Three problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 1997 Mercury Tracer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Retaining pins that hold brake pads in place are loose, causing contact to the wheel, and eventual separation. Dealer has been notified. More specifically the retaining clips that hold the retaining pins in the front brake assembly snap and fly off of the vehicle when the pins contact the wheel.
When applying the brakes pedal stiffens and the vehicle takes longer to slow down. There is also a vibration that occurs during brake application. Dealer replaced pads, and problem still exists. Has been to dealer 6 or 7 times.
Brakes squeal when applied,rear pads/ shoes noisy when applied & released, dealer said still had 60% of pads and there was nothing wrong. Dealer said that all of the new type linings make noise.