
02-01-01
02-01-01
GROUP
2
PART
 2-1
 PAGE
General Brake Service 02-01-01
PART
 2-2
Brake System 02-02-01 
PART
 2-3
Specifications 
PAGE
02-03-01
Part
 2-1
 General Brake Service
COMPONENT INDEX
ANTI SKID CONTROL SYSTEM
Tests
BRAKE BOOSTER
Adjustments
Cleaning
 and
 Inspection
Tests
BRAKE PEDAL
Free Height Test
Total Travel Test
DISC BRAKES
Cleaning
 and
 Inspection
Service Precautions
DRUM BRAKES
Cleaning
 and
 Inspection
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
PARKING BRAKE CONTROL
Vacuum Release Test
PARKING BRAKE LINKAGE
Adjustment
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL VALVE
Adjustment (Centralize) 
MODEL APPLICATION
All
 Models
01-04
01-07
01-02
01-01
01-01
01-07
01-07
01-08
01-05
01-07
Ford 
N/A
01-03
01-03
Mercury 
N/A
01-03
01-03
Meteor 
N/A
01-03
01-03
Cougar 
N/A
N/A
01-03
Fairlane 
N/A
N/A
01-03
F
alcon 
N/A
N/A
01-03
Montego 
N/A
N/A
01-03
Mustang 
N/A
N/A
01-03
Lincoln-
Continental 
N/A
01-03
01-04
Thunderbird 
01-03
01-03
01-04
Continental-
Mark III 
01-03
01-03
01-04
A page number indicates that the item
 is for the
 vehicle listed
 at
 the head
 of the
 column.
N/A indicates that the item
 is not
 applicable
 to
 the vehicle listed.
1 BRAKE SYSTEM TESTS
Always check
 the
 fluid level
 in the
master cylinder before performing
 the
test procedures.
 If the
 fluid level
 is not
within
 1/4
 inch
 of the top of the mas-
ter cylinder reservoirs,
 add
 Ford
Brake Fluid
 —
 Extra Heavy Duty —
Part Number C6AZ-19542-A
 (ESA-
M6C25-A)
 or
 equivalent
 for all
 brake
applications.
 The
 extra heavy duty
brake fluid
 is
 colored blue
 for
 identifi-
cation purposes.
 Do not mix low tem-
perature brake fluids with
 the
 speci-
fied brake fluid.
Should
 one of the
 wheel brakes
 be
locked
 and the
 vehicle must
 be
 moved,
open
 the
 bleeder screw long enough
 to
let
 out a few
 drops
 of
 brake fluid.
This bleeding operation will release
the brakes
 but
 will
 not
 correct
 the
cause
 of
 trouble. 
BRAKE PEDAL FREE
HEIGHT
 AND
 TRAVEL
MEASUREMENTS
With
 the
 engine running
 for
 full
power brake operation, measure
 the
brake pedal free height,
 and
 check
 the
brake pedal travel with
 the use of the
Brake Pedal Pressure Gauge, Tool
WRE-5OO-5O
 as
 follows:
BRAKE PEDAL FREE HEIGHT
MEASUREMENT
1.
 Insert
 a
 slender, sharp pointed
prod through
 the
 carpet
 and
 sound
deadener
 to the
 dash panel metal
 and
measure
 the
 distance
 to the
 brake
pedal
 (Fig. 1).
2.
 If the
 position
 of the
 pedal
 is not
within specification, check
 the
 brake 
pedal linkage
 for
 missing, worn,
 or
damaged bushings,
 or
 loose attaching
bolts
 and
 replace them,
 if
 required.
3.
 If the
 pedal free height
 is
 still
out
 of
 specification, check
 the
 brake
pedal booster
 or
 master cylinder
 to be
sure
 the
 correct parts
 are
 installed.
Replace
 the
 worn
 or
 damaged parts
 as
necessary.
BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL
MEASUREMENT
1.
 Install
 a
 Brake Pedal Effort
Gauge
 on the
 brake pedal
 pad
 (Fig. 2).
2.
 Hook
 a
 steel measuring tape
 to
the brake pedal
 as
 shown
 in Fig. 1.
