2000 Mercury Cougar Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic brake systems. Ensure all dirt and contaminants are removed from master cylinder area prior to removing reservoir cap.

To prevent air from the pressure tank getting into the lines, do not shake the tank while air is being added to the tank or after it has been pressurized. Set the tank in the required location, bring the air hose to the tank, and do not move it during the bleeding operation. The tank should be kept at least one-third full.

On vehicles equipped with disc brakes and master cylinders without proportioners or press...

Continental, Cougar, Mustang, Sable & Taurus

Removal

• Remove rear disc brake caliper assembly as outlined under "Caliper Service." Do not disconnect flexible hose unless caliper requires service. Support caliper with wire or tie strap so flexible hose is not stretched or twisted.
• Remove rear disc support bracket to wheel knuckle bolts, then the rear disc support bracket and brake shoes and linings.
• Remove two nuts, then the rotor from rear hub.

Installation

• If installing new rotor, remove protective coating from rotor with suitable carburetor cleaner.
• Lubricate rear hub pilot diameter w...

Hydraulic Brake Fluid Color

Hydraulic brake fluid must conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. Under this standard, brake fluids are visually different from other automotive fluids such as transmission, power steering and engine.

Fluid color in a normal brake system may vary from its original color for many reasons. A brake master cylinder may show significantly different shades fluid color between the two brake master cylinder reservoirs. Color may also appear to vary between cast steel and die cast aluminum reservoirs. Some reasons for discolorati...

Complaints about power brake operation should be handled as if two separate systems exist. Inspect for faults in the hydraulic system first. If it is satisfactory, start inspecting the power brake circuit. For a quick inspection of proper power unit operation, press the brake pedal firmly and then start the engine. The pedal should fall away slightly and less pressure should be needed to maintain the pedal in any position.

Another inspection begins with installation of a suitable pressure gauge in the brake hydraulic system. Take a reading with the engine Off and the power unit n...

If caliper does not require servicing, do not disconnect brake hose or remove caliper from vehicle. Position caliper aside with wire or tie straps to avoid damaging caliper or hose.

If excessive force must be used to remove the rotor, then it should be inspected for lateral runout before installation.

Removal

• On models equipped with air suspension, turn service switch Off.
• On all models, raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly. Use care to avoid damage or interference with caliper bleeder screw fitting and brake rotor shield.
• Remove caliper anchor bracket bol...

Single Piston Calipers

The caliper assembly consists of a pin sliding caliper housing, inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies and a single piston, Figs. and . The caliper slides on two pins which also act as attaching bolts between caliper and the combination anchor plate and spindle. The outer brake shoe and lining assembly is longer than the inner brake shoe and lining assembly. Inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies are attached to the caliper by spring clips riveted to the shoe surfaces. The inner shoe is attached to the caliper by installing the spring clip to the insid...