Ford to fix Falcon brakes

FORD Australia has launched a service campaign - not a recall - to replace brake hoses in 200,000 Falcons.

The company said the fix covers BA and BF models produced from September 2002 to March 2007.

Ford Australia said the potentially faulty brake hoses would be fixed when Falcon owners next had their cars serviced.

Ford Australia spokesman Edward Finn said 1000 Falcon owners had experienced ‘brake fade’ from worn brake hoses, which led the company to initiate the service campaign.

“0.5 per cent of the population of Falcon cars (BA to BF) have experienced this occurrence,” Mr Finn said.

“When it does occur, there is a softening of the brake pedal. The car still operates within all of the ADR (Australian Design Rule) requirements, braking within the prescribed distances.” Mr Finn said the fact that the cars still operated safely meant Ford Australia could replace the rear brake hoses during scheduled servicing rather than initiating a recall.

He said that any BA-BF Falcon customers who feel their brakes fade should contact the Ford customer relations centre or their nearest Ford dealer in order to have their vehicle checked.

Mr Finn said Ford Australia was not aware of any accidents or injuries relating to brake fade problems involving the 200,000 cars affected by the service program.