Measure
 and
 record
 the
 distance from
the brake pedal free height position
 to
the reference point, which
 is at the six
procarmanuals.com 

02-01-02 
Brakes
02*01-02
STEERING
 WHEEL RIW
TOEBOARD
 OR
DASH
 METAL 
CHECKING
 POINTS
STEERING
 COLUMN-
STEEL
 MEASURING TAPE
VEHICLE
FORD,
 MERCURY AND METEOR
FORD,
 MERCURY AND METEOR
FORD,
 MERCURY AND METEOR
FORD,
 MERCURY AND METEOR
FAIRLANE,
 MONTEGO AND FALCON
FAIRLANE,
 MONTEGO AND FALCON
MUSTANG
 AND COUGAR
MUSTANG
 AND COUGAR
THUNDERBIRD
CONTINENTAL
 MARK III
LINCOLN
 CONTINENTAL 
TYPE
NON-POWER
 DRUM
POWER
 DRUM & DISC
NON-POWER
 DISC
POLICE
 POWER DISC
NON-POWER
 DRUM
POWER
 DISC
NON-POWER
 DRUM
POWER
 DISC
POWER
 DISC
POWER
 DISC
POWER
 DISC 
PEDAL
 FREE
HEIGHT-A
8.09-7.17
6.18-5.99
8.65-7.82
7.58-6.72
8.13-6.91
7.25-5.71
7.49-6.43
6.25-5.56 
PEDAL
 FREE
HEIGHT-B"
5.96-5.04
5.96-5.04
6.50-5.50 
PEDAL
TRAVEL-C
3.10
3.27
2.18
3.27
2.90
2.35
2.58
1.75
3.00
3.00
2.25
NOTE:AgB
 DIMENSION TO BE MEASURED TO SHEET METAL
C
 DIMENSION TO BE MEASURED PARALLEL TO THE VERTICAL CENTERLINE OF THE
STEERING
 COLUMN WITH A 50 POUND LOAD APPLIED TO THE CENTERLINE OF THE
BRAKE
 PEDAL PAD. (CHECKS ON POWER BRAKE VEHICLES MADE WITH ENGINE RUNNING
H1630-A
FIG. 1 — Brake Pedal Height and Travel Measurements
Tool-WRE-l
HI525-A
FIG.
 2—Brake Pedal Effort Gauge Installed 
o'clock position on the steering wheel
rim.
3.
 With the steel tape still hooked
to the brake pedal depress the brake
pedal by pressing downward on the
brake pedal effort gauge. Apply a 50
pound load to the center of the pedal
by observing the pressure gauge, and
measure the distance from the brake
pedal to the fixed reference point on
the steering wheel rim parallel to the
centerline of the steering column.
4.
 The difference between the brake
pedal free height and the depressed
pedal measurement under a 50 pound
load should be within the specified
maximum pedal travel service specifi-
cation B in Fig. I.
5.
 If the pedal travel is more than
the specified maximum shown in Fig.
1,
 dimension C, make several sharp
reverse stops (equivalent to 50 pounds
pedal pressure) with a forward stop
before each. Move the vehicle in rev-
erse and forward for a distance of ap-
proximately ten feet; then, apply the
brakes sharply and hold the brake
pedal down until the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped. This will actuate the
brake self-adjusters. If these stops do
not bring the brake pedal travel within
specification, make several additional
forward and reverse stops as outlined
above.
6. If the second series of stops do
not bring the brake pedal travel within
specification, remove the brake drums
and check the brake adjusters to make
sure they are functioning. Check the
brake linings for wear or damage. Re-
pair or replace all worn or damaged
parts and non-functioning adjusters.
Adjust the brake lining outside diame-
ter to the approximate inside diameter
of the brake drum with Rotunda Tool
HRE-8650 (Fig. 12, Part 2-2).
7.
 If all the brake adjusters, brake
drums and linings are functional and
the brake travel is not within specifi-
cations, check the pedal linkage for
missing or worn bushings, or loose at-
tachments. Bleed the brakes and cen-
tralize the differential valve.
POWER BRAKE
FUNCTIONAL TEST
1.
 Check the hydraulic brake sys-
tem for leaks or insufficient fluid.
2.
 With the transmission in neutral,
stop the engine and apply the parking
brake. Depress the brake pedal several
times to exhaust all vacuum in the
system.
3.
 With the engine shut off and all
vacuum in the system exhausted, dep-
ress the pedal, and hold it in the ap-
plied position. Start the engine If theprocarmanuals.com 

02-01-03 
Brakes
02-01-03
vacuum system is operating, the pedal
will tend to fall away under foot pres-
sure and less pressure will be required
to hold the pedal in the applied posi-
tion. If no action is felt, the vacuum
booster system is not functioning.
If the brake pedal movement feels
spongy, bleed the hydraulic system to
remove air from the system. Refer to
Hydraulic System Bleeding, Part 1,
Section 2.
VACUUM TESTS—VACUUM
RELEASE PARKING BRAKES
Visually check the operation of the
brake linkage as the brake pedal is
depressed. Then, check the operation
of the brake linkage when the manual
release lever is activiated. These
checks should indicate whether the
manual parking brake control linkage
is operating properly or requires re-
pair or adjustment due to inability of
the parking brake to hold against
moderate vehicle movement. Perform
tests of the parking brake system and
controls after making certain the link-
age and manual controls operate
properly.
