Cougar/XR7 V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Brake Rotor/Disc: Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
NOISE AND HEAT
Brake friction materials inherently generate noise and heat to dissipate energy. As a result, occasional squeal is possible, and it is aggravated by
severe environmental conditions such as cold, heat, rain, snow, salt, mud and other conditions.
SERVICING FRONT AND REAR ROTORS
Each time the brakes are serviced the front and rear disc brake rotors should be checked for scoring, runout, parallelism and thickness. Disc brake
rotor scoring and runout may be checked with the front and rear disc brake rotors either on or off the vehicle. To check parallelism and thickness,
the front or rear disc brake caliper must be removed.
BRAKE PULSATION
Brake pulsation (brake roughness) present during brake application is caused by either foreign material build-up or contamination on the rotor
brake surface or uneven brake rotor thickness caused by runout. If there is foreign material build-up or contamination found on front disc brake
rotor or lining surfaces, hand sand linings and front disc brake rotor.
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If brake pulsation (brake roughness) is present, attempt stopping vehicle with transmission in the NEUTRAL position.
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If the pulsation (roughness) is gone, the drivetrain should be inspected.
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If pulsation (roughness) remains, stop vehicle from 48 km/h (30 mph) using parking brake control. If pulsation remains, inspect rear brakes. If
pulsation is gone, inspect front brakes.
