Three problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 1998 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Was driving and applied tbrakes, and brakes locked up. Vehicle slid into a ditch. This caused front end to be damaged. Vehicle was drivable. An independent mechanic checked vehicle and indicated that brake pads were the problem.
Recently my 1998 Contour svt's anti-lock brakes have on several occasions locked up when applied causing the car to swerve. In some cases the brakes have remained locked and only released after being tapped and pressed several times after the car has been caused to come to a halt in traffic. Available avenues of addressing this serious braking problem in the vehicle with Ford motor company are exhausted. Ford's standard policy requires the dealer's service facility to replicate the problem. The problem in this case is intermittent and dealer cannot replicate it. Ford refuses to be involved or to discuss the problem beyond the clerical area that answers at customer relationship center. I purchased the above vehicle new from borgman Ford in grandville, michigan in 1998. I currently reside in birmingham, michigan. The vehicle was taken to huntington Ford in rochester hills on two occasions. In the first instance I paid to have the rear brake pads replaced and also a fee to have the car inspected for the lockup problem. The problem could not be replicated and no source was identified. After the latest incident huntington provided a "loaner" vehicle for two or three days, but was again unable to replicate or identify the source of the problem. Internal Ford procedures block efforts to bring the situation to the attention of a higher level of Ford management. I have contacted Ford through their customer relationship center, 800-392-3673--a higher level of authority is not available by calling this number. My father also called Ford's headquarters, 313-322-3000, and asked for ceo jacques nasser. He was connected to mr. Colin richard, executive contact manager, again no higher level of management is reachable. Richard refused to send a written statement confirming Ford's policy and their refusal to respond. My car was returned to me with this serious braking problem unresolved. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, daniel j. Osterhart.
Brakes make grinding sound when coming to a stop. Dealer has tried to correct problem on three occasions with only a temporary solution. Front pads have been replaced, rotors have been resurfaced, and after 1500 miles, the grinding reappears. Dealer says brake dust is the cause and cannot be repaired. I asked what happened during the first 18000 miles that is different from now ? problem still exists and dealer claims that they have to make three calls to their technical assistance before Ford will intervene.