When testing a parking brake vacu-
um release system, a minimum of 10
inches of vacuum (Hg.) should be
available at all points where vacuum is
applied. This can be checked with a
Rotunda Fuel Pump Tester Gauge
(ARE345) and two Distributor Tester
hose adapters (Marked Q) connected
together with a coupling. This allows
the Fuel Pump Tester Gauge hose to 
be adapted to any other vacuum hose
or rubber connector in the vacuum
systems.
Failure to maintain 10 inches of
vacuum (Hg.) during vacuum system
tests could be caused by a loose hose
connection, resulting in a vacuum
leak. When checking for vacuum be-
tween two points, trace the hose along
the entire routing to be sure it is not
crossed with another hose and con-
nected to the wrong connection.
All of the vacuum parking brake
control checks are to be performed
with the engine running at idle speed.
Leaks in the parking brake hoses or
a disconnected or improperly con-
nected hose can usually be found by
listening for a hissing sound along the
hose routings. Under no circumstances
should air pressure be applied to the
vacuum system as the actuator dia-
phragm in the parking brake vacuum
motor may be damaged.
1.
 Start the engine and run it at
idle speed. With the transmission shift
control in neutral, depress the parking
brake pedal to apply the parking
brake. Move the transmission shift
control to D range and observe the
parking brake pedal to see that the
pedal moves upward and the parking
brake releases. If the parking brake
releases, the parking brake vacuum
control is working properly.
2.
 If the parking brake does not re-
lease, test for vacuum at the steering
column neutral switch port in the
junction block, vacuum lines and the
parking brake release vacuum motor.
Use the Rotunda Vacuum and Fuel 
Pump Tester 345. This can be accom-
plished by removing the hose from
each component and attaching it to
the vacuum gauge. Connect two dis-
tributor tester vacuum hose adapters
together with a coupling as a connec-
tor to attach the gauge. A minimum
of ten inches of vacuum is required to
actuate the parking brake vacuum
motor. Do not remove any of the vac-
uum hoses from the junction block
unless the junction block is being re-
placed, as the plastic nipples are thin
and very brittle and damage may re-
sult. If a minimum reading is not
present when checking each of the
aforementioned components, they
must be replaced.
ROAD TEST
A road test should be conducted
only when the operator is sure the
brakes will stop the vehicle.
If the road test reveals one or more
problem conditions, correct all mal-
functions of the vacuum system, brake
booster and hydraulic system prior to
removing brake drums, brake calipers,
brake shoes and linings or backing
plates.
ANTI-SKID CONTROL
SYSTEM TESTS
No adjustments or repairs are to be
performed on the skid control system.
Damaged or worn parts are to be re-
placed.
Refer to Ford Car and Truck Diag-
nosis Manual for Testing procedures.
COMMON ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS
PARKING BRAKE LINKAGE
ADJUSTMENT
FORD, MERCURY, METEOR,
FAIRLANE, MONTEGO,
FALCON, MUSTANG
AND COUGAR
Check the parking brake cables
when the brakes are fully released. If1
the cables are loose, adjust them as
follows:
1.
 Fully release the parking brake
pedal by pulling the release lever.
2.
 Depress the parking brake pedal
until it is engaged in the first notch of
the control. On a vacuum release
brake, the first notch will be approxi-
mately two inches of pedal travel.
3.
 Raise the vehicle. With the
transmission in neutral, turn the ad-
justing nut forward against the equal-
izer (Figs. 3 and 4) until there is 100 
L.H. REAR WHEEL CABLE -2A809> 2A791 (2 REQUIRED)
EQUALIZER-TO-ACTUATOR CABLE-2A815
R.H. REAR WHEEL CABLE-2A635
ADJUSTING NUT-2A812
H 1537-C
FIG. 3—Parking Brake Adjustment—Ford, Mercury, Meteor,
Thunderbird and Continental Mark IIIprocarmanuals.com 

02-01-04 
Brakes
02-01-04
ft-lb breakaway torque.
 The
 breaka-
way torque
 is the
 torque required
 to
turn
 the
 rear wheels
 the
 direction
 of
forward rotation with
 a
 torque wrench
and tool shown
 in Fig. 5. The
 torque
measurement must
 be
 made relative
 to
the center line
 of the
 wheel.
4.
 Release
 the
 parking brake,
 and
check
 to
 make sure that
 the
 brake
shoes return
 to the
 fully released posi-
tion.
5.
 Depress
 the
 parking brake pedal
to
 the
 third notch. Under normal
 con-
ditions, this will hold
 the
 vehicle satis-
factorily.
