Brakes failed on 2000 Ford Taurus after new front brakes - parking brake left on for 2 miles

Question

My son picked up his car after having new front brakes installed. He didn't realize the parking brake was on for 2 miles until the rear brakes started smoking. He released the parking brake but next time he tried to stop the brakes went to the floor and didn't stop the car. He ended up putting on the parking break, spinning the car 180 degrees and vaulting over the median to stop the car (messing up two wheels, rods, tires, etc.) Why didn't the front brakes work? What would have caused this to happen?

Answer 1

It is possible but very unlikely. Sounds like son is making excuses for his accident.

Answer 2

you did not get him in a habit of using the parking brake,when brake fluid boils it will compress instead of acting as a soild

Answer 3

When he drove with the E-brake on the brakes got very hot which boiled the brake fluid, thus causing a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system.  Thus when he put his foot down the pedal went all the way to the floor and there was not enough pressure in the system to press the front caliper pistons.

In racing terms this is called "brake fade".  In normal street driving brakes won't get this hot but this was not normal.  

Answer 4

the only thing I ca think of is the shop hadn't pumped the brakes to set the  front pads against the rotor and with the rears so hot, they would'nt work due to being heat glazed. Tuuf deal here, as I'd suspect the shop had a hand in it, but with him Not releasing the e-brake... he's figured into it too. If only thing harmed was car, count your blessings, as they make new car parts every day, but have yet to make new human parts. I'd talk with the shop that installed the brakes and see what they have to say.. Good luck.