1990 Mercury Topaz Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

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 for installation of new parts, clean all parts in alcohol, wipe dry using lint free cloths. Using an air hose, blow out drilled passages and bores. Check dust boots for punctures or tears. If punctures or tears are evident, new boots should be installed upon re...

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 for installation of new parts, clean all parts in alcohol, wipe dry using lint free cloths. Using an air hose, blow out drilled passages and bores. Check dust boots for punctures or tears. If punctures or tears are evident, new boots should be installed upon re...

SERVICE BRAKES

Although the brakes are self-adjusting,Fig. , an initial adjustment will be necessary after a brake repair. The initial adjustment can be obtained as follows:

• Determine inside diameter of drum brake surface using brake shoe gauge tool No. D81L-1103-A or equivalent. Adjust brake shoe diameter to fit gauge. Hold automatic adjusting lever out of engagement while rotating adjusting screw and ensure that screw turns freely.
• Install drum and wheel assembly, then adjust wheel bearings as described inFig. .
• Complete adjustment by applying brakes several times, then check br...

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 break down during use and a few precautions will minimize exposure.Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent excessive asbestos exposure.

The brake shoe and lining assemblies should be replaced if the lining is ...

• Raise and support rear of vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove brake drum. If brake lining is dragging on brake drum, back off brake adjustment. Refer to individual car chapters for procedure.
• Using suitable tool, remove hold-down retainers, springs and pins,Fig. .
• Remove brake shoes and adjuster assemblies from backing plate by lifting up and away from wheel cylinder assembly.When removing brake shoe and adjuster assemblies, use care not to bend adjusting lever.
• Remove parking brake cable from parking brake lever.
• Remo...

• Lightly lubricate backing plate shoe contact surfaces with suitable brake lubrication.
• Remove brake drum hub grease seal and bearings, then clean and repack bearings and reinstall. Install new grease seal.
• Assemble parking brake lever to trailing shoe, then install spring washer and retaining clip. Using suitable pliers, crimp retaining clip until securely fastened.
• Attach parking brake cable to parking brake lever.
• Assemble lower retracting spring to leading and trailing shoe assemblies, then spread lower part of shoes and install on backing plate.
• Using suitable tool, install hold-dow...