Hydraulic Brake Actuation

Hydraulic Brake Actuation

CAUTION: Blistering or swelling of rubber brake components may indicate contamination of the brake fluid by a petroleum-based substance. Contaminated rubber components in the hydraulic brake system must be replaced, and the entire hydraulic brake system must be flushed with clean brake fluid to prevent recontamination.

The vehicle is equipped with a brake pedal-actuated dual brake system. The system consists of the following:
^ Brake pedal (fixed or adjustable)
^ Power brake booster
^ Brake master cylinder
^ Front disc brake calipers
^ Rear disc brake calipers
^ Brake tubes and hoses
^ Anti-lock brake system (ABS) components

The dual brake system is split front and rear with the front wheel brakes comprising one circuit and the rear wheel brakes, the other circuit.

Brake Fluid

WARNING: Use of any brake fluid other than approved DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted or plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

Use new DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
^ Do not reuse brake fluid drained or bled from the system.
^ Do not use brake fluid that has been stored in an open container.
^ Do not mix different types of brake fluid.

The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster, which is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is applied, brake fluid is pushed from the master cylinder through the metal tubing and flexible hoses to the rear disc brake calipers and the front disc brake calipers. The brake fluid enters the rear disc brake calipers, forcing the rear disc brake caliper pistons outward against the brake pads. The brake pads press against the braking surface on the brake discs. The front disc brake caliper pistons are forced outward against the brake pads and contact the braking surface of the brake discs and hub. When the brake pedal is released, the pressure is relieved, returning the brake caliper pistons and the brake pads and linings to the unapplied position.

The dual brake system is split front and rear with the front wheel brakes comprising one circuit and the rear wheel brakes, the other circuit.

The ability of a brake system to stop the vehicle is dependent on the available traction.

Adjustable Brake and Accelerator Pedals
The vehicle is equipped with an adjustable brake and accelerator pedal system. Using the adjustable pedal switch, the driver can adjust the brake and accelerator pedals for a more comfortable driving position. The adjustable pedal motor is mounted to the accelerator pedal bracket. To repair the adjustable motor pedal, refer to Throttle Cable/Linkage.