Brakes - Grinding Noise/Roughness Felt

Article No.
99-25-9

12/13/99

^ BRAKES - "GRINDING" NOISE HEARD WHEN
APPLYING BRAKES AFTER NEW PADS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED

^ BRAKES - ROUGHNESS FELT WHEN APPLYING
BRAKES AFTER NEW PADS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED

^ NOISE - "GRINDING" HEARD WHEN APPLYING
BRAKES AFTER NEW PADS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED

FORD:
1991-1993 ESCORT
1997-1998 ESCORT

MERCURY:
1991-1993 TRACER
1997-1998 TRACER

ISSUE
A "grinding" noise or greater than normal brake roughness when applying the brakes immediately after installing Motorcraft front brake pads (BR-18, XU2Z-2V001-RA) may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by an irregular surface finish on the brake pads. This noise will not affect brake system operation or performance.

ACTION
Check the BR-18 brake pad surface for differences, irregularities, incomplete finish grinding, and/or deep semi-circular grind marks. These irregular patterns will affect the contact of the pad to the rotor causing the noise. If these patterns are found on the brake pad surface, replace with revised brake pads. Refer to the applicable Escort[Tracer Service or Workshop Manual (1991-1993, Section 06-03; 1997-1998, Section 206-03) for service procedure details.





Figure 1 illustrates the "good" brake pad as entirely shaded and is usable in service. This artwork represents a uniform surface finish on the brake pad-to-rotor contact area. The "bad" brake pad illustrated in Figure 1 indicates incomplete finishing of the brake pad or an irregular surface. This brake pad should not be used.

CLAIMING INSTRUCTIONS
If the part is determined to be defective and has not been installed on the vehicle, return the part to the selling Motorcraft distributor for an exchange part. If the part was installed on a vehicle, submit a service part claim for the parts and labor per the Warranty and Policy Manual.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 301000, 702000, 702100