1996 Ford Crown Victoria Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

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 pedal is depressed, allowing atmospheric pressure to unbalance the u...

Caliper, Replace

Capri

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove brake pads as described under "Brake Pad Service."
• Remove clip brake flex hose to strut assembly clip.
• Remove brake flex hose to caliper assembly banjo bolt.
• Remove two copper washers sealing flex hose banjo fitting, then discard washers.
• Remove lower caliper retaining bolt.
• Using cold chisel, remove upper caliper guide pin dust cap. This will allow access to Allen head on guide pin.
• Using Allen wrench, loosen and remove upper caliper guide pin.
• Lift caliper off rotor.
• Remove guide pin and bushing d...

The anti-lock system (ABS), Fig. , controls each brake separately. The brake pedal force required to engage the system may vary with road surface conditions. A dry surface will require a high force, while a slippery surface will require a much less force. During system operation, the driver will sense a slight brake pedal pulsation accompanied by a rise in brake pedal height and a clicking sound. The pedal effort and pedal feel during normal braking are similar to a conventional power brake system.

System Components

Vacuum Booster

The diaphragm type brake booster is self-contained and ...

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...

Master Cylinder Overhaul

Disassemble

• Clean outside of master cylinder thoroughly. Drain brake fluid from master cylinder.
• Remove stop bolt and pressure control valves, if equipped.
• Using a screwdriver, carefully pry up on reservoir and remove it from master cylinder body.
• Remove fluid control valve, if equipped.
• Depress primary piston and remove snap ring from retaining groove at open end of bore.
• Remove primary and secondary piston assemblies from master cylinder. If secondary piston does not come out, apply air pressure to secondary outlet port to remove.

Inspection

When disassembled...

Disc brake service is extremely critical due to the close tolerances required in machining the brake disc to ensure proper brake operation.

Maintaining close control of the shape of the rubbing surfaces is necessary to prevent brake roughness. In addition, the surface finish must be non-directional and maintained at a micro-inch finish. This is necessary to avoid pulls and erratic performance and promote long lining life and equal lining wear of both the lefthand and righthand brakes.

Do not attempt to refinish the rubbing surfaces unless precision equip...