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2004 Ford Focus SE

4K views 28 replies 0 participants last post by  Stephen F. 
G
#1 ·
Hey guys, I'm looking in to buying a used 2004 Ford Focus SE,
automatic, 4-cyl., 4dr, 14,534 miles on it...

everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
itself. Do you like it?

Thanks!!
 
G
#2 ·
"pinstripetyper" <pinstripetyper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1114323091.025581.37460@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
> Hey guys, I'm looking in to buying a used 2004 Ford Focus SE,
> automatic, 4-cyl., 4dr, 14,534 miles on it...
>
> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
> frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
> itself. Do you like it?


By 2004 the early-production bugs have been worked out. It's rated by
various consumer and auto publications as among the best small cars in the
world. Some people don't like the style or the European-type ride, but if it
suits you then it will do just fine.

I've got 5 years on my 2000 SE and love it just as much as the day I bought
it.

Enjoy your Focus.
 
G
#3 ·
"pinstripetyper" <pinstripetyper@gmail.com> queries:

> Hey guys, I'm looking in to buying a used 2004 Ford Focus SE,
> automatic, 4-cyl., 4dr, 14,534 miles on it...
>
> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about
> (i.e. frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input
> on the car itself. Do you like it?
>

I have the same car with the 2.3L PEZ motor, ABS, and traction control.
Love the way it handles on snow and ice. Has a real sporty feel with
lots of road feedback, yet still has a comfortable ride. Has a high seat
for a compact that gives a good road view.

No problems with 17K on the odometer. Just four minor technical
service bulletins. http://www.alldata.com/TSB/041950_en.html

Web reviews of the 2004 Ford Focus: http://tinyurl.com/afste

--
Don

Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are much more pliable.
~ Mark Twain
 
G
#4 ·
Its your money, but! if I could turn the clock back to the day I was to
purchase my Focus and knowing what I know now, I would have not walked away
but ran.

Its OK while the car is under warranty, but out of warranty these cars are
very expensive to repair and most parts are only available through the
dealer. If the car is out of warranty Ford will not step up to the plate
with goodwill gestures when it comes to just out of warranty mechanical
problems. Also the residual value of these cars are very low after 2 years
of ownership.

I had seriously considered a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic but because I got
a ???GOOD DEAL??? I went with the Focus, "Dumb" move on my part.
Its not only the car continually going wrong which I find annoying its the
LOST time spent back and forward to the dealership.

The problems with 2004 models, front suspension , Clutch release bearing
and the carpet, problems Ford had on 2000 models, I guess they never fixed
them. If you can get a book called Lemon Aid, produced by the Canadian
Automobile Protection Association it gives the problems with the Focus.

There is no question that these cars are fun to drive but if you are
intending to keep this car for a while you might want to get an idea of the
parts and repair costs out of warranty.



"pinstripetyper" <pinstripetyper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1114323091.025581.37460@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
Hey guys, I'm looking in to buying a used 2004 Ford Focus SE,
automatic, 4-cyl., 4dr, 14,534 miles on it...

everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
itself. Do you like it?

Thanks!!
 
G
#5 ·
"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

<...these cars are very expensive to repair... I had seriously considered a
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic...The problems with 2004 models, front
suspension , Clutch release bearing and the carpet,

?? As far as I have seen the Focus is less expensive to fix than an
equivalent repair on a Civic or Corolla, and I haven't seen any evidence of
these mysterious "problems" with 2004 models. Can you cite references?
 
