Parts for your 2015 Ford Falcon-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes on the 2015 Ford Falcon: What You Need to Know

The 2015 Ford Falcon, a popular choice for Aussie drivers, has some specific features when it comes to its braking system. One important aspect to understand is whether brake shoes are a part of this vehicle's braking setup. For anyone not familiar with them, brake shoes are components typically found in drum brake systems. They press outward against the inside of a drum attached to the wheel, creating friction and slowing the vehicle down.

Now, the thing about the 2015 Ford Falcon is that it does not use brake shoes on the front wheels. Instead, it comes equipped with disc brakes at the front, which use brake pads rather than shoes. Disc brakes offer better performance and heat dispersion, making them well-suited for the Falcoln's handling and braking demands. The rear brakes of the 2015 Falcon can vary depending on the model and market, but generally, later model Falcons - including the 2015 - also tend to feature disc brakes on all four wheels, especially in higher trim levels.

This means that brake shoes, the parts commonly paired with drum brakes, are not relevant to the 2015 Ford Falcon's braking system. The use of disc brakes all around is a more modern design choice that improves stopping power, increases brake responsiveness, and simplifies maintenance under most conditions. So if you were thinking about brake shoes for this vehicle, it is best to shift focus towards the brake pads and discs instead.

Although the Falcon's rear brakes may sometimes use drums in lower-spec or earlier variants, the consensus from workshop manuals and technical sources is that the 2015 model predominantly rides with discs both front and rear. This eliminates the need for brake shoes, which are traditionally used solely in drum brake systems.

Why has Ford moved away from brake shoes in models like the 2015 Falcon? Well, drum brakes, which rely on brake shoes, can be effective but are generally less efficient at heat dissipation. During heavy braking, heat buildup can lead to brake fade, reducing stopping power. Disc brakes are better at venting heat due to their exposed design, making them more reliable and safer for performance driving or frequent braking. This is especially important in Australia where road conditions and driving styles often demand consistent stopping ability.

Also, disc brakes are easier to inspect and service since the pads are more accessible and tend to wear more evenly. This reduces maintenance time and gives a clearer indication of when replacements are needed compared to drum brakes with brake shoes.

With all that said, it's worth noting that if a Falcon owner still has a variant with drum brakes at the rear, brake shoes would be found there, but for most 2015 Falcons, they aren't part of the equation.

Focusing on disc brake maintenance instead of brake shoes, here are some pointers for Falcon owners:

• Regularly inspect brake pads and discs for wear and damage when servicing the car.
• Listen for squealing or grinding noises which could indicate worn pads or discs needing attention.
• Brake fluid should be checked and replaced according to Ford's recommended service intervals to maintain braking efficiency.
• Keep an eye on brake performance during driving, if the pedal feels spongy or the car pulls to one side when braking, have the system inspected promptly.
• Avoid neglecting brake service even if no unusual noises or symptoms appear. Pads and discs wear out over time and replacing them in time saves more costly repairs later.

In the rare case of a 2015 Falcon that does still have rear drum brakes, brake shoes would need to be checked for wear periodically. Brake shoes should be replaced when they're worn down to the recommended minimum thickness or if they're glazed or contaminated with brake fluid or grease. Replacement typically involves removing the drum, inspecting hardware like springs and adjusters, and fitting new shoes to ensure effective braking.

But as the 2015 Falcon is generally equipped with discs all round, brake shoes normally don't factor into regular maintenance or servicing at all.

So to recap, brake shoes aren't part of the braking setup for the majority of 2015 Ford Falcons. Instead, drivers should focus on maintaining their disc brake pads, discs, and fluid for safe and reliable stopping. Knowing what lies under the car makes servicing easier and keeps the Falcon stopping smoothly on Aussie roads.