2003 Mercury Sable Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Battery Ground Cable

Prior to service, disconnect battery ground cable and isolate as required.

Safety Precautions

When working on or around brake assemblies, care must be taken to prevent breathing asbestos dust, as many manufacturers incorporate asbestos fibers in the production of brake linings. During routine service operations the amount of asbestos dust from brake lining wear is at a low level, due to a chemical breakdown during use. A few precautions will minimize exposure. Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent ...

If caliper does not require servicing, do not disconnect brake hose or remove caliper from vehicle. Position caliper aside with wire or tie straps to avoid damaging caliper or hose.

If excessive force must be used to remove the rotor, then it should be inspected for lateral runout before installation.

Removal

• On models equipped with air suspension, turn service switch Off.
• On all models, raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly. Use care to avoid damage or interference with caliper bleeder screw fitting and brake rotor shield.
• Remove caliper anchor bracket bol...

Continental, Cougar, LS, Mustang, Sable & Taurus

Sliding caliper rear disc brakes are used on these models. 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 the rotor. An automatic adjuster in th...

Brake Roughness

Thickness Variation

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. Measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from edge of disc. If thickness measurements vary by more than .0005 inch, replace the disc.

Lateral Runout

Excessive lateral runout of braking disc may cause a "knocking back" of the pistons, possibly creating increased pedal travel and vibration when brakes are applied.

Wheel Bearing Looseness

Adjust the w...

Hydraulic Brake Fluid Color

Hydraulic brake fluid must conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. Under this standard, brake fluids are visually different from other automotive fluids such as transmission, power steering and engine.

Fluid color in a normal brake system may vary from its original color for many reasons. A brake master cylinder may show significantly different shades fluid color between the two brake master cylinder reservoirs. Color may also appear to vary between cast steel and die cast aluminum reservoirs. Some reasons for discolorati...