G
#6 ·
"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:L7idnRR0ovahvvHfRVn-rw@magma.ca...
>
> "Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote
>
> <...these cars are very expensive to repair... I had seriously considered
> a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic...The problems with 2004 models, front
> suspension , Clutch release bearing and the carpet,
>
> ?? As far as I have seen the Focus is less expensive to fix than an
> equivalent repair on a Civic or Corolla, and I haven't seen any evidence
> of these mysterious "problems" with 2004 models. Can you cite references?
> *********

My Daughters car is on it's second year without a thing being wrong, even
after our Canadian winter.Very impressive.
Geoff
 
G
#7 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
1.. 04-8-1 MAY 04 M/T - Rattling Noise at Idle With Clutch
Pedal Released

2.. 04-6-1 APR 04 Suspension - Creak, Crunch, Grinding or
Rattle Noise

3.. 04-5-5 MAR 04 Lighting - Turn Signal Lamps Won't
Self-Cancel

4.. 04-5-8 MAR 03 Interior - Carpet Pulling Away From Kick
Panel

Not mysterious! above references for 2004 Ford Focus. Had 1, 2, and 4 on my
2001 Focus, Still have the suspension noises, dealer is unable to fix even
though have acknowledged the existence of these noises.
Not expensive to fix eh! - how about the rocker cover gasket for Zetec is
$90 and can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer. Proper battery for the
car can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer - $150.00. Bend over
fellows here come Bill Ford and his gang.

Corolla or a Civic more expensive than a Focus not true also these cars are
more durable and better put together The number of recall and TSB's on the
Focus prove that.

"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:L7idnRR0ovahvvHfRVn-rw@magma.ca...

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

<...these cars are very expensive to repair... I had seriously considered a
Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic...The problems with 2004 models, front
suspension , Clutch release bearing and the carpet,

?? As far as I have seen the Focus is less expensive to fix than an
equivalent repair on a Civic or Corolla, and I haven't seen any evidence of
these mysterious "problems" with 2004 models. Can you cite references?
 
G
#8 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:8E_ae.1130509$8l.370637@pd7tw1no...
>
> TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
> 1.. 04-8-1 MAY 04 M/T - Rattling Noise at Idle With Clutch
> Pedal Released
>
> 2.. 04-6-1 APR 04 Suspension - Creak, Crunch, Grinding or
> Rattle Noise
>
> 3.. 04-5-5 MAR 04 Lighting - Turn Signal Lamps Won't
> Self-Cancel
>
> 4.. 04-5-8 MAR 03 Interior - Carpet Pulling Away From Kick
> Panel
>
> Not mysterious! above references for 2004 Ford Focus. Had 1, 2, and 4 on
> my
> 2001 Focus, Still have the suspension noises, dealer is unable to fix even
> though have acknowledged the existence of these noises.
> Not expensive to fix eh! - how about the rocker cover gasket for Zetec is
> $90 and can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer. Proper battery for
> the
> car can only be obtained through the Ford Dealer - $150.00. Bend over
> fellows here come Bill Ford and his gang.
>
> Corolla or a Civic more expensive than a Focus not true also these cars
> are
> more durable and better put together The number of recall and TSB's on the
> Focus prove that.


That doesn't prove anything. Post the TSBs for the Honda, then we will have
something. Its kind of like me saying we have had a 100% failure rate of all
the IBM workstations at my office. Didn't bother to mention we only have
one, and its ten years old.

I believe the OP is looking for an automatic, so #1 is N/A.
Looking at the other ones, they are rather nit-picky. I do not see anything
like seatbelt buckles cracked, or trans fails after trans flush, or
motormounts crack. THAT would be an issue. I can deal with a stubborn turn
signal.

As for Hondas and Toyotas, well, I just don't like Toyotas, I have been hit
four times by Toyotas. NONE my fault. Honda though. They are OK, but are no
fun to drive. We had one in the family a while back, it was my Mother's car.
the HATED it! the shifting was getting worse every day, the Stereo failed,
some times it would just turn off while driving down the road. I don't mean
stall, I mean, engine off, doors unlock, dash goes dark. That's always
exciting when your in the fast lane!!

How many batteries have you bought for your Focus? Its a 2004, and the
batteries normally last at least five years. The one in my truck lasted
seven. Same deal with the "rocker cover" gasket. you go though those a lot
too?? What's the Warranty period for a Focus? three years? four years? How
much does it cost to get an extended Warranty?
 
