001 sqealing brakes
by mals
Feb 16, 2008 (11:32 am)
#29 of 58 2001 sqealing brakes
by mals
Feb 16, 2008 (11:32 am)
I recently replaced the front pads on my 2001 Windstar. Everything went fine, after 300 to 400 miles a sqeaul has developed on the right front when you are braking into a left hand turn. I have checked the anti-rattle clips and they appear to be good. Any thoughts.
Thanks
Matt
#30 of 58 Re: 2001 sqealing brakes [mals]
by geneisaac1
Apr 27, 2008 (12:12 pm)
On my own Windstar I had the problem of having to replace my front disc pads 2-3 times a year until I discovered that my front callipers were sticking and that this was a very common problem which results in very rapid disc pad wear.
Once I replace those sticking front calipers, the problem was solved.
It's probably a good idea to just replace the calipers with each brake job while your at it. Rebuilt calipers are not that expensive, and by changing them with each brake job, it's cheap insurance to not have to replace the brake pads so often.
#31 of 58 rear brake noise?
by jakerlind
Apr 28, 2008 (1:35 pm)
I am driving a '98 Windstar that creates a rather loud squeaky noise from the rear end whenever the brakes are applied for about 5 minutes after a cold start. After that no noise. Pads were replaced 10,000 miles ago. Fluid is fine. The actual braking action also seems normal. Any ideas?
#32 of 58 Re: Strange Brake Pedal Noise [crankky]
by mfacdgba33
May 16, 2008 (12:10 am)
I work for AAA as an Certified mech and Emergency roadside rescue vehicle.
i have discovered that on many ford windstars the mastercylnder and ABS control go bad at any moment. they start with the funny sounds then just go plop. if the ABS light begins to come on you must get this fixed fast but before then as long as you have strong stopping power your brake system is still running fine
#33 of 58 Re: Strange Brake Failure and Noise [od1]
by mfacdgba33
May 16, 2008 (12:14 am)
spray some wd40 down the e brake cable hose and also check to see if the rear drum brakes are moveing and releasing when you move the handle it may be that they have a rock in them or that they are stuck in an engaged postion.