Hydraulic System: Description and Operation
Hydraulic Brake ActuationThe hydraulic brake system consists of:
- the brake master cylinder.
- the brake master cylinder fluid control valve, mounted in the rear outlet port of the brake master cylinder.
- the disc brake calipers.
- the rear wheel cylinders.
- the Four-wheel Anti-Lock (4WABS) hydraulic control unit (if so equipped).
- the brake lines and hoses.
Brake Fluid
WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
Clean, fresh Ford High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A is the only brake fluid that should be used in Ford vehicles.
- 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 use contaminated brake fluid.
- Do not mix different types of brake fluid.
Brake Master Cylinder and Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
Part 1:
Part 2:
The brake master cylinder:
- has a brake master cylinder fluid control valve, mounted in the rear outlet port (except dual rear wheel and 9600 GVW E-350 vehicles), to limit hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes during normal braking.
- on speed control-equipped vehicles, has a speed control deactivator switch mounted at the front end to act as a redundant safety device.
The brake master cylinder reservoir is equipped with a fluid level sensor to detect low brake fluid level. The fluid level sensor will provide a ground path to light the brake warning lamp.
Brake Tubes and Hoses
CAUTION: Never use copper tubing. It is subject to fatigue, cracking and corrosion, which could result in brake tube failure.
All brake tube fittings must be properly double flared to provide strong leakproof connections. When bending tubing to fit the underbody or rear axle contours, be careful not to kink or crack the tube.
If a section of brake tube is damaged, the entire section must be replaced with a tube of the same type, size, shape and length.
When replacing hydraulic brake tubing, hoses, or connectors, tighten all connections securely. After replacement, bleed the brake system.