Brakes - Rear Drum Brake Squealing Noise
TSB 07-14-407/23/07
REAR BRAKE SQUEAL
FORD:
2000-2007 Focus
This article supersedes TSB 07-12-4 to update the Parts List for anti-lock brake system (ABS) equipped vehicles.
ISSUE
Some 2000-2007 Focus vehicles (excluding vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes) may exhibit a long or extended squealing noise from the rear drum brakes during end of stop (medium to low initial speed with light brake pressure applied).
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
Understanding brake noise is key in making a proper diagnosis. However, some sounds are a normal part of brake operation, while others may indicate a problem. To aid in making a proper diagnosis, it is very helpful to know the answers to key questions.
Key Questions:
^ Where does the brake noise seem to originate, front or rear?
^ Does it happen when the brakes are cold, or after the vehicle has been driven for a period of time?
^ At what speed does the noise occur?
^ Does it occur on heavy or light braking applications?
^ Does it happen after many stops, or only after the first few stops?
^ Does it happen in wet conditions (such as rain, snow, humid or after a car wash)?
^ Do any ABS or Traction Control lamps illuminate when the noise is heard?
Additional Drum Brake Noise Factors:
1. Excessive brake dust inside the brake drum.
a. Removing the drum and cleaning the brakes may eliminate certain types of squeal noises; use Motorcraft(R) Metal Brake Parts Cleaner or brake washer to clean brake components. After following the procedures in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 206-02 and any applicable safety procedures mandated by OSHA or other agencies regarding the servicing of brakes.
CAUTION
NEVER USE COMPRESSED AIR TO CLEAN
BRAKE COMPONENTS.
2. Poor heel and toe contact between the brake shoes and brake drums.
a. Check brake drum diameter and brake lining discard thickness to determine if it is within specifications as noted in WSM, Section 206-02.
b. Check brake shoe adjustment. Refer to WSM, Section 206-02 for shoe adjustment procedure and parking brake adjustment procedure.
3. Weak, loose or damaged brake springs and hardware. Weak, loose or damaged springs may allow vibrations between the brake shoes and the raised pads on the backing plates to occur, resulting in brake noise.
NOTE
SILICONE BRAKE CALIPER GREASE AND DIELECTRIC COMPOUND MUST BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE SHOE CONTACT POINTS ON THE BRAKE BACKING PLATE.
4. Formation of trace corrosion (light rust) on the metal surfaces during vehicle non-use or storage. This formation will typically cause a grinding type noise with rear brake drums and on some disc brakes during the first few stops (such as after the vehicle has been parked overnight). Light corrosion is typically cleared from the braking surfaces after a few stops, causing the noise to stop. This is considered a normal/acceptable condition that is caused by humidity and low brake pad temperatures. Refer to WSM, Section 206-00 Diagnosis and Testing Symptom Chart for additional information.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Replace the rear brake shoes and the rear brake drums, at the same time, for the listed noise condition in the TSB Issue Section only. Do not replace the brake drums for other rear brake noise conditions. The brake drum has a unique surface finish to address this condition. Refer to the following service procedure for service details.
NOTE
SOME 2002 AND PRIOR MODEL YEAR VEHICLES MAY ALSO REQUIRE WHEEL CYLINDER REPLACEMENT IF THE REAR BRAKE SHOES ARE BEING REPLACED WITH THE REVISED COMPONENTS. REFER TO THE FOLLOWING SERVICE PROCEDURE.
1. Remove both rear brake drums. Refer to WSM, Section 206-02.
2. Inspect wheel cylinders.
a. If the wheel cylinder housing is bare cast iron, then replacement is not required if revised brake shoes are being installed.
b. If the wheel cylinder housing is plated, then replace the wheel cylinders if revised brake shoes are being installed. Refer to WSM, Section 206-02. (Only required on some 2000 - 2002 model year applications).
3. Replace brake shoes and brake drums with revised components. Refer to WSM, Section 206-02 for specific replacement procedures.
NOTE
ABS VEHICLES REQUIRE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR RING TO BE INSTALLED ON THE NEW BRAKE DRUM ASSEMBLY. REFER TO WSM, SECTION 204-02, WHEEL BEARING FOR SPECIFIC INSTALLATION PROCEDURES.
NOTE
APPLY SILICONE BRAKE CALIPER GREASE AND DIELECTRIC COMPOUND TO THE CONTACT POINTS BETWEEN THE SHOE AND THE REAR BACKING PLATE.
NOTE
DO NOT MACHINE OR SAND THE BRAKE DRUMS WHEN PERFORMING THIS TSB TO ADDRESS THIS NOISE CONDITION.
NOTE
THE REVISED BRAKE SHOES MAY MAKE AN INTERMITTENT SLIGHT SQUEAL NOISE FOR THE FIRST 100 TO 150 BRAKE APPLICATIONS. THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION.
Parts Block
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB.
Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
071404A 2000-2007 Focus Without 1.8 Hrs.
Anti Lock Brakes: Install
Revised Rear Brake
Shoes, Brake Drums,
Includes Time To Inspect
Build Date, And Wheel
Cylinders (Do Not Use
With 2000A, 2001B,
2001B1, 2001B9, 2780B)
071404B 2000-2007 Focus Without 2.3 Hrs.
Anti Lock Brakes: Install
Revised Rear Brake
Shoes, Brake Drums,
Wheel Cylinders, Includes
Time To Inspect Build
Date, Wheel Cylinders,
And Bleed Brake System
(Do Not Use With 2000A,
2001B, 2001B1, 2001B9,
2780B)
071404C 2000-2007 Focus With Anti 1.9 Hrs.
Lock Brakes: Install
Revised Rear Brake
Shoes, Brake Drums,
Includes Time To Install
Speed Sensor Ring,
Inspect Build Date, And
Wheel Cylinders (Do Not
Use With 2000A, 2001B,
2001B1, 2001B9, 2780B)
071404D 2000-2007 Focus With Anti 2.5 Hrs.
Lock Brakes: Install
Revised Rear Brake
Shoes, Brake Drums,
Wheel Cylinders, Includes
Time To Install Speed
Sensor Ring, Inspect Build
Date, Wheel Cylinders,
And Bleed Brake System
(Do Not Use With 2000A,
2001B, 2001B1, 2001B9,
2780B)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
2200 42
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