1996 Ford Probe 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...

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...

Capri

Removal

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Using cape chisel, unstake and remove halfshaft nut and washer. Discard nut if it cannot be used again.
• Remove disc brake pads as described under "Brake Pad Service," then the caliper as described under "Caliper Service." Support caliper by suitable wire strung from coil spring. Do not disconnect brake line from caliper.
• Remove grease cap, then carefully raise staked portion of locknut using small cape chisel.
• Remove and discard locknut. Locknuts are threaded left and right. Lefthand threaded locknut is located o...

Disc brake service is extremely critical due to the close tolerances required in machining the brake disc to ensure proper brake operation.

Maintaining close control of the shape of the rubbing surfaces is necessary to prevent brake roughness. In addition, the surface finish must be non-directional and maintained at a micro-inch finish. This is necessary to avoid pulls and erratic performance and promote long lining life and equal lining wear of both the lefthand and righthand brakes.

Do not attempt to refinish the rubbing surfaces unless precision equip...

Brake System Bleed

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic brake systems.

The bleeding operation itself is fairly well standardized. The first step in all cases is cleaning the dirt from the filler cap before removing it from the master cylinder. This should be done thoroughly.

Pressure bleeding is fastest because the master cylinder doesn't have to be refilled several times, and the job can be done by one person. 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 t...

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...