2004 Gt Brake Problem After Smacking A Curb

[Skystang]

My son finally spun his 04 out and did a 180 and passenger side hit a 8 inch high curb with both front and back rims. Destroyed right rear with enough impact to bend axle. The rotor was seperated in two pieces so he really hit hard. Did very minor scratches to paint is all for body. I jacked it up and visually inspected the housing and with the caliper/bracket/rotor off..... I spun the rear end and it obviously had a bent axle. I replace the axle and put a brand new rotor in. With the car having only 16,000 mile the pads had lots of meat left. I sanded flat and put back in place. While on the jack stands she rolled straight and true and no noise. Put her on the ground and I only drove in 1st and 2nd gear and could hear a metal scrap. Quickly turned around and back into the garage. With only about 300 yards travel the back side of the brand new rotor was messed up and I had it turned. I have put it back on and now looking closely I can see a difference between that right rear and the left rear. I can put a quarter between the capliper bracket on the LR but can't put a quarter on the RR and that bracket is rubbing the caliper. I bought new caliper bracket and installed but still have the exact same clearance problem. I have looked very carefully at the housing and all parts in this area and see no bends/chipped paint or anything that would indicated a bent part to the naked eye. I see there is a smaller bracket that has like a muffler clamp that goes around the housing end and bolts to the caliper bracket with two bolts. Then there is another thicker bracket around the end of the housing as well which would mean pulling the axel again and removing that part. Ford will have to order from Memphis for $99 bucks. I just wish I could see the damage and know what the problem really was before I keep buying this that and the other to maybe not get it fixed in the end. Your thoughts and or suggestions appreciated. Happy Memorial Day. PS., this clearance problem is both top and bottom.

 

[Shiroelex]

Did you double check the new axle with the old one? If your replacement came from a different year Mustang, it might be the wrong length.

 

[Skystang]

Did you double check the new axle with the old one? If your replacement came from a different year Mustang, it might be the wrong length.

Yes sir, bought the brand new one with bearing/seal kit from NAPA and stood them side by side. They were identical. Thanks for the input. My plan thus far is to replace the two main brackets on backside of the backing plate.

 

[Skystang]

Shiroelex, thanks for your post to this problem of mine. I was working on flooring in the house for a few weeks and got back on this project last Thursday. Pulled the axle from NAPA and decided to go all Ford parts. Replaced with Ford axle, bearing, seal and caliper bracket. Still have clearance issue. So, with no visual signs of damage to the housing I pulled the axle again and replace the big this metal bracket on the end of housing. The one the brake backing plate bolts to. Althought the naked eye could not see the difference it was the final piece to complete this problem. Just wanted to post up what the fix was since there was so much help offered. Ha. Thanks though Shiroelex for at least posting. Later