6. Release
 the
 parking brake again,
and check
 as in
 step
 4.
7.
 If the
 rear brakes
 do not
 fully
release, check
 the
 cables
 for
 kinks
 or
binds.
 Free
 the
 cables
 as
 required.
8. Lower
 the
 vehicle. Remove
 the
torque wrench
 and
 tool. Install
 the
wheel attaching nuts
 and
 torque them
to specification. Install
 the
 wheel
cover.
RETAINER-*^ REAR WHEEL
(CABLE ASSEMBLY
EQUALIZER 
NUT
PARKING
BRAKE CABLE
AND CONDUIT
ASSEMBLY-2853 
SPRING-2A651
SPRING SEAT-2A616 
JAM NUT
H1631-A
FIG. 4—Parking Brake Linkage
Adjustment—Fairlane, Montego,
Falcon,
 Mustang
 and
 Cougar 
THUNDERBIRD,
CONTINENTAL MARK
 III,
AND LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
Check
 the
 parking brake cables
when
 the
 brakes
 are
 fully released.
 If
the cables
 are
 loose, adjust them
 as
follows:
1.
 Fully release
 the
 parking brake
pedal
 by
 pushing down
 the
 manual
 re-
lease lever.
2.
 Depress
 the
 parking brake pedal
1
 1/4
 inch from
 its
 normal released
position.
3.
 Raise
 the
 vehicle with
 the
 trans-
mission
 in
 neutral.
4.
 Loosen
 the
 lock
 nut and
 turn
 the
adjusting
 nut
 forward against
 the
equalizer (Figs.
 3 and 6)
 until there
 is
100 ft-lbs breakaway torque.
 The
breakaway torque
 is the
 torque
 re-
quired
 to
 turn
 the
 rear wheels
 the di-
rection
 of
 forward rotation with
 a tor-
que wrench
 and
 tool shown
 in Fig. 5.
The torque measurement must
 be
made relative
 to the
 centerline
 of the
wheel. Tighten
 the
 lock
 nut.
5.
 Release
 the
 parking brake,
 and
check
 to
 make sure that
 the
 brake
shoes return
 to the
 fully released posi-
tion.
6. Depress
 the
 parking brake pedal
until
 it is
 fully engaged.
7.
 Release
 the
 parking brake again,
and check
 as in
 step
 5.
8. Depress
 the
 pedal
 1/2
 inch.
 The
brakes should
 not
 drag.
9.
 If the
 rear brakes
 do not
 fully
release, check
 the
 cables
 for
 kinks
 or
binds.
 Free
 the
 cables
 as
 required.
10.
 Lower
 the
 vehicle. Remove
 the
torque wrench
 and
 tool. Install
 the
wheel attaching nuts
 and
 torque them
to specification. Install
 the
 wheel
cover.
Tool-T59L
 4204-A,
T65K
 4204-A,
T66L-4204-A,
OR
Tool-4421UA
E1897-A 
POWER BRAKE MASTER
CYLINDER PUSH
 ROD
ADJUSTMENT
The push
 rod is
 provided with
 an
adjustment screw
 to
 maintain
 the cor-
rect relationship between
 the
 booster
control valve plunger
 and the
 master
cylinder.
 If the
 plunger
 is too
 long
 it
will prevent
 the
 master cylinder piston
from completely releasing hydraulic
pressure
 and can
 cause
 the
 brakes
 to
drag.
 If the
 plunger
 is too
 short
 it
 will
result
 in
 excess pedal travel
 and an
undesirable clunk
 in the
 booster area.
The adjustment screw
 is set to the
correct height
 at the
 time
 of
 original
assembly
 of the
 power unit. Under
normal service
 the
 adjustment screw
does
 not
 require
 any
 further attention
providing
 the
 original push
 rod
 assem-
bly remains
 in the
 original unit.
If
 a
 check
 of the
 push
 rod
 adjust-
ment
 is
 necessary,
 the
 push
 rod
 length
may
 be
 verified with
 a
 push
 rod
 length
gauge
 and
 measured with
 the
 engine
running
 to
 apply vacuum
 to the
 boost-
er (Fig.
 7).
The push
 rod
 length verification
 and
adjustment
 of
 Midland-Ross power
brake booster assemblies must
 be
done according
 to the
 following proce-
dure:
REAR WHEEL ADJUSTING NUT
CABLES
EQUALIZER
SPRING
CABLE ASSEMBLY H1632-A
FIG. 6—Parking Brake Linkage
Adjustment—Lincoln Continental
FIG. 5—Checking Parking Brake Breakaway Torque 
#16
 U.J
\
0.980"
0.995"
FIG. 7—Push
Dimensions 
>.S. GAUGE SHEET
i
1 
STEEL
H1087-E
Rod Gaugeprocarmanuals.com 

02-01-05 
Brakes
02-01-05
1.
