2017 Ford Focus/ Ready Brake

[DC21]

Looking at using NSA's Ready Brake system with a 2017 Focus SE automatic and would like to hear opinions from anyone using the ready brake with a newer Focus. Would really like to hear any installation issues experienced, particularly in the routing of the cables. With the Focus battery needing to be totally disconnected the Ready Brake systems appears to be best suited for the application but I have concerns about routing and securing of the cables. Any tips/opinions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[RRR]

2015 Focus close enough?

I installed the setup my self. If you have a strong common sense it it really not that hard. Toughest part is getting the fat a$$ under the car. And the part you sweat the most is drilling the firewall for the cables. I did the install of the Blue Ox baseplate my self also but since you asked about the ReadyBrute I'll stick to that.

I got the car on a three high 2X6 ramps under the front. That gave me enough room to sorta function. I may have raised the left rear also but don't remember.

Blue Ox has a couple of studs in the front for something that were tapped. Cut a piece of aluminum and mounted the brake cable there. Dropped the last section of the air dam and mounted a couple of cable clamps on the transmission housing, got one toward the front IIRC to help keep it clear of anything moveable.

Sweat blood drilling the firewall, measure four times, pray, then drill.

I used their ReadyStop breakaway system. Mounted the unit on the air dam, certainly not the best spot but unable to find something solid. Also used cable clamps on the transmission.

My problem was two-fold mounting the RS there. If you pulled into a parking space the cable eye would catch between the RS and curb, putting just enough tension on it to activate the brake lights which then caused brake drag and associated problems.
The second was as I had it located to the left side of car when I was hooked up and turned right it would do the same thing when I started the car. Finally lengthened the front cable and ran it through the grill as well as moved the RS to the rear a little.

Running the RS cable through the plastic may cause some problem, but if it trips while I'm towing that is the least of my worry.

I slit in a 3/4" washer wide enough to pass the cable through in case I trip it again and use it to release the lock.

The whole thing is a lot of grunt work, complicated by my bum hips and worn out knee. It is smooth sailing now.


Rigged up battery disconnect on the negative side and just have it lay on the fuse box.

[DC21]

Thanks RRR. Lots of great information and confirmed a lot for me. Stuck doing it myself as nearest ready brake dealer is 75 miles away. Appreciate your sharing