1990 Ford Escort Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

SERVICE BRAKES

Although the brakes are self-adjusting,Fig. , an initial adjustment will be necessary after a brake repair. The initial adjustment can be obtained as follows:

• Determine inside diameter of drum brake surface using brake shoe gauge tool No. D81L-1103-A or equivalent. Adjust brake shoe diameter to fit gauge. Hold automatic adjusting lever out of engagement while rotating adjusting screw and ensure that screw turns freely.
• Install drum and wheel assembly, then adjust wheel bearings as described inFig. .
• Complete adjustment by applying brakes several times, then check br...

The caliper assembly consists of a pin slider caliper housing, inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies and a single piston,Figs. and . The caliper slides on two pins which also act as attaching bolts between caliper and the combination anchor plate and spindle. The outer brake shoe and lining assembly is longer than the inner brake shoe and lining assembly. Inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies are attached to the caliper by spring clips riveted to the shoe surfaces. The inner shoe is attached to the caliper by installing the spring clip to the inside of the caliper piston. T...

DISASSEMBLY

Except Capri, Festiva, Tracer, Scorpio, XR4Ti, Probe & 1991 Escort

• Remove caliper assembly from vehicle as described under "Caliper, Replace."
• Position fiber block and shop towels between caliper piston and caliper housing, then apply compressed air to caliper brake line fitting bore to force piston from caliper.
• Remove dust boot from caliper assembly,Figs. and .
• Remove piston seal from cylinder and discard.

Festiva

• Remove brake pads and caliper as outlined previously.
• Remove bleeder screw, drain remaining fluid from caliper, then reinstall screw.
• Remove dust boot retaining r...

Whenever new brake components are installed in the hydraulic system, it is recommended that the entire hydraulic system be thoroughly flushed with clean brake fluid.

It may sometime become necessary to flush out the system due to the presence of mineral oil, kerosene, gasoline, etc., which will cause swelling of rubber piston cups and valves so they become inoperative. The procedure is as follows:

Flushing is ...

Proper adjustment of the master cylinder pushrod is necessary to ensure proper operation of the power brake system. A pushrod that is too long will prevent the master cylinder piston from completely releasing hydraulic pressure, eventually, causing the brakes to drag. A pushrod that is too short will cause excessive brake pedal travel and cause groaning noises to come from the booster when the brakes are applied. A properly adjusted pushrod that remains assembled to the booster with which is was matched during production should not require service adjustment. However, if the ...

• Inspect components for damage and unusual wear. Replace as necessary.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Boots which are torn, cut or heat damaged indicate need for wheel cylinder replacement. Peel back lower edge of boot. If fluid spills out, cup leakage is indicated and wheel cylinder should be rep...