While backing my 98 Ford Ranger 4.0 supercab with tow package (which has the beefier brakes) the aluminum bracket that holds the bar that the brake and clutch hinge on, broke away from the truck. This left me heading in reverse with no brake or clutch. I was in shock, imagine the steering wheel coming off in your hands while driving; that's how I felt. I didn't think to hit the emergency brake, but I was already halfway into the garage and had very little time to react properly before I crashed into the back wall (cinderblock) punching a hole in the wall which killed the engine. This happened at the fire station where I work! the police did a report. He saw and reported the brakes were broke although he didn't look very closely. Many of my superiors at the job saw that the brakes had broke away and were now dangling, useless. The vehicle had to be towed to a Ford dealership where the brake assembly was replaced. The dealership acknowledged on the bill the state of the brakes and clutch assembly. I requested the broken parts and they are now in my possession. I contacted Ford customer service, they stated the obvious, that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. They also stated their were no recalls on my vehicle which was not true; I knew about the cruise control and has had the firestones replaced. I guess they meant on the brakes. I said yes, but certain things should never happen on a vehicle. This is a safety issue on a vehicle only eight years old you would not accept that the steering wheel may fall off. Just like you would not accept that the brake pedal assembly may brake away under your feet. Today I received a letter from Ford saying they could not help me because the vehicle was not under warranty. I wonder if there has been other incidents like mine and they are in the form of "service bulletins" secret recalls that keep Ford and other companies from having to fix many of their problems. The consuner had to have 2 bad lug nuts replaced on the right front wheel. Updated 01/10/07.

- Charleston, WV, USA