Brake Disc Caliper problems of the 2007 Ford Expedition

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Ford Expedition. While reversing out of the driveway, the brakes and both front wheels seized and would not turn. As a result, the vehicle remained stuck in the middle of the street. The contact shut off the engine and removed the keys from the ignition. The vehicle was restarted and the gear was placed in neutral. The contact's husband had to pull the vehicle back into the driveway via a rope. The contact sprayed the wheels with a type of seizure unlock spray and the vehicle was able to be driven a day later. In addition, the abs warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake calipers seized. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.

First incident occurred when vehicle was traveling 45 mph. Brakes were applied to slow down before a curve. At the point the front wheels locked up and the vehicle began to rock back and forth and swerve on the roadway. To prevent a rollover the vehicle was steered off the road when it jumped an embankment and plowed through 25 feet mud and brush before coming to a complete stop. The brakes were completely inoperable. The vehicle was shut off and left until it could be towed out. After a few hours the calipers released. The second incident occurred when vehicle was stopped at a stop sign. When accelerated was pressed the front wheels were locked up and the back wheels were spinning. Vehicle was put in park, shut off, restarted after a few minutes and calipers were still locked up. Vehicle was towed home and calipers released after a few hours. Car had only been running for about 30 minutes when this happened. After diagnosis it was determined that the brackets that hold the brake lines on the front failed and wheel rotation were through the lines which caused the brake lines to intermittently collapse. All brake lines, calipers, tie rods, shock/struts, brakes, rotors, upper control arms and lower ball joints have been replaced on both front and rear. Vehicle had approximately 180,000 miles when both incidents occurred 3 months apart.

2007 Ford Expedition el, eddie bauer 4x4 mileage - 35,800 passenger front brake "dragging". Caused extremely hot and smoking brake components. -- this could have caused serious brake failure due to brake fluid boiling; possible fire, possible locked/skidding tire and loss of steering control. Full story: was towing a car on a trailer of about 5000 pounds total weight. Typical driving, south of watkins glen on rt 14 toward interstate, speeds 30-60mph; trailer has fully operational electric brakes. Smelled "hot brakes", pulled over, smoke pouring out of wheel. Pyrometer could not measure rotor temperature - meaning rotor was hotter than 790 degrees f. (I believe the drivers front rotor was about 230f). I also can't say 100% there was not a fire. Jacked it up, it was hard to turn the wheel. When it cooled, the wheel rotated without resistance. Took caliper off, cleaned brake pad contact areas, pistons seemed to press back easily. Did not need brakes on rest of way home and have not towed since -- no problems with brakes since (about 200 miles regular driving). So far stops straight without a shimmy. I plan to replace pads and bleed system unless I find something that suggest problems is more serious. . Read more...