Brakes - Rear Disc Drag

Article No. 85-16-5

BRAKES - REAR DISC DRAG - IMPROPER CALIPER LEVER STOP ADJUSTMENT

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1983-86 CONTINENTAL; 1984-86 MARK VII

If a rear disc brake drag condition is encountered, it may be caused by an improperly adjusted brake caliper lever against the lever stop. This condition can be verified using the following procedure.

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.

2. With the parking brake released, check for a contact between the disc brake caliper lever and the caliper lever stop. If there is a gap, check to see if light rearward hand pressure (5 lbs.) eliminated the gap.

3. If there is still a gap after Step 2 (even with hand pressure), check parking brake cable for binding and proper adjustment. Refer to Section 12-70 of the Shop Manual for cable adjustment.

If cable adjustment is correct or too loose, or if rear brake(s) still drag, then perform the following caliper lever stop adjustment:

1. Remove rear wheel(s).

2. Disconnect cable(s) at the caliper lever(s).

3. Remove caliper from anchor plate. Brake line may be left attached if care is used not to damage brake line.

4. Adjust piston depth to obtain 1/32 to 3/32 inch lining to rotor clearance. Refer to Section 12-25 of the Shop Manual for the procedure.

5. Install caliper as outlined in Section 12-25. Do not attach parking brake cable at this point.

6. Loosen the parking brake cable bracket and move stop rearward.

7. With the engine running, pump the service brake lightly (approximately l4 lbs. pedal effort) about 40 times. Allow at least one second between pedal applications. As an alternative, with the engine off, pump the service brake lightly (approximately 87 lbs. pedal effort) about 30 times.
8. While an assistant applies light brake pedal effort, position the parking brake cable so the stop contacts the actuating lever on the caliper. Tighten the bracket retaining bolts to 40-50 N-m (30-36 ft.lbs.).

9. Install the parking brake cable into the cable bracket and adjust parking brake as outlined in Section 12-70 of the appropriate Shop Manual.

10. Apply and release the parking brake control. Check the parking brake levers to be sure they fully return to the stop position on the cable bracket.

11. Install wheel(s) and lower vehicle.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.
OPERATION: SP2597A85A - Inspection Only
TIME: 0.3 Hr.
OPERATION: SP2597A85B - Inspection and Adjust Brake Cable
TIME: 0.3 Hr.
OPERATION: SP2597A85C - Inspection, Adjust Brake Cable and Piston Depth
TIME: 0.9 Hr.
NOTE: Use only one operation per vehicle. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 2B597 - Code: 07