Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Pedal pads

1997 Ford Falcon pedal-pads: fitment, purpose and servicing

Based on the Ford EL Falcon workshop manual (1996–1998), Ford Australia Microcat parts listings for the EL series, and ADR 31/.. brake system rules requiring non-slip service brake pedals, pedal-pads are indeed fitted to the 1997 Ford Falcon. Automatic models have a brake pedal-pad, and manual models have both brake and clutch pedal-pads, the accelerator uses a separate pedal face/cover design.

On a 1997 Falcon, the pedal-pads do a simple but vital job: they give the driver solid, grippy contact on the brake and clutch so feet don’t slip, wet or dry. The pads are moulded rubber with ribs or texture, pressed over a steel pedal plate. When they harden, glaze or crack with age, stopping distance and pedal feel can suffer because the shoe loses bite on the pedal face. That makes regular checks worthwhile, especially on cars doing lots of city kilometres.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the pedal-pads for smooth, shiny areas, edge cracking, missing chunks, or a pad that can be twisted on the pedal. Any of those is a cue to replace. On manual ELs, the clutch pad often wears fastest from constant use, on autos, the brake pad cops the lot. A fresh pad restores grip and keeps the car compliant with safety expectations set by ADRs.

Replacement is a quick driveway job. No special tools are needed and it’s usually easier in mild weather when the rubber is more flexible. Many techs use a drop of soapy water to help slip the new pad over the bare pedal plate.

• Peel the old pad off the metal pedal plate.
• Wipe the plate clean so the new pad seats flat.
• Hook one edge of the new pad on, then work it around until the lip fully captures the plate.
• Press around the perimeter to confirm it’s evenly seated and won’t rotate.

Genuine and quality aftermarket pads are both available for EL Falcons, they’re inexpensive, so there’s no point nursing a tired pad. While under the dash, it’s also worth checking floor mat retention so nothing can ride up and sit under the pedals.

Signs it’s time now? Slippery feel in wet shoes, visible cracks, or any movement on the plate. For most owners, inspecting at every service and replacing roughly every few years—sooner if the car does stop–start duty—is a sensible rhythm.

Popular questions about 1997 Ford Falcon pedal-pads

How often should pedal-pads be replaced on a 1997 Falcon?
There’s no fixed interval, but a check at each service is smart. If the pad surface is smooth or cracked, or it twists on the plate, replace it straight away. Urban driving and wet conditions accelerate wear.

Are the brake and clutch pedal-pads the same on an EL Falcon?
They’re similar rubber slip-on pads but are listed separately in Ford parts catalogues. Manual cars have dedicated clutch and brake pads, auto cars only use the brake pad.

Can pedal-pad replacement be done at home?
Yes. It’s a straightforward DIY job taking a few minutes per pedal. Clean the metal pedal plate and make sure the new pad’s lip fully captures the plate so it can’t rotate.