 Disconnect the master cylinder
from the booster assembly and secure
away from the booster without discon-
necting the brake tubes.
2.
 Reinstall the air filter assembly
on the booster if it was removed with
the master cylinder (Fig. 8).
3.
 Install and tighten the master
cylinder retaining nuts to retain the
air filter assembly securely against the
booster body and to seal the booster
bellows against air leaks.
4.
 Place the gauge against the
master cylinder mounting surface of
the air filter assembly.
5.
 Adjust the push rod screw to
provide a slight tension against the
inner edge of the adjustment gauge
slot. (Approximately 5 pounds of ten-
sion against the push rod is required
to assure that the push rod is firmly
seated in the booster assembly.)
6. Remove the retaining nuts from
the booster master cylinder mounting
studs.
7.
 Install the master cylinder on the
brake booster and tighten the retain-
ing nuts to the specified torque.
The push rod length verification of
the Bendix power brake booster
assemblies is accomplished as follows:
1.
 Disconnect the master cylinder
from the booster assembly and secure
away from the booster without discon-
necting the brake tubes.
2.
 Adjust the push rod screw to
provide a slight tension against the
inner edge of the adjustment gauge
slot. (Approximately 5 pounds of ten- 
sion against the push rod is required
to assure that the push rod is firmly
seated in the booster assembly.) See
Figure 8.
3.
 Install the master cylinder on the
brake booster and tighten the retain-
ing nuts to the specified torque.
Do not set up side forces on the
push rod as it may break the valve
plunger.
This is an approximate adjustment
only. To verify the adjustment, look
through the make-up (rear) port of the
master cylinder when installing the
master cylinder to the booster. The
master cylinder piston should not
move more than 0.015 inch as it con-
tacts the push rod. No movement
(exact contact) is ideal.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM BLEEDING
AND CENTRALIZING OF THE
DIFFERENTIAL VALVE
When any part of the hydraulic sys-
tem has been disconnected for repair
or replacement, air may enter the sys-
tem and cause spongy pedal action.
Bleed the hydraulic system after it has
been properly connected, to be sure
that all air is expelled.
MANUAL BLEEDING
The Lincoln Continental hydraulic
brake system is to be bled only with
pressure bleeding equipment.
The primary and secondary (front
MANIFOLD CHECK VALVE-2365 19-25 IN. LB.
TIGHTEN RETAINING NUTS
TO SECURE AIR FILTER
AGAINST BOOSTER BODY
AND BELLOWS
ADJUST PUSH ROD SCREW TO
PROVIDE A SLIGHT TENSION
(APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS.)
AGAINST THE GAUGE
PUSH ROD GAUGE 
and rear) hydraulic brake systems are
individual systems and are bled separ-
ately. Bleed the longest line first on
the individual system being serviced.
During the complete bleeding opera-
tion,
 DO NOT allow the reservoir to
run dry. Keep the master cylinder res-
ervoirs filled with Ford Fluid—Extra
Heavy Duty — Part Number C6AZ-
19542-A (ESA-M6C 25-A). The extra
heavy duty brake fluid is colored blue
for identification purposes. Do not
mix low temperature brake fluids with
the specified fluid during the bleeding
operations. Never re-use brake fluid
which has been drained from the hy-
draulic systems.
1.
 If the master cylinder is
equipped with a bleed screw, loosen
the bleed screw. Push the brake pedal
down slowly through its full travel.
Close the bleeder fitting and return
the pedal to the fully released posi-
tion. Repeat this operation until fluid
is free of air bubbles, then tighten the
bleeder screw. Do not use the second-
ary piston stop screw, located on the
bottom of the master cylinder to bleed
the brake system. Loosening or re-
moving this screw could result in dam-
age to the secondary piston or stop
screw.
2.
 To bleed the secondary (rear)
brake system, position a suitable 3/8
inch box wrench (Fig. 9) on the bleed-
er fitting on the brake wheel cylinder.
Attach a rubber drain tube to the
bleeder fitting. The end of the tube
should fit snugly around the bleeder
fitting.
APPROXIMATELY 45°
PUSH ROD ADJUSTMENT-MIDLAND-ROSS
FIG. 8—Brake Booster Push Rod Measurement 
PUSH ROD ADJUSTMENT-BENDIX
H1589-A 
H1300-B
. 9—Wrench for Bleeding
Brake Hydraulic System
3.
 Submerge the free end of the
tube in a container partially filled with
clean brake fluid, and loosen the
bleeder fitting approximately 3/4 turn.
