1997 Ford Taurus issues

[Iron Ranger]

A lady-friend of mine describes her car of struggling to accelerate, very little power, steering wheel shaking violently, and a brake-burning smell. She felt the brakes after not using them and she said they were very, very hot. All the while, she hasn't used the brakes. It happens while she drives.


Is there something in the front brakes that would have it be applied without pushing on the pedal? Her rotors are warped, hence why the wheel is shaking.


Thanks guys!

 

[Mutant Pony]

Yeah, get a set of rotors for it, make sure the caliper slides and pistons aren't seized, make sure the hubs don't have rust scale build up,and last but not least, check the tie rod ends and ball joints for play!

 

[Mutant Pony]

Does it have traction control? Not sure if it were available in that vintage. If so it is probably a broken reluctor.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Wheel bearings!

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

Check the brake hoses. Seriously. I had one fail internally on my mom's car shortly after my dad passed away, and for the life of me I couldn't figure it out. Checked the rotor and caliper several times, and finally figured out it was the hose that had collapsed into itself and wasn't letting the fluid pressure release from the caliper. Replaced it, bled the brakes - problem solved.