The Ford Granada Base offered a comfortable and spacious ride, popular with families and business users seeking a European-styled vehicle. Understanding its maintenance needs is key to preserving this classic Ford.
Owners often experience rust issues, particularly in the sills and wheel arches. Timing belt problems linked to the Ford Pinto OHC engine can also appear around 80,000 - 150,000 km. Regular inspections can help prevent these issues from becoming major repairs.
During Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections, pay close attention to corrosion around suspension mounting points and any excessive play in the steering linkage. These are common reasons for WOF failures in older vehicles like the Granada.
Owning a Ford Granada Base in New Zealand brings with it a certain appreciation for practical motoring. Here's what you should know:
Maintenance Mindset: Regular servicing, roughly every 10,000 km, is crucial for keeping your Granada reliable. Consider that the Ford Pinto OHC engine is known for potential timing belt weaknesses, so diligent attention to this area is wise.
Looking After Wear & Tear: Be proactive in inspecting the brake system. Components like brake pad sets, front and rear brake hoses, and brake shoes will require periodic replacement as part of routine maintenance. Similarly, wheel bearing kits/hubs at the rear may need attention. Don't forget that a master cylinder kit for the brakes might become necessary over time to ensure safe and effective braking.
Under the Hood: Routine tasks include spark plug replacement, contributing to optimal engine performance.
Suspension & Steering Considerations: Keep an eye on the coil spring saddle at the front of the vehicle, as this can affect ride quality and handling.