1990 Ford Mustang Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

1991 CAPRI/ESCORT & TRACER

Removal

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Using a chisel, unstake and remove halfshaft retaining nut and washer.Discard nut and washer.
• Remove brake pads and caliper from the steering knuckle as outlined. Support the caliper by a wire strung from the coil spring. Do not disconnect the brake line from the caliper.
• Using tie rod end separator tool No. T85M-3395-A or equivalent, disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
• Remove ball joint pinch bolt. Separate control arm from steering knuckle.
• Remove steering knuckle to strut assem...

BRAKE DRUMS

Any time the brake drums are removed for brake service, the braking surface diameter should be checked with a suitable brake drum micrometer at several points to determine if they are within the safe oversize limit stamped on the brake drum outer surface. If the braking surface diameter exceeds specifications, the drum must be replaced. If the braking surface diameter is within specifications, drums should be cleaned and inspected for cracks, scores, deep grooves, taper, out of round and heat spotting. If drums are cracked or heat spotted, they must be replaced. Mi...

• 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. Fluid spilling from boot center hole, or wetness around wheel cylinder ends indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement.A small amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, acting as a lubricant for the cylinder pistons.
• Inspect backing ...

• Raise and support rear of vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove brake drum. If brake lining is dragging on brake drum, back off brake adjustment by rotating adjustment screw. Refer to individual car chapter for procedure.If brake drum is rusted or corroded to axle flange and cannot be removed, lightly tap axle flange to drum mounting surface with a suitable hammer.
• Install suitable wheel cylinder clamp over ends of wheel cylinder to retain pistons in bore.
• On type 1 brakes,Fig. , remove parking brake lever retaining clip.
• On both types,Figs. and , remove adjuster leve...

• Lightly lubricate backing plate shoe contact surfaces with suitable brake lube.
• On type 1 brakes, assemble parking brake lever to secondary shoe and secure with spring washer and retaining clip. Crimp ends of clip with suitable pliers.On type 2 brakes, engage parking brake lever tang with secondary shoe.
• Position brake shoes on backing plate, primary (short lining) shoe facing front of vehicle and secondary (long lining) facing rear. Secure brake shoes with hold-down springs, pins and retainers.
• Install parking brake link and spring between shoes.
• Loosen parking brake adjustment nut, t...

FRONT & REAR SPLIT SYSTEMS

When the brake pedal is depressed, both the primary (front brake) and the secondary (rear brake) master cylinder pistons are moved simultaneously to exert hydraulic fluid pressure on their respective independent hydraulic systems. The fluid displacement of the two master cylinders is proportioned to fulfill the requirements of each of the two independent hydraulic brake systems,Figs. and .

If a failure of a rear (secondary) brake system should occur, initial brake pedal movement causes the unrestricted secondary piston to bottom in the mas...