1998 Ford Mustang Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Parking Brake Linings, Replace

Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car

1997

The parking brake system is a drum type design mounted in the hubs of the rear brake rotors.

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove caliper as previously outlined, then the rotor assembly.
• Drain differential fluid from axle by removing cover.
• Remove lock bolt from differential pinion shaft, then shaft from differential.
• Push axle shaft inward to access and remove axle shaft C-lock.
• Remove ABS speed sensor, then axle shaft from axle housing.
• Disconnect brake cable from lever, ...

Cougar, Sable, Taurus, Thunderbird & 1997-98 Continental, Mark VIII & Mustang

Sliding caliper rear disc brakes are used on these models, Fig. . The caliper is basically the same as the larger front wheel caliper. However, a parking brake mechanism and a larger inner brake shoe anti-rattle spring have been added.

The parking brake lever, located at the rear of the caliper, is actuated by a cable system similar to rear drum brake applications. When the parking brake is applied, the cable rotates the lever and operating shaft, driving the caliper piston and brake shoe assembly against t...

Cougar, Sable, Taurus, Thunderbird & 1997-98 Continental, Mark VIII & Mustang

Removal

• Remove rear disc brake caliper assembly as described under " Caliper Service." Do not disconnect flexible hose unless caliper requires service. Support caliper with wire or tie strap so flexible hose is not stretched or twisted.
• Remove rear disc support bracket to wheel knuckle bolts, then the rear disc support bracket and brake shoes and linings.
• Remove two nuts, then the rotor from rear hub.

Installation

• If installing new rotor, remove protective coating from rotor with suitable carburetor cleaner.
• Lub...

On Vehicles Equipped With Anti-Lock Brakes Refer To "Anti-Lock Brakes".

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...

Brake System Bleed

Manual

1997-98

The primary and secondary (front and rear) hydraulic brake systems are individual systems and are bled separately. Bleed longest tube first on individual system being serviced. During complete bleeding operation, DO NOT allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry. Never reuse brake fluid that has been drained from hydraulic system or has been allowed to stand in an open container for an extended period of time.

• To bleed brake system, position a suitable box wrench on bleeder fitting on brake wheel cylinder. Attach rubber drain hose to bleeder fitt...

On Vehicles Equipped With Anti-Lock Brakes Refer To "Anti-Lock Brakes".

Complaints about power brake operation should be handled as if two separate systems exist. Inspect for faults in the hydraulic system first. If it is satisfactory, start inspecting the power brake circuit. For a quick inspection of proper power unit operation, press the brake pedal firmly and then start the engine. The pedal should fall away slightly and less pressure should be needed to maintain the pedal in any position.

Another inspection begins with installation of a suitable pressure gauge in the brake hydr...