DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard and use a single piston, sliding caliper front disc brake system. Rear drum brake assembly consists of a support plate, 2 brake shoes, return springs, automatic adjuster components and one dual piston wheel cylinder.
Parking brake is actuated by a cable, which pulls the parking brake lever located inside rear brake assembly. The lever pivots parking brake strut between brake shoes. This movement pushes outward on brake shoes. Brake shoe linings are made of asbestos-free fiberglass material.
Vehicles are equipped with dual master cylinder and vacuum booster. Dual master cylinder has primary and secondary pistons and separate primary and secondary fluid reservoirs. The caliper is secured to steering knuckle by 2 caliper retaining pins, and use a single or dual-diaphragm vacuum booster.
The single and dual-diaphragm (tandem) vacuum boosters are self-contained, vacuum power brake units. Booster assists in actuating master cylinder push rod. Booster contains either a single or dual vacuum-suspended diaphragm which uses engine manifold vacuum or atmospheric pressure for power.
A mechanically operated booster check valve controls power brake application and release in relation to foot pressure applied to check valve operating rod. Booster check valve is the only serviceable component of brake booster assembly.
A fluid level indicator is located in the plastic reservoir of each master cylinder. It is not serviced separately. It consists of a float, magnet assembly and reed switch. The magnet operates the reed switch when fluid is low and activates a dash-mounted warning light.