2002 V6 Ford Taurus Braking Problem

[behram]

Sometimes when I apply brakes, on my 2002, V6 Ford Taurus, the steeing wheel of the car gets jammed and the car spins 180 degrees. This is a dangerous situation. Can I get an answer to this question?
This can does not have an ABS.

[hughw]

Just a guess, but I'd say you may have a leaking caliper...If that is the problem, you can probably see brake fluid on the inside of effected wheel...caliper could be just locking up...

[behram]

Originally Posted by hughw

Just a guess, but I'd say you may have a leaking caliper...If that is the problem, you can probably see brake fluid on the inside of effected wheel...caliper could be just locking up...

Thanks for the reply.

I took it to the local Ford dealership to get these brakes checked out. There were no problems detected. He say's that this is exactly how the brakes should work....that is, it will skid. He went into how I should apply the brakes gradually etc.

That does not make very much sense. Do I have to live with a faulty brakes design?

[Banjoman10]

Write a letter (registered) to the dealer, describing the problem, the visit, and their "solution". Remember, you must be very clear, concise and chronological in layman's terms, so anybody can understand it. Demand a Ford factory rep's examination of the car in the letter. You should include, that any mishap or accident resulting from this unrepaired condition will be considered their negligence, and a lawsuit will be brought against them upon such an event, which depending on the seriousness of the damage or injury, can and will run into the millions.

[Banjoman10]

Are you sure you don't have ABS on your 2002 Taurus? I was under the impression, that all models (LX, SES, SEL) had it. I'm certain about the SES and SELs having it, because I have both models, '01 vintage though.

[behram]

Thank you for the reply.

The Taurus 2002 model that I have is SE. It does not have ABS. The dealer's response does not make any sense. Why do I have to live with brakes that skid violently? This car is defective, and should be covered under Texas Lemon Law.

[Banjoman10]

Based on your description either one of your caliper cylinders is sticking intermittently, so only one side brakes or locks up, or the proportioning valve in the master cylinder is malfunctioning intermittently. Could also be air in one of the brakelines going to one of the calipers which would reduce the effectiveness of the brake on one side. The reason you spin, because the brakes grab harder on one side (or even lock up) than on the other.