I don't know if this has been covered before (and I apologize if it has), but my 2006 (Build 2) Escape Hybrid, built on 10/10/2005 started exhibiting a squeak when I drove at low speeds, especially when making left turns. It turns out that this problem stems from an adjustment problem on the parking brake cable adjuster.

If your Ford Escape Hybrid/Mercury Mariner Hybrid exhibits this squeaking or grinding noise, don't fret -- Ford/Mercury has a fix for it! Your Ford/Mercury dealer simply needs to adjust the parking brake cable adjuster so that there is a "10 mm thread protrusion" on cars built before 5/3/2005 and a "15 mm thread protrusion" on vehicles built on 5/3/2005 or after.

It's possible that the squeak may persist after this adjustment is made. If so, the parking brake drum and shoes may have to be cleaned because of excessive lining buildup.

This may be a problem on FEH and MMH's built between 8/2/04 and 11/21/05.

Your Ford/Mercury dealer can reference OASIS article 302000 for this information.


Hope this clears up the numerous queries about this problem!
Byung Jay Kim

Thanks for that post, mine stopped and I never brought it in.

GaryG

Question, how can I find build number and build date? Is there a difference?

It may be a good idea (whether or not the squeak has disappeared) to have your dealer check the thread protrusion on your parking brake cable and the parking brake drum to make sure that everything's adjusted okay.


As far as build DATE goes, your dealer's service department can certainly look it up on their OASIS system. You'll need to supply your Hybrid's VIN Number to them so that they can look it up.

The "build number" that you're mistakenly referring to is actually called "Job 2". Certain minor changes were made to recently built 2006 Escape Hybrids (such as the inclusion of the Sat button on the basic radio for Sirius Satellite reception). These are called "Job 2" Hybrids. The sticker for your car will say "Job 2" on it. If there's no indication of "Job 2" on the original sticker, than you've got a 2006 "Job 1" Ford Escape Hybrid.

Hi,

Can someone explain what a parking brake drum is? I cars with drum brakes, the parking brake engaged the drum brakes of the rear wheels. I assumed that in a 4 wheel disk brake situation, the parking brake cable somehow actuates the calipers. Is this not the case?

Thanks,

Roch

With four (4) wheel disk brakes, there is a small drum with brake shoes that acts as the parking brake. Disc brakes only work with high fluid pressure to activate the calipers.