1999 Ford E-Series Van Wear

1999 FORD E-SERIES VAN
88,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PAULIE1
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Front ABS, Rear ABS, ABS circuit tested, operational, light not on.

This van eats front brakes. Despite a full flushing of the system, the fronts wear out fast. New rotors and pads did not help. The rear shoes are original, with little wear on them.

Vehicle has what seems normal braking during everyday driving, with no issues or vibrations. When going downhill and braking for any extended times, it gets a vibration after getting heated up. after they cool back down, I have normal braking until they heat up hard again. Again, rotors resurfaced and replaced. Vented, but not cross-drilled.

It almost seems if the back brakes are not working enough. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Paul
May 21, 2010 at 1:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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First, it is common for the front to wear out faster than the rear. They are designed to do 60% of the stopping. However, your case seems extreme. Have the rear brakes been properly adjusted? They have self adjusters, but they really never seem to work very well. If they are out of adjustment, the fronts will wear much faster.

Let me know.
Joe
Jun 1, 2010 at 11:29 AM
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PAULIE1
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Thanks for responding, Joe. 90k on the vehicle, rear brake shoes are original. Yes, I am aware the fronts wear faster. I have to replace fronts every 15-20k miles, and I am not hard on my brakes (except while going downhill grades). The fronts are often cracked and baked. New rotors, turned the rears, took apart the rear cylinders to inspect and make sure no internal problems. They seem to pressure up and stop wheelspin while van is off the ground. No ABS lights on. Any other ideas?

Thaks, Paul.
Jun 9, 2010 at 11:29 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When you adjust the rear, is there a slight drag on them?
Jun 9, 2010 at 1:19 PM