4.
 Push the brake pedal down slow-
ly through its full travel. Close the
bleeder fitting, then return the pedal
to the full-released position. Repeat
this operation until air bubbles cease
to appear at the submerged end of the
bleeder tube.
5.
 When the fluid is completely free
of air bubbles, close the bleeder fitting
and remove the bleeder tube.
6. Repeat this procedure at the
brake wheel cylinder on the oppositeprocarmanuals.com 

02-01-06
Brakes
02-01-06
side.
 Refill the master cylinder reser-
voir after each wheel cylinder is bled
and install the master cylinder cover
and gasket. Be sure the diaphragm
type gasket is properly positioned in
the master cylinder cover. When the
bleeding operation is completed, the
fluid level should be filled to within
1/4 inch of the top of the reservoirs.
7. If the primary (front brake) sys-
tem is to be bled. Repeat steps 2
through 6 at the right front brake cal-
iper or cylinder and ending at the left
front brake caliper or cylinder.
8. On disc brake equipped models
be sure that the front brake pistons
are returned to their normal positions
and that the shoe and lining assem-
blies are properly seated by depressing
the brake pedal several times until
normal pedal travel is established.
9. Centralize the pressure differen-
tial valve. Refer to the Centralizing
the Pressure Differential Valve proce-
dures which follow.
PRESSURE BLEEDING
The Lincoln Continental hydraulic
brake system is to be bled only with
pressure bleeding equipment.
Bleed the longest lines first. The
bleeder tank should contain enough
new Ford Brake Fluid to complete the
bleeding operation. Use Ford Brake
Fluid — Extra Heavy Duty — Part
Number C6AZ-19542-A (ESA-
M6C25-A) or equivalent for all brake
applications. The brake fluid is col-
ored blue for identification purposes.
Do not mix low temperature brake
fluid with the specified brake fluid
during the bleeding operations. Never
re-use brake fluid that has been
drained from the hydraulic system.
The tank should be charged with ap-
proximately 10 to 30 pounds of air
pressure. Never exceed 50 pounds
pressure.
1.
 Clean all dirt from the master
cylinder reservoir cover.
2.
 Remove the master cylinder res-
ervoir cover and rubber gasket, and
fill the master cylinder reservoir with
the specified brake fluid. Install the
pressure bleeder adapter tool to the
master cylinder, and attach the bleed-
er tank hose to the fittng on the
adapter.
Master cylinder pressure bleeder
adapter tools can be obtained from
the various manufacturers of pressure
bleeding equipment. Follow the in-
structions of the manufacturer when
installing the adapter.
3.
 If the master cylinder is
equipped with a bleed screw, loosen 
the bleed screw and bleed the master
cylinder until the fluid is free of air
bubbles; then, tighten the bleed screw.
Do not use the secondary piston stop
screw, located on the bottom of the
master cylinder, to bleed the master
cylinder.
4.
 If the rear wheel cylinders, the
secondary brake system, are to be
bled, position a 3/8 inch box wrench
(Fig. 9) on the bleeder fitting on the
right rear brake wheel cylinder. At-
tach a bleeder tube to the bleeder fit-
ting. The end of the tube should fit
snugly around the bleeder fitting.
5. Open the valve on the bleeder
tank to admit pressurized brake fluid
to the master cylinder reservoir.
6. Submerge the free end of the
tube in a container partially filled with
clean brake fluid, and loosen the
bleeder fitting.
7.
 When air bubbles cease to ap-
pear in the fluid at the submerged end
of the bleeder tube, close the bleeder
fitting and remove the tube.
8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 at the
left rear wheel cylinder.
9. If the vehicle is equipped with
disc brakes, repeat steps 4 through 7,
starting at the right front disc caliper
and ending at the left front disc cali-
per.
On Lincoln Continental models the
front wheel and tire assemblies must 
be removed to gain access to the
bleeder fittings on the calipers. Also
on Lincoln Continental models the
metering valve release rod must be
pulled outward and held a minimum
of 1/16 inch (Fig. 10) while bleeding
the primary brake system.
10.
 If the vehicle contains drum-
type front brakes and the primary
(front) brake system is to be bled, re-
peat steps 4 through 7, starting at the
right front wheel cylinder ending at
the left front wheel cylinder.
11.
 When the bleeding operation is
completed, close the bleeder tank
valve and remove the tank hose from
the adapter fitting.
12.
 On disc brake equipped ve-
hicles,
 be sure that the front brake
pistons are returned to their normal
positions and that the shoe and lining
assemblies are properly seated by dep-
ressing the brake pedal several times
until normal pedal travel is esta-
blished.
13.
