brakes!!
As this was my first Ford car, and MN12 no less, I had NO clue as to things to look for. So having bought my baby used and sitting on the used car lot for a while I failed to inspect the brakes well and know what "proper" brake feel/actuation is.
Well there I am racing to work
, running late one day and don't you know traffic conditions have me in the third lane at the point of my exit. well getting the power to overcome 3 lanes "safely" proved not to be a problem
...however...upon attempting to slow down my ABS and Brake lights lit up
and I did a lock up B-line straight toward the concrete ramp curb...all I could think was..."ok ok...think...either whack it head on and hope you clear the bumper and oil pan or attempt to hang the corner and no doubt smack the front rim and risk popping it clear out the bearing and resting on a wheel..a la 'Bullit'"
well I chose the former...and PLOWEE ....instantly my steering wheel cocked right and the car grinded to a stop...thankfully working for a Ford dealer I was able to get a new control arm/bushing in short order. But I chipped the edge of one my precious 5 spokes! :/ Found out my rear brake cables were frozen, one rear caliper was frozen and ALL my rotors were severely pitted and/or grooved.
but that was just the beginning..."I" attempted a total brake job myself!!! whew...ever try to *$&#@ with those rear calipers and the E-Cable?? anyhow...I botched by having the resident idiot finish up the job and he forgot to put both front caliper retaining bolts in and secure a rear brake line. Upon a good 90-0 mph braking exercise the caliper dislocated and lodged between the wheel and rotor slicing a nice groove inside another wheel.
thankfully I was right around the corner from my brother's job at another dealership so he had it fixed for me.
but it's memories like this that endear a car to you and you find most difficult to let go. :rollin:
Life's expensive lessons...I'm often reminded what my mother always tells me..."God watches babies and fools" :lol:
guess I'm a little of both!