1995 Ford Thunderbird Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Caliper, Replace

On models with anti-lock brakes, the brake booster system must be depressurized before disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings. Depressurize the system by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with the ignition in the Off position.

Except Aspire, Capri, Escort, Mustang Cobra, Probe & Tracer

Before removing calipers, mark lefthand and righthand calipers so they can be installed in the same position.

• On Continental, Sable and Taurus, turn air suspension service switch Off, if equipped.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel a...

Removal

• Raise and support rear of vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove brake drum.
• Install suitable wheel cylinder clamp over ends of wheel cylinder to retain pistons in bore.
• Disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever.
• Remove two brake shoe hold-down retainers, springs and pins, Fig. .
• Spread brake shoes over piston shoe guide slots, then lift shoes, springs and adjuster off backing plate as an assembly.
• Remove adjuster spring.
• Remove retracting springs to separate shoes.
• Remove parking brake lever retaining clip, spring and washer.
• Remove lever from pin.

Instal...

Remove wheels and inspect brake disc, caliper and linings. The wheel bearings should be inspected at this time and repacked if necessary. Do not get any grease on the linings.

If the caliper is cracked or fluid leakage through the casting is evident, it must be replaced as a unit.

Should it become necessary to remove the caliper when installing new parts, clean all parts in alcohol, then wipe dry using lint-free cloths. Using an air hose, blow out drilled passages and bores. Inspect dust boots for punctures or tears. If punctures or tears are evident, install new boots during assembly.

...

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 master cylinder is proportioned to fulfill the requirements of each of the two independent hydraulic brake systems, Fig. .

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

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic disc brake systems.

The disc brake hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment. The brake pedal will require more pumping and frequent inspecting of fluid level in master cylinder during bleeding operation.

Do not use brake fluid drained from the hydraulic system when bleeding the brakes. Be sure the disc brake pistons are returned to their normal positions and the shoe and lining assemblies are properly seated. Before driving the vehicle, inspect brake operation to be sure a firm pedal has been ob...

Caliper, Replace

On models with anti-lock brakes, the brake booster system must be depressurized before disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings. Depressurize the system by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with the ignition in the Off position.

Except Aspire, Capri, Escort, Mustang Cobra, Probe & Tracer

Before removing calipers, mark lefthand and righthand calipers so they can be installed in the same position.

• On Continental, Sable and Taurus, turn air suspension service switch Off, if equipped.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel a...