Filthy front wheels on '04

[Guest]

I recently purchased a 2004 Eddie Bauer after having a 1987 XLT.

I have one aesthetic complaint about the alloy wheels - I CAN'T KEEP THEM CLEAN!!!! Just like the many European sports cars I've observed in years past with front disk brakes and alloy wheels, the front wheels become black with brake dust and road dirt. After a good wash, it's only a matter of days before the front wheels are pitch black again.

I've noticed this problem on other new Expeditions - my '87 had chrome wheels, which seemed to always stay clean. Any suggestions short of replacing the alloy wheels?? Thank you!

 

[Keydo]

This has been a problem for everyone ever since the new '03 truck came out. Something to do with the brake pad.

Ford is supposedly coming out with a new brake pad formulation that will dust less than the current one.

Many people switch to ceramic brake pads which dust a lot less than stock.

I believe there was only one company that makes ceramic brake pads for the new Expedition, but can't remember. You might be able to locate it in a search.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the info.! I'm scheduled to bring my Expedition in for its first service visit, so I'll ask the service advisor about alternate, ceramic brake pads. Another brake-related thing - when I've been driving a while and the wheels have warmed up, I get a very loud whistle from the right rear brake. Maybe I'll get new pads all around!

 

[Keydo]

Could be a rock stuck between the brake pad and rotor?

Do a search her and I think there is actually some kind of service bulletin or service notice regarding the brake pad issue on the new generation Expeditions.

Good luck.

 

[daveplot]

Ford has released the new pads, they cost $113 (part only) and are NOT covered by warranty. See link in sig for more info.

Complain to your dealer and to Ford about it not being covered by the warranty.

 

[Guest]

Service Updates

Well, I'm at 9,500 miles on the '03 Expo. Took it in for oil and filter and the following other things:
1. Rear diff acting up again, the clutch pack has been replaced once.
2. Heavy brake dust on rims and running boards
3. Steering wheel noise when turning
4. Air leak on pass side near ft. window.

Results of drop off:
1. No problem we'll look at it
2. That's normal there is nothing we can do
3. No problem we'll look at it
4. No problem we'll look at it

My response to item 2 was that I had researched and knew that Ford had identified a problem and he should check the TSB's for me. He agreed he would do that. Gave up a rental POS Focus and sent us on our way.

I just got a call today, they are keeping the truck another day. They found there is now an even more updated fix for the rear diff, so they installed that. The brakes he found a TSB and there are new pads but they had none in stock so he ordered them. However, he had to change our complaint to the brakes "squeek" in order to get Ford to warrenty them. Just dusting will not get you a warrenty claim. With the running boards they are going to try to clean them at a car wash, if that does not work we get new ones. It appears that the steering wheel issue is due to the rear diff but time will tell on that. The main thing is to always get the dealer to document issues like that so down the road you have evidence if it comes back or gets worse.

I should have the new pads in a week or so and I will post results then!