G
#9 ·

> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
> frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
> itself. Do you like it?
>
> Thanks!!
>


because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car

- poor fuel economy in the city 12 - 13 litres per 100km (automatic)
- uncomfortable seats
- poor handling on bad roads or bumpy surfaces
- poor window wiper system, bulge on top part of windsheild prevents proper
wipe.
- brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)
front brake job cost $450 CDN at Ford dealer.
- significant power loss with a/c on (automatic only)
- inadequate heat in winter (can't defrost top part of windsheild)







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G
#10 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

>...above references for 2004 Ford Focus. Had 1, 2, and 4 on my
> 2001 Focus,


Uh, the thread is about 2004 models, not 2001. And TSBs only tell you about
routine communications between Ford and its dealers, they do not give you
data on reliability.

>...The number of recall and TSB's on the Focus prove that.


There have been NO recalls on 2004 Focuses to my knowledge. And I've already
stated what TSBs "prove". As to cost of parts, some are very reasonable -
for example I damaged a side mirror and the whole thing including internals
(manual) was only $45 Canadian. A friend of mine with a Corolla slid quite
gently sideways into a curb on icy roads and it cost him almost a thousand
dollars!
 
G
#11 ·
Thanks V Lan, I guess I am not the only person with problems.


"V.Lan" <v.lan@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:426ca268$1_1@127.0.0.1...

> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
> frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
> itself. Do you like it?
>
> Thanks!!
>


because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car

- poor fuel economy in the city 12 - 13 litres per 100km (automatic)
- uncomfortable seats
- poor handling on bad roads or bumpy surfaces
- poor window wiper system, bulge on top part of windsheild prevents proper
wipe.
- brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)
front brake job cost $450 CDN at Ford dealer.
- significant power loss with a/c on (automatic only)
- inadequate heat in winter (can't defrost top part of windsheild)







----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet
News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+
Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----
 
G
#12 ·
"V.Lan" <v.lan@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:426ca268$1_1@127.0.0.1...
>
>> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
>> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
>> frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
>> itself. Do you like it?
>>
>> Thanks!!
>>

>
> because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car
>
> - poor fuel economy in the city 12 - 13 litres per 100km (automatic)
> - uncomfortable seats
> - poor handling on bad roads or bumpy surfaces
> - poor window wiper system, bulge on top part of windsheild prevents
> proper
> wipe.
> - brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)
> front brake job cost $450 CDN at Ford dealer.
> - significant power loss with a/c on (automatic only)
> - inadequate heat in winter (can't defrost top part of windsheild)
>
>=====================

Wow! Did you ever buy a lemon. My Daughters car is knocking on
25,000 km also. Original tires, just had them checked.
Originial brakes. Ditto.
Average fuel economy 50-50 City/Hwy is 8.6 /100kl(Auto-Wagon)
Pirrelli tires.... handles like a dream.
AND the heater will blow you out of the car.
Are you sure it's a Focus? <VBG>
Geoff
 
G
#13 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

Those TSB's are for 2004 models.
A corolla sliding into a curb -what's your point, if you slide a focus or
any front wheel drive car into a curb the damages and costs are high. Are
trying to convince us that if you slide a Ford Focus into a curb it will not
damage the car. BS

"TSBs only tell you about routine communications between Ford and its
dealers, they do not give you data on reliability." Not so!

A TSB is the first stage -The manufacturer has noticed a high incidence of
certain problems reported by its dealers and the manufacturers Tech team
issues a TSB. If a TSB is issued is it not in its self indicative of
reliability?




"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:vZKdnQhkOJWYa_HfRVn-ig@magma.ca...

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

>...above references for 2004 Ford Focus. Had 1, 2, and 4 on my
> 2001 Focus,


Uh, the thread is about 2004 models, not 2001. And TSBs only tell you about
routine communications between Ford and its dealers, they do not give you
data on reliability.

>...The number of recall and TSB's on the Focus prove that.


There have been NO recalls on 2004 Focuses to my knowledge. And I've already
stated what TSBs "prove". As to cost of parts, some are very reasonable -
for example I damaged a side mirror and the whole thing including internals
(manual) was only $45 Canadian. A friend of mine with a Corolla slid quite
gently sideways into a curb on icy roads and it cost him almost a thousand
dollars!
 
