1996 Ford Thunderbird Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

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 to 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 equipment, ...

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.

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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...

On models with anti-lock brakes, the brake system power booster 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.

After performing any service work, obtain a firm brake pedal before moving the vehicle.

Capri

Replace

• Remove approximately ^2/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder.
• Raise and support vehicle.
• Remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Using needle nose pliers, remove parking brake return springs at rear of caliper, Fig. .
• Loosen parking brake cable ...

Brake Roughness

Thickness Variation

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pumping is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness variation. To inspect for this condition, measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from edge of disc. If thickness meas...

Master Cylinder Overhaul

Disassemble

• Clean outside of master cylinder thoroughly. Drain brake fluid from master cylinder.
• Remove stop bolt and pressure control valves, if equipped.
• Using a screwdriver, carefully pry up on reservoir and remove it from master cylinder body.
• Remove fluid control valve, if equipped.
• Depress primary piston and remove snap ring from retaining groove at open end of bore.
• Remove primary and secondary piston assemblies from master cylinder. If secondary piston does not come out, apply air pressure to secondary outlet port to remove.

Inspection

When disassembled...