PRO-CUT press center
Distribution of the Pro-Cut On-Vehicle Brake Lathes
Mr. M.D. Jordan
Executive Director
Ford Customer Service Division
January 5, 1998
To: All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers
Subject: Distribution of the Pro-Cut On-Vehicle Brake Lathes
Background
Ford Customer Service Division and Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology, Brake Engineering, have completed development of a program that will significantly improve the brake and rotor machining process. The improvement will result from distribution of the Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe, a hub mounted lathe, that allows rotor machining directly on the vehicle. The equipment is capable of machining all front and rear brake rotors on Ford, Lincoln-Mercury and Light Truck vehicle lines (this does not include Super Duty Trucks). The new equipment will accurately machine brake rotors to meet all Ford dimensional specifications. Unlike caliper mount lathes with many adapters, the new Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe has only five adapters. All of our in-house and dealer pilot testing, at Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers, shows that this equipment is quick and easy to use.
Distribution
The Company will provide each dealer (U.S. and Canada) and selected fleet locaions a Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe, at no charge. Rotunda will begin shipping lathes to dealers in mid January 1998, on the basis of brake rotor warranty repail volumes. Based on Pro-Cut's production capacity, it will take approximately 10-12 months to ship all lathes.
Before accepting shipment of the Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe, note any obvious damage on the Bill of Landing. If damage is excessive, refuse delivery and contact Rotunda toll free at 1-800-ROTUNDA (press 1). Upon opening and assembling the lathe, not any missing parts and contact Pro-Cut toll free at 1-800-543-6618. Missing parts should be reported within two days following delivery.
Previously Purchased Rotunda Pro-Cut Lathes
Dealers that have previously purchased a Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe (Rotunda item number 201-00001), may choose to receive a second lathe, at no charge, or a 100% refund of their original purchase price. Rotunda Pro-Cut lathes purchased prior to the program, will be updated with a new cutting head, at no charge. All lathes shipped through the program will be equipped with this latest level cutting head. The new cutting head enable the lathes to machine Ford's larger diameter rotors.
Previously Purchased Rotunda Caliper Mount Lathes
Dealers that have previously purchased a Rotunda Accu-Turn or AMMCO On-Vehicle lathes, through the Rotunda Equipment Program, will be provided with an additional Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe, to replace these units, at no charge.
Rotunda Pro-Cut Support
The Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe will be shipped with an equipment video, CD-ROM and an owners manual. These materials detail the specific steps required to operate the lathe.
Ford Customer Service Division Training
In mid January 1998, interactive training through FordStar will be available. In late April 1998, rotor machining with the Pro-Cut lathe will be integrated into the "Hands On" STST Brake Curriculum.
Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
Concurrent with the initial distribution of Rotunda Pro-Cut lathes, a TSB will be published detailing the specific service procedures to be performed when machining brake rotors. Applicable labor operations will be included in the TSB article. A re-print of this TSB article will be shipped with every Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe.
Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS)
SLTS will be modified to reflect the new TSB service procedures, therefore, actual time will no longer be authorized for use with brake motor machining. Three weeks after shipment of the Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe, Warranty Analysis and Administration will activate the new SLTS on a dealer-by-dealer basis. The three week window is provided to ensure that each dealer has ample time to become familiar with the Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe and the new service procedures.
Recovery of Caliper Mount Lathes
The Accu-Turn and AMMCO caliper mount lathes, distributed in 1994, will be recovered. Dealers will be provided return shipping instructions 30 days after receipt of their Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe. All return shipping expenses will be paid by Ford. Dealers failing to return lathes will be invoiced for the Rotunda Pro-Cut lathe. This action will only be initiated after four documented attempts to recover the old equipment.
Program Administration
Rotunda will use the toll free number 1-800-ROTUNDA (press 1), to respond to dealer inquiries. Technical issues related to the lathe should be directed to Pro-Cut as their tooll free number 1-800-543-6618.
