1991 Mercury Sable Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

When working on or around brake assemblies, care must be taken to prevent breathing asbestos dust, as many manufacturers incorporate asbestos fibers in the production of brake linings. During routine service operations the amount of asbestos dust from brake lining wear is at a low level, due to a chemical break down during use and a few precautions will minimize exposure.Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent excessive asbestos exposure.

The brake shoe and lining assemblies should be replaced if the lining is ...

HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT, REPLACE

• On Taurus SHO models, disconnect battery ground cable, then remove ECU and mounting bracket from hydraulic control unit (HCU).
• On all models except Taurus SHO, disconnect battery cables and remove battery and tray.
• Remove plastic pushpins holding acid shield to HCU mounting bracket, then remove acid shield,Fig. .
• On all models, disconnect 19-pin connector from HCU wiring harness, then disconnect 4-pin connector from HCU motor pump relay.
• Remove two tubes from inlet ports and four tubes from outlet ports of HCU, then plug each port to preven...

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...

REMOVAL

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

Before removing calipers, mark left and right hand calipers so they can be installed in the same position.

• Raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Loosen brake tube fitting which connects brake tube to fitting on frame and plug brake tube. Remove retaining clip from brake hose and bracket, then disconnect brake hose from caliper.
• Remove caliper locating pins.
• Lift caliper from rotor and spindle anchor plate assembly.On models equipped with phenolic caliper piston, do not pry directly ag...

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 ...