1996 Ford Mustang Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

• On models equipped with anti-lock brakes, hydraulic system must be depressurized prior to disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings, by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with ignition in Off position.
• On all models, grease or any other foreign material must be kept off caliper, disc surfaces and external hub surfaces during service procedures. Handling brake disc and caliper should be done in a way to avoid deforming disc and nicking or scratching brake linings.
• If inspection reveals rubber piston seals are worn or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
• During wh...

Vacuum Assist Diaphragm Type

The vacuum assist diaphragm assembly multiplies the force exerted on the master cylinder piston in order to increase the hydraulic pressure delivered to the wheel cylinders while decreasing the effort necessary to obtain acceptable stopping performance.

Vacuum assist units get their energy by opposing engine vacuum to atmospheric pressure. A piston, cylinder and flexible diaphragm utilize this energy to provide brake assistance. The diaphragm is balanced with engine vacuum until the brake pedal is depressed, allowing atmospheric pressure to unbalance the u...

Brake System Bleed

• Disconnect 55-pin plug from ABS module (ECU), then attach anti-lock breakout box/bleeding adapter tool No. T90P-50-ALA, or equivalent, to wiring harness 55-pin plug.
• Place bleed/harness switch in bleed position.
• Turn ignition to On position. Red Off light should turn on.
• Push motor button on adapter down to start pump motor. Red Off light will turn off and green On light will turn on. Pump motor will run for 60 seconds once motor button is pushed.
• If pump motor is turns off before 60 seconds has elapsed, push abort button and pump motor will turn off.
• After 20 second...

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...

System Components

Power Brake Booster

The diaphragm-type power brake booster is a self-contained unit, mounted on the firewall. The booster uses engine intake manifold vacuum and atmospheric pressure for its power. Other than the power brake booster check valve, the booster is serviced only as an assembly. The booster must be replaced if it becomes damaged or inoperative.

Brake Master Cylinder

The brake master cylinder consists of a fluid reservoir, reservoir control valve and a fluid level indicator. The fluid level indicator is located inside the brake master cylinder reservoir and re...