Falcon (XK-XP)

1960-1966 / Sedan / Convertible / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (XK-XP) problems All workshop issues

Minor Brakes

Drum Brake Fade

Symptoms

Braking effectiveness decreases during sustained use, descending hills, or repeated stops in traffic. The pedal feels firm but the car doesn't slow down adequately.

Cause

Drum brakes trap heat. As the drums heat up, the friction coefficient between the lining and drum decreases. This is an inherent limitation of drum brakes, not a fault. Early Falcons have relatively small 9-inch drums, which limits heat dissipation.

Fix

This is a characteristic of the braking system, not a fixable fault.

Ensure the brakes are in perfect condition: properly adjusted, with quality linings, with drums machined true.

Plan stops early.

Use engine braking on descents.

Front disc brake conversion kits are available for XM and XP models and are a worthwhile safety upgrade if the car is driven regularly.

Budget $800-1,500 for a disc brake conversion.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $800-1,500 for a

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// More Falcon (XK-XP) problems

Other known issues

Critical Brakes

Leaking Wheel Cylinders

Soft or sinking brake pedal. Reduced braking effectiveness. Brake fluid visible on the inside of the drums.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Floor Pan Corrosion

Visible rust perforation on the underside of the floor. Soft, spongy metal when prodded. In severe cases, daylight visible through the cabin floor.

Critical Rust (The Big One)

Sill (Rocker Panel) Rot

Bubbling paint along the lower body sides, soft metal when prodded, visible perforation.

Common Rust (The Big One)

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well

Rust in the boot floor, water pooling in the spare tyre well, perforation around the tail-light mounting points.

Common Rust (The Big One)

Lower Quarter Panels

Bubbling, blistering, or perforation on the lower rear quarter panels behind the rear wheels.

Critical Engine: 144ci and 170ci Inline-Six

Cooling System Inadequacy

Temperature gauge climbs in slow traffic, on hot days, or when towing. The engine may boil over, pushing coolant out of the overflow.

View all 18 Falcon (XK-XP) problems