The braking system is a diagonally split, dual circuit system. The system consists of brake drum, shoes and linings, wheel cylinder and backing plate. With front discs and rear drums.
Drum
The rear drums are of conventional design. Manufactured from cast iron, they incorporate the wheel bearing, ABS sensor ring and wheel studs.
The brake shoes are of the bonded type, with thick/thin asbestos free linings, in one primary and one secondary shoe configuration. The thick/thin linings allow the shoes to wear at proportional rates.
Wheel Cylinder
The wheel cylinder is a dual piston type, with a single hydraulic feed. The pistons are protected from dirt and dust by rubber boots. On application of the brake both wheel cylinders operate an equal amount ensuring efficient braking and even lining wear. The wheel cylinder has a fluid bleed nipple to remove air from the system.
Backing Plate
The backing plate is manufactured from pressed steel. It acts as a carrier for the brake shoes and wheel cylinder and location for the parking brake cable and conduit. It is attached to the hub by two rivets.
Slack Adjuster
The slack adjuster is an automatic type. As brake lining wear occurs the shoes are adjusted to maintain the correct lining to drum clearance. This adjustment takes place during application of the foot brake.
Brake Fluid
WARNING:Avoid skin and eye contact at all times. Splashes to the skin and eyes are slightly irritating and therefore the affected areas must be washed with cold water. Vapour inhalation hazards do not arise at normal ambient temperatures because of the very low vapour pressure.
CAUTION:If brake fluid is spilt on the paintwork the affected areas must be washed down immediately with cold water.
Use DOT 4 brake fluid or equivalent meeting Ford specification SAM-6C9103-A.
Asbestos
Although Ford/Motorcraft brake pads and shoes/ linings are asbestos-free, vehicles in service may have been fitted with replacement parts, of non-Ford/Motorcraft origin, containing asbestos. Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous to your health. It is also prudent to avoid inhalation of any dust produced from friction surfaces, whatever their composition. Therefore, the following precautions should be followed when working on the brake system:
- Work in a well ventilated area.
- Any dust found on the vehicle or produced during work on the vehicle should be removed by extraction, not blowing.
- Asbestos dust waste should be dampened, placed in a sealed container and marked for safe disposal.
- If any cutting, drilling, etc., is attempted on materials containing asbestos, the item should be dampened and only hand tools or low speed power tools used.