 Remove the Pressure Bleeder
Adapter Tool. Fill the master cylinder
reservoirs to within 1/4 inch of the
top.
 Install the master cylinder cover
and gasket. Be sure the Diaphragm
type gasket is properly positioned in
the master cylinder cover.
14.
 Centralize the pressure differen-
tial valve as follows.
METERING VALVE
BLEEDER RETAINER
SEE
VIEW A
RELEASE ROD
FIG. 10—Disc Brake Metering Valve—Lincoln Continental 
HI 644-Aprocarmanuals.com 

02-01-07 
Brakes
02-01-07
CENTRALIZING THE
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL
VALVE
After a failure of the primary (front
brake) or secondary (rear brake) sys-
tem has been repaired and bled, the
dual-brake warning light will usually
continue to be illuminated due to the
pressure differential valve remaining in
the off-center position.
To centralize the pressure differen-
tial valve and turn off the warning 
light after a repair operation, a pres-
sure differential or unbalance condi-
tion must be created in the opposite
brake system from the one that was
repaired or bled last.
1.
 Turn the ignition switch to the
ACC or ON position. Loosen the dif-
ferential valve assembly brake tube
nut at the outlet port on the opposite
side of the brake system that was
wheel balanced, repaired and/or bled
last. Depress the brake pedal slowly to
build line pressure until the pressure 
differential valve is moved to a cen-
tralized position and the brake warn-
ing light goes out; then, immediately
tighten the outlet port tube nut.
2.
 Check the fluid level in the mas-
ter cylinder reservoirs and fill them to
within 1/4 inch of the top with the
specified brake fluid, if necessary.
3.
 Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
4.
 Before driving the vehicle, check
the operation of the brakes and be
sure that a firm pedal is obtained.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
DISC BRAKES
1.
 Remove the wheel and tire and
the shoe and lining assemblies as out-
lined in Part 2-2, Section 2.
2.
 On all models except Lincoln
Continental, make thickness measure-
ments with a micrometer across the
thinnest section of the shoe and lining.
If the assembly has worn to a thick-
ness of 0.230-inch (shoe and lining to-
gether) or 0.030-inch (lining material
only) at any one of three measuring
locations or if there is more than
0.125 taper from end to end or if lin-
ing shows evidence of brake fluid con-
tamination, replace all (4) shoe and
lining assemblies on both front wheels.
On Lincoln Continental brakes
make three thickness measurements
with a micrometer across the middle
section of the shoe and lining. Take
one reading at each side and one in
the center. If the assembly has worn
to a thickness of 0.231 inch (shoe and
lining together) or 0.066 inch (lining
material only) at any one of the three
measuring locations, replace all (4)
shoe and lining assemblies on both
front wheels.
3.
 Check the caliper to spindle at-
taching bolts torque. Torque them to
specification, if required.
4.
 To check rotor runout, first
eliminate the wheel bearing end play
by tightening the adjusting nut. After
tightening the nut, check to see that
the rotor can still be rotated.
5.
 Clamp a dial indicator to the
caliper housing so that the stylus con-
tact the rotor at a point approximate-
ly 1 inch from the outer edge. Rotate
the rotor and take an indicator read-
ing. If the reading exceeds 0.003 inch
total lateral runout on the indicator,
replace or resurface the disc brake
rotor. The following requirement must
be met when resurfacing disc brake
rotors: 
Rotunda Disc Brake Attachment
FRE-2249-2 is the only approved tool
to be used to refinish the disc brake
rotors.
 The step-by-step resurfacing
procedure provided with the tool must
be adhered to.
The finished braking surface of the
rotor must be flat and parallel within
0.0007 inch; lateral runout must not
exceed 0.003 inch total indicator
reading, braking surface are to be 80/15
micro inches.
On all models except Lincoln Con-
tinental the minimum limiting dimen-
sion from the inboard bearing cup to
the inboard rotor face and the mini-
mum rotor thickness dimension, must
be observed when removing material
from the rotor braking surfaces. A
ball and gage bar (Rotunda Kit FRE
70160) is to be used when checking
minimum dimensions (Fig. 11).
FALCON-FAIRLANE
MUSTANG-COUGAR
MONTEGO
.046 MAX-**
.119
 MAX.
FORD-MERCURY
METEOR - THUNDERBIRD 
875
 MIN
H1633-A
1.12
 MIN.-^
??
 — Disc Brake Rotor
Service Limits—All Models Except
Lincoln Continental
On Lincoln Continental models the
minimum limiting dimension (Fig. 12)
from the inboard bearing cup to the 
inboard rotor face (dimension B)
and the outboard rotor surface and
the inboard bearing cup (dimension
A),
 must be observed when remov-
ing material from the rotor braking
surfaces.