G
#14 ·
"GeoffP" <theothergeoff@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:G%6be.851$BW6.308017@news20.bellglobal.com...
>
> "V.Lan" <v.lan@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:426ca268$1_1@127.0.0.1...
> >
> >> everything looks up to par on it, but I'd like some input on how well
> >> the car handles, are there many things I should worry about (i.e.
> >> frequent breakdowns and the likes), just some general input on the car
> >> itself. Do you like it?
> >>
> >> Thanks!!
> >>

> >
> > because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car
> >
> > - poor fuel economy in the city 12 - 13 litres per 100km (automatic)
> > - uncomfortable seats
> > - poor handling on bad roads or bumpy surfaces
> > - poor window wiper system, bulge on top part of windsheild prevents
> > proper
> > wipe.
> > - brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)
> > front brake job cost $450 CDN at Ford dealer.
> > - significant power loss with a/c on (automatic only)
> > - inadequate heat in winter (can't defrost top part of windsheild)
> >
> >=====================

> Wow! Did you ever buy a lemon. My Daughters car is knocking on
> 25,000 km also. Original tires, just had them checked.
> Originial brakes. Ditto.
> Average fuel economy 50-50 City/Hwy is 8.6 /100kl(Auto-Wagon)
> Pirrelli tires.... handles like a dream.
> AND the heater will blow you out of the car.
> Are you sure it's a Focus? <VBG>
> Geoff
>
>


Geoff,

- tires aren't a problem on the Focus unless you have rear alignment issues
- brakes are an issue, consider yourself lucky at 25k but you'll soon have
to change them
- good handling on smooth roads but watch out for the bumpy surfaces
- heater fans are NOISY.......even at full they can't defrost the top of
windsheild at -20 degrees celcius.





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G
#17 ·
"V.Lan" <v.lan@hotmail.com> wrote

> - brakes are an issue, consider yourself lucky at 25k but you'll soon have
> to change them


Many Focus owners have complained about short brake life, but in fact it's
an industry-wide problem, at least in North America. Environmental
regulations in the late 90s meant that asbestos had to be removed from brake
linings, which shortened brake life across the industry. For the 2005 Focus
models, Ford addressed the problem by increasing the size of the brakes,
which meant that 14 inch wheels could no longer be used. For the older cars,
replacement linings tend to be better than the new ones, as the industry
found better compounds to replace the asbestos.
 
G
#15 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote
>.. If a TSB is issued is it not in its self indicative of reliability?


No. It just means that the factory is keeping technicians working on its
cars up to date with the latest info. All vehicles need service as they age,
and TSBs are part of the routine process.

If you acquired knowledge before posting, you would mislead less.
 
G
#16 ·
V.Lan wrote:

> because you asked.......here's what you should know about the car


> - brakes wear out fast (25,000 kms and you'll need to replace them)


I went over 70,000 miles on the original front rotors and pads. I
pushed it a bit too far because I planned on upgrading the rotors.

Obviously, our mileage did vary considerably.
 
G
#18 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:N_WdnRX1fqJ8P_DfRVn-3w@magma.ca...
>
> "Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote
>>.. If a TSB is issued is it not in its self indicative of reliability?

>
> No. It just means that the factory is keeping technicians working on its
> cars up to date with the latest info. All vehicles need service as they
> age, and TSBs are part of the routine process.
>
> If you acquired knowledge before posting, you would mislead less.
>

what fun is that?? ;-)
 
G
#19 ·
Re: 2004 Ford Focus SE TSB's

if would be nice if techs & dealers used TSB info

here in Quebec, techs are either too stupid or ignorant to follow them

I remember showing my service rep a list of TSBs

he didn't even know what TSB was......




"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:N_WdnRX1fqJ8P_DfRVn-3w@magma.ca...
>
> "Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote
> >.. If a TSB is issued is it not in its self indicative of reliability?

>
> No. It just means that the factory is keeping technicians working on its
> cars up to date with the latest info. All vehicles need service as they

age,
> and TSBs are part of the routine process.
>
> If you acquired knowledge before posting, you would mislead less.
>
>
>




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G
#20 ·
TSB's & Secret warranties

TSBs are part of the routine process as vehicles need service as they age.
This statement is BS

TSB's are issued for cars which might only be less than a year old.

