I just got a brand new 2003 Focus ZX5 last week. I've since noticed when the brakes are applied heavily, they squeak. I've read elsewhere on the net that the Focus is known for having squeaky brakes, but I was wondering if it is normal on a new 2003 and whether or not it is a bad thing.

how many miles does it have ?

I have a 2003 ZX3 and my breaks squeak a little bit in the morning if it's been cold and some dew got on them. After applying the breaks a few times it stops. Never had any problems when I apply the breaks heavily...

Are U sure it does this all the time or when you first get your car going [?]
...[scratch]

its only got 400km

Sometimes it will do it, sometimes it won't. But it doesnt go away after usage for a while. It also only happens if the breaks are applied heavily.

Its weird

Call the dealer's service department you got the car from and have them check it out. You should not hear any brake squeal under heavy braking in a brand new car.

junky stock foci brakes, i hate em....squeaks, squeals, morning sickness, and eventually warped rotors (had mine checked 2 times, turned once (11k), and now the rotors are dead (30k))....junk, hate to see you spend money, but even if you get replacements, they'll give you the same thing....go for mintex pads all around and some different (bat standard) rotors when needed. although, if you get that squeak when you let off the brake, get them to lube the backin plates in the rear drums, cures the prob.

good luck, BAT hopefully your parts will be here 2mrw, drag'n on warped rotors sux

-Ult

just clean the front discs. its easy. and helps with stoping power.

Believe it or not, brakes have a break-in period. Unfortunately, not mentioned in the manual as far as I know. In the industry (I work in automotive) they commonly talk about 500 miles (800km). Basically, it is allowing the pads to wear-in to the rotors on a microscopic level (brand-new rotors seem very smooth on a real-world level). So, in other words, you shouldn't be doing ANY "heavy braking" for the first 800km or so except of course in emergency situations.

i have a 2003 as well and my brakes squeak. they mostly squeak in the morning cause the car is still cold but sometimes they squeak in the afternoon when that car has already been in use. i had the same problem with my 2001. i have about 6000 miles on my car. doesnt bother me too much but sometimes it does and i know i have to take it to the dealer to get that checked

in my 02 focus , they squeaked a bit,nothing major, went away as the day passed.
~Tiffany

Talked to the dealer and they say its just dust.

I think I'll wash it this weekend and see if it goes away.

I got another question.

When I turn the temperature gauge for the AC all the way to cold, it makes a big click, almost a bang. I think its probably normal, but Im note sure

i wouldnt know too much about that niose. i turn it all the way cold and i never had that problem with mine

a big click? ummmmm yah...are you talkin about the actual temp guage or the guage that moves the body parts to floor etc. cause I know that one makes noise cause its manual movement of the flippers, but if it is the temp guage I got no clue man...its under warranty take it in! they can't charge u...hey u'll eventually get to meet the ppl and maybey they won't think u'r so annoying anymore and actually help ;) j/k
-Joe

hmmmmm

i work at the wayne focus plant and i can tell you this...... i have owned 3 and i have several friends at work who own foci and most of have experienced break sqweak at some time. they have however gotten better since the launch in 99 (2000model year). i owned a 2001 that sqweaked terribly if it sat all night and had rained, thats when it did it worse, or was super humid. however after the brakes got warmed up they didnt sqweak. my 2002 never mad any noise at all. most of the probs ive seen were 2000 & 2001 model yeah vehicles.

well my car now is a 2003 and i still have the same problem i had with my 2001. brakes are still making same noise

my 2003 squeeks slightly when it is cold. Then it stops. The usual fix that lasts longer than washing the brakes is to roughen up the disk with some course sand paper. The squeekingis usually because the serfaces are to smooth. This is a bigger problem with semi metallic brakes. Ever take a wine glass, slightly wet your finger and move it around the rim? you get the same kind of squeek.

Little Dump, I have the same problems with my '00 LX. The A/C makes a sort of clunking sound when the gauge goes to either extreme, and the brakes... squeak.