Brakes and Traction Control: Description and Operation

Brake System

Brake System, Hydraulic
This vehicle is equipped with a brake pedal-actuated hydraulic dual brake system. The system consists of the following:
^ front disc brake calipers.
^ rear disc brake calipers.
^ brake master cylinder.
^ brake tubes and brake hoses.
The ABS system is a four wheel anti-lock control traction control brake system.
The dual ABS hydraulic system is diagonally split with the LH front and RH rear making up one circuit and the RH front and LH rear making up the other circuit.

Master Cylinder, Dual
The brake master cylinder contains the following feature:
^ a common plastic brake master cylinder reservoir and low fluid level indicator combined in one assembly.

Booster, Power Brake
The power brake booster is a vacuum-operated, dual diaphragm type and is equipped with a separately serviceable power brake booster check valve.

Brakes, Front Disc
The front disc brakes consist of the following features:
^ a full-cast vented front brake disc.
^ hydraulically-activated pin slider-type front disc brake caliper assemblies.

Brakes, Rear Disc
The rear disc brakes consist of the following features:
^ a full-cast vented rear brake disc.
^ hydraulically-activated rear disc brake caliper assemblies with integral mechanically (cable) operated parking brake mechanisms.

Brake System, Parking
The parking brake system consists of the following features:
^ the system is cable-actuated and controlled by a hand-operated parking brake control.
^ the parking brake control pulls a cable which actuates the rear disc brake calipers.
^ the parking brake is self-adjusting.

Brake Fluid

WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. 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.

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.

Brake System
Use clean, fresh Ford High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid PM-1 (Canada CXC-31) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A.
If DOT 3 is not available, use Ford High Performance DOT 4 brake fluid or equivalent meeting FMVSS No. 116.
^ 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.

Brake Tubing

WARNING: Copper tubing must not be used in a hydraulic system. When bending brake tubing to fit underbody, be careful not to kink or crack the tube.

If a section of the brake tubing becomes damaged, install a new section of tubing the same type, size, shape and length.

Brake Hose
Install a new flexible brake hose if it shows signs of softening, cracking or other damage.