This is my acquired knowledge before I posted..

A little enlightenment for you regarding TSB's.

You would not know this because you do not work in the Automotive industry
and you are definitely not a Tech.
Secret warranties go through four stages:

1st Stage -
Service advisories are posted on an automaker's internal computer network.
They offer troubleshooting tips and allow the dealer to bill the
manufacturer for the repair. This info is never shared with the customer.

2nd Stage -
If the defect grows in scope and a more involved solution, requiring
upgraded parts, is needed, automakers then draw up a formal service bulletin
(called a TSB or DSB) and distribute the bulletin to dealers and US and
Canadian government agencies. The service bulletin is only issued after the
manufacturer has, what it thinks, is the solution for the defect. TSBs
issued by Chrysler, Ford, and GM will usually spell out clearly which base
warranty will cover the repair (emissions warranty, bumper-to-bumper, etc.).
Interestingly, Asian and European automakers are vague in their description
of their warranty obligations. Honda, for example, uses the term "goodwill"
as a euphemism to describe its warranty extensions.

3rd Stage -
As more and more customers hear through, Alldata, friends, and relatives
that some TSBs recognize that a common factory-related defect exists, and
find that the base warranty is clearly inadequate to deal with the scope of
the problem, pressure is exerted by dealers and customers for additional
after-warranty-assistance. This, in turn, results in a second TSB, sent only
to dealers, extending the warranty coverage for the defects's correction and
leaving to the dealer's discretion the amount of the customer's refund.

Now, customer dissatisfaction is building into a crescendo, since the
dealers and automakers keep the extended guidelines to themselves and
customers get widely divergent refunds, which only angers the owners more,
brings in the media, and leads to a proliferation of Internet gripe sites
and lawsuits (small claims and class actions).

4th Stage -
Finally, the aggravation is too great and the automaker decides to make a
press release followed by an owner notification letter (sent to first owners
only, at their last known address) which clearly spells out what all owners
will get and which vehicles are involved. A special bulletin or letter is
also sent out to dealers to ensure they follow the guidelin es 100%. Ford
calls these Owner Notification Policies, GM calls them Special Policies, and
Chrysler calls them Owner Satisfaction Notifications. No matter the
euphemism, they are an extension of the original warranty, applied to
vehicles that may have been bought new or used.
 
G
#21 ·
Not true, The Ford and GM replacement brake pads are just as bad as the
originals, the solution is aftermarket brake pads which last a heck of a lot
longer and are a lot cheaper.
..Its really nothing to do with asbestos, its caused by smaller rotors and
smaller pads to reduce the weight on the cars. Brakes have to work harder.


"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:462dndl8a4cCNvDfRVn-gw@magma.ca...

"V.Lan" <v.lan@hotmail.com> wrote

> - brakes are an issue, consider yourself lucky at 25k but you'll soon have
> to change them


Many Focus owners have complained about short brake life, but in fact it's
an industry-wide problem, at least in North America. Environmental
regulations in the late 90s meant that asbestos had to be removed from brake
linings, which shortened brake life across the industry. For the 2005 Focus
models, Ford addressed the problem by increasing the size of the brakes,
which meant that 14 inch wheels could no longer be used. For the older cars,
replacement linings tend to be better than the new ones, as the industry
found better compounds to replace the asbestos.
 
G
#23 ·
"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

> .Its really nothing to do with asbestos, its caused by smaller rotors and
> smaller pads to reduce the weight on the cars. Brakes have to work harder.


You continually twist facts to support your silly agenda. Asbestos has been
a critical part of brakes for decades, and its elimination caught many
manufacturers in a bit of a bind. Certainly enlarging the brakes is one
answer, as I mentioned with the 2005 Focus.

Automobile designs take many years, and regulatory changes can't always be
accommodated overnight. The same thing happened to paints in the 80s. But of
course you wouldn't know about that.

