1996 Ford Crown Victoria Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Parking Brake

Aspire

• Ensure parking brake control lever is in fully released position.
• Remove access cover from console.
• Remove cable adjustment nut's locking clip.
• Raise and support vehicle, then ensure rear tires turn freely.
• Tighten cable adjustment nut until brakes drag slightly when tires rotate.
• Loosen adjustment nut in small increments until drag just disappears.
• Rear brakes should lock when brake control lever is pulled upward 11-16 notches.
• Ensure parking brake operates properly.
• Install locking clip and access cover.

Continental, Cougar, Mustang & Thunderbird

• Fully release parking bra...

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic brake systems. Ensure all dirt and contaminants are removed from master cylinder area prior to removing reservoir cap.

To prevent air from the pressure tank getting into the lines, do not shake the tank while air is being added to the tank or after it has been pressurized. Set the tank in the required location, bring the air hose to the tank, and do not move it during the bleeding operation. The tank should be kept at least one-third full.

On vehicles equipped with disc brakes and master cylinders without proportioners or press...

On models with anti-lock brakes, the brake hydraulic 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

Removal

• Remove brake fluid until reservoir is half full.
• On Continental, Sable and Taurus, if equipped, turn air suspension service switch Off.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove caliper locating pins.
• Lift caliper assembl...

The anti-lock system (ABS), Fig. , controls each brake separately. The brake pedal force required to engage the system may vary with road surface conditions. A dry surface will require a high force, while a slippery surface will require a much less force. During system operation, the driver will sense a slight brake pedal pulsation accompanied by a rise in brake pedal height and a clicking sound. The pedal effort and pedal feel during normal braking are similar to a conventional power brake system.

System Components

Vacuum Booster

The diaphragm type brake booster is self-contained and ...

Master Cylinder

Except Capri, Escort, Sable, Taurus & Tracer

• On models equipped with ABS, depress brake pedal several times to exhaust all vacuum in the system.
• On all models, disconnect brake lines from master cylinder, then all necessary electrical connectors.
• On models equipped with ABS, disconnect hydraulic control unit supply hose at master cylinder. Secure hose in a position to prevent brake fluid loss.
• On all models, remove nuts retaining master cylinder to brake booster.
• Remove master cylinder.
• Reverse procedure to install. After installation is complete, fill master cyli...

Pushrod

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 b...