When the runout check is finished
be sure to adjust the bearings as out-
lined in Group 3, in order to prevent
bearing failure.
6. Check the rotor for scoring. Mi-
nor scores can be removed with a
fine emery cloth. If the rotor is ex-
cessively scored, refinish it as out-
lined in step 5 or replace the rotor,
if required.
7.
 Visually check the caliper. If the
caliper housing is leaking it should be
replaced. If a seal is leaking the cali-
per must be disassembled and new
.seals installed. If a piston is seazed
in the bore a new caliper housing is
required.
On Lincoln Continental models the
two halves of the caliper assembly
should never be separated. Damage or
failure of one requires replacement of
both as a unit.
Check the brake hoses for signs of
cracking, leaks or abrasion. Replace
them if necessary.
DISC BRAKE SERVICE
PRECAUTIONS
1.
 Grease or any other foreign ma-
terial must be kept off the caliper as-
sembly, surfaces of the rotor and ex-
ternal surfaces of the hub during serv-
ice operations. Handling of the rotor
and caliper assemblies should be done
in a way to avoid deformation of the
brake rotor and nicking or scratching
of brake linings.
2.
 If a caliper piston is removed for
any reason, the piston seal must be re-
placed.
3.
 During removal and installation
of a wheel assembly, exercise care not
to interfere with and damage the cali-procarmanuals.com 

02-01-08 
Brakes
02-01-08
BEARING CUP
DIMENSION "B"
0.755 MINIMUM
DIMENSION "A'
0.395 MINIMUM
H1532-B
FIG. 12—Disc Brake Rotor Service
Limits—Lincoln Continental
per splash shield or the bleeder screw
fitting.
4.
 Front wheel bearing end play is
critical and must be within specifica-
tions.
5.
 Be sure the vehicle is centered on
the hoist before servicing any front
end components, to avoid bending or
damaging the rotor splash shield on
full right or left wheel turns.
6. The proportioning valve should
not be disassembled or adjustments
attempted on it.
7.
 Riding of the brake pedal (com-
mon on left foot applications) should
be avoided during vehicle operation.
8. The wheel and tire must be re-
moved ' separately from the brake
rotor, unlike drum brakes where the 
wheel, tire and drum are removed as a
unit.
9. On floating caliper type disc
brakes whenever the caliper is re-
moved the caliper locating pins should
be inspected for wear or damage.
10.
 On floating caliper type disc
brakes, the caliper assembly must be
removed from the spindle prior to re-
moval of the shoe and lining assem-
blies.
11.
 On floating caliper type disc
brakes the calipers must not be inter-
changed from one side to the other.
When the caliper is installed on its
proper anchor plate and spindle, the
bleeder screw will point to the rear of
the vehicle (Fig. 22). If a caliper is in-
stalled on the wrong side of the vehi-
cle,
 it is not possible to bleed the sys-
tem properly.
12.
 Do not attempt to clean or re-
store oil or grease soaked brake lin-
ings.
 When contaminated linings are
found, brake linings must be replaced
in complete axle sets.
DRUM BRAKES
1.
 Remove the wheel from the
drum, and remove the drum as out-
lined in Part 2-2, Section 2.
2.
 Brush all dust from the backing
plates and interior of the brake
drums.
3.
 Inspect the brake shoes for ex-
cessive lining wear or shoe damage. If
the lining is worn within 1/32 inch of
the rivet heads or if the shoes are
damaged, they must be replaced. Re-
place any lining that had been con-
taminated with oil, grease or brake 
fluid. Replace lining in axle sets. Prior
to replacement of lining, the drum di-
ameter should be checked to deter-
mine if oversize linings must be in-
stalled.
4.
 Check the condition of brake
shoes,
 retracting springs, hold-down
springs, and drum for signs of over-
heating. If the shoes have a slight blue
coloring, indicating overheating, re-
placement of the retracting and hold-.
down springs is strongly recommended.
Overheated springs lose their pull and
could cause the new lining i:o wear
prematurely, if they are not replaced.
5. If the vehicle has 30,000 or more
miles of operation on the brake linings
or signs of overheating are present
when relining brakes, the wheel cylin-
ders should be disassembled and in-
spected for wear and entrance of dirt
into the cylinder. The cylinder cups
should be replaced, thus avoiding fu-
ture problems.
6. Inspect all other brake parts and
replace any that are worn or dam-
aged.
7.
 Inspect the brake drum and, if
necessary, refinish. Refer to Part 2-2,
Section 4 for refinishing.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the booster operation as
noted in Part 2-1, Section 1, Power
Brake Functional Test. If the brake
booster is damaged or defective, re-
place it with a new booster. The brake
booster is serviced only as an assem-
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