As to your reference to aftermarket brakes, you are correct that these
companies were faster than the auto companies at getting new types of brakes
on their shelves. When I replaced my front pads at 55000 kilometres (35k
miles) that's what I used. I put them on myself and at 91000 kilometres they
seem to be doing fine. My dealer tells me they now stock better types of
pads and linings.
 
G
#25 ·
OH! I forgot to point out that you really do not know what you are talking
about.

Your words! "Asbestos has been a critical part of brakes for decades, and
its elimination caught many manufacturers in a bit of a bind" is bullshit.

Asbestos has not been used in brakes pads and shoes since the middle
80's. -- Yes Virginia its been that long.

The US car manufacturers have had over 25 years to get their act together
with brake problems and still have not been able to do it.

Keep em coming!!!! I am having fun.



"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:wNCdnSTkE_l7p_PfRVn-tw@magma.ca...

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

> .Its really nothing to do with asbestos, its caused by smaller rotors and
> smaller pads to reduce the weight on the cars. Brakes have to work harder.


You continually twist facts to support your silly agenda. Asbestos has been
a critical part of brakes for decades, and its elimination caught many
manufacturers in a bit of a bind. Certainly enlarging the brakes is one
answer, as I mentioned with the 2005 Focus.

Automobile designs take many years, and regulatory changes can't always be
accommodated overnight. The same thing happened to paints in the 80s. But of
course you wouldn't know about that.

As to your reference to aftermarket brakes, you are correct that these
companies were faster than the auto companies at getting new types of brakes
on their shelves. When I replaced my front pads at 55000 kilometres (35k
miles) that's what I used. I put them on myself and at 91000 kilometres they
seem to be doing fine. My dealer tells me they now stock better types of
pads and linings.
 
G
#24 ·
What agenda is that? What twisting of facts.

I do not know what you are talking about!!!

And it appears neither do you.

I actually do know about the paint in the 80's. Which lead to TSB's and
secret warranties by the car manufacturers.

Like I said before YOU are not an Automotive TECH and do not work in the
Auto industry. It appears that much of what you post is based on what you
have read or heard from someone else.





"Dave Gower" <davegow.removethis@magma.ca> wrote in message
news:wNCdnSTkE_l7p_PfRVn-tw@magma.ca...

"Henri" <henri_latour@hotmail.com> wrote

> .Its really nothing to do with asbestos, its caused by smaller rotors and
> smaller pads to reduce the weight on the cars. Brakes have to work harder.


You continually twist facts to support your silly agenda. Asbestos has been
a critical part of brakes for decades, and its elimination caught many
manufacturers in a bit of a bind. Certainly enlarging the brakes is one
answer, as I mentioned with the 2005 Focus.

Automobile designs take many years, and regulatory changes can't always be
accommodated overnight. The same thing happened to paints in the 80s. But of
course you wouldn't know about that.

As to your reference to aftermarket brakes, you are correct that these
companies were faster than the auto companies at getting new types of brakes
on their shelves. When I replaced my front pads at 55000 kilometres (35k
miles) that's what I used. I put them on myself and at 91000 kilometres they
seem to be doing fine. My dealer tells me they now stock better types of
pads and linings.
 
G
#26 ·
Henri schrieb:
> OH! I forgot to point out that you really do not know what you are talking
> about.
>
> Your words! "Asbestos has been a critical part of brakes for decades, and
> its elimination caught many manufacturers in a bit of a bind" is bullshit.
>
> Asbestos has not been used in brakes pads and shoes since the middle
> 80's. -- Yes Virginia its been that long.
>
> The US car manufacturers have had over 25 years to get their act together
> with brake problems and still have not been able to do it.


Hi
here in Europe this is not a problem.
The original Focus pads and rotors are lasting for about 80.000 km
depending on the drivers break foot.
With 14" wheels. There is space enough in them.
And we also have no asbesto in the pads since about 25 years.
The problem in the US could be the wish of the FORD managers, to build
cars even cheaper and cheaper to maximise their profit.
Going this way too long leads to more problems for their customers.
They could easylie use the same parts as in Europe where the car was
developed.
bye
Jupp
 
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