1996 Ford Thunderbird Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Parking Brake Linings, Replace

Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car

The parking brake system is a drum type design mounted in the hubs of the rear brake rotors.

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove caliper as previously outlined, then the rotor assembly.
• Drain differential fluid from axle by removing cover.
• Remove lock bolt from differential pinion shaft, then shaft from differential.
• Push axle shaft inward to access and remove axle shaft C-lock.
• Remove ABS speed sensor, then axle shaft from axle housing.
• Disconnect brake cable from lever, then...

Front & Rear Split Systems

When the brake pedal is depressed, both the primary (front brake) and the secondary (rear brake) master cylinder pistons are moved simultaneously to exert hydraulic fluid pressure on their respective independent hydraulic systems. The fluid displacement of the master cylinder is proportioned to fulfill the requirements of each of the two independent hydraulic brake systems, Fig. .

If a failure of a rear (secondary) brake system should occur, initial brake pedal movement causes the unrestricted secondary piston to bottom in the master cylinder bore. Primary p...

Brake Pedal Height

• Run engine at normal operating condition.
• Measure distance to top center of brake pedal pad.
• Free height should be approximately 7.35 inches.
• If pedal height is not within specification, inspect pedal, booster or master cylinder to ensure proper parts are installed. Replace worn or damaged parts.

Brake Pedal Travel

• With engine running in Neutral or Park position, block drive wheels, then release parking brake.
• Install brake pedal effort gauge tool No. 021-00001, or equivalent, and inspect pedal travel. With 25 lbs. of pressure applied to pedal, travel shou...

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 when installing new parts, clean all parts in alcohol, then wipe dry using lint-free cloths. Using an air hose, blow out drilled passages and bores. Inspect dust boots for punctures or tears. If punctures or tears are evident, install new boots during assembly.

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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 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 worn to ...