1995 Mercury Cougar Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Power Booster, Replace

Aspire

Pump brake pedal several times to exhaust any vacuum in the booster.

• Remove master cylinder as described in "Hydraulic Brake Systems."
• Disconnect vacuum hose from power brake unit.
• From under instrument panel, remove brake pedal clevis pin, then detach pushrod from brake pedal.
• Remove power brake unit attaching nuts, then remove power brake unit.
• Reverse procedure to install noting the following:
• Ensure proper clearance between pushrod and master cylinder exists as described under "Adjustments."
• Bleed brakes as described in "Hydraulic Brake Systems."
• Torqu...

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...

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

Except Aspire, Capri, Escort, Mustang Cobra, Probe & Tracer

Removal

• Remove brake fluid until reservoir is half full.
• On Continental, Sable and Taurus, if equipped, turn air suspension service switch Off.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove caliper locating pins.
• Lift caliper assembl...

Removal

• Raise and support rear of vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove brake drum.
• Install suitable wheel cylinder clamp over ends of wheel cylinder to retain pistons in bore.
• Disconnect parking brake cable from parking brake lever.
• Remove two brake shoe hold-down retainers, springs and pins, Fig. .
• Spread brake shoes over piston shoe guide slots, then lift shoes, springs and adjuster off backing plate as an assembly.
• Remove adjuster spring.
• Remove retracting springs to separate shoes.
• Remove parking brake lever retaining clip, spring and washer.
• Remove lever from pin.

Instal...

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 equipped with anti-lock brakes, hydraulic system must be depressurized prior to disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings, by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with ignition in Off position.
• On all models, grease or any other foreign material must be kept off caliper, disc surfaces and external hub surfaces during service procedures. Handling brake disc and caliper should be done in a way to avoid deforming disc and nicking or scratching brake linings.
• If inspection reveals rubber piston seals are worn or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
• During wh...