Disc & Drum: Other Ford Probe II

BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM

Note. For brake bleeding procedure on ABS-equipped models, see appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article.

MANUAL BLEEDING

Note. Check fluid level in master cylinder frequently during brake bleeding sequence.

Non-ABS

1. Clean dirt from master cylinder fluid reservoir filler cap area. Fill reservoir with brake fluid. If master cylinder is known or suspected to have air in bore, bleed master cylinder first. To bleed brake system, release vacuum from power unit by depressing brake pedal several times.
2. Install clear vinyl bleeder hose onto first bleed valve to be serviced. See «BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE»(ref-44335-S24334173322001011500000) table. Place other end of hose in clean transparent container.
3. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid so end of hose is submerged in fluid. Open bleed valve 1-2 turns. Have an assistant slowly depress brake pedal through its full travel.
4. Close bleed valve and release pedal. Pump pedal several times to push air toward wheel cylinders. Repeat procedure until flow of brake fluid is clear and shows no sign of air bubbles. Proceed to next bleed valve.
5. Check brake pedal for firmness. If brake pedal feels "spongy", repeat bleeding procedure. Top off brake fluid reservoir.

BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE

1. Release all vacuum from power unit by depressing brake pedal several times. Clean dirt from brake fluid reservoir cap and surrounding area, then remove cap. With pressure tank at least1/2 full of brake fluid and charged with 10-30 psi (.70-2.10 kg/cm 2 ) air pressure, connect tank to master cylinder using proper adapter(s).
2. Attach bleeder hose to first bleed valve to be serviced. See «BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE»(ref-44335-S24334173322001011500000) table. Place other end of hose in clean transparent container. Partially fill container with clean brake fluid until end of hose is submerged in fluid.
3. Open release valve on pressure bleeder. Open bleed valve 1-2 turns, noting fluid flow. When fluid flowing into container is clear and free of bubbles, close bleed valve securely.
4. Finish bleeding system in same manner using correct sequence. Remove pressure tank from master cylinder and check fluid level of master cylinder reservoir.

MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD

Note. Push rod does not normally need adjustment unless master cylinder has been replaced.

Using Gauge Method

1. Remove master cylinder. See «MASTER CYLINDER»(ref-44335-S37315783292001011500000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Position Master Cylinder Gauge (T87C-2500-A) on end of master cylinder.
2. Loosen set screw on gauge. Push gauge plunger against bottom of primary piston and tighten set screw. (Scheme 9) Using a vacuum pump, apply 19.7 in. Hg to power brake booster. Invert gauge and install gauge over power brake booster push rod.
3. There should be no clearance between end of adjustment gauge and power brake push rod. If clearance exists, loosen push rod lock nut and adjust push rod until clearance is removed. Install master cylinder and bleed brakes. See «BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM»(ref-44335-S29445032462001011500000).

Scheme 9

Without Gauge

1. If master cylinder gauge is not available, a pencil may be used to check brake booster-to-master cylinder push rod clearance. Remove master cylinder. See «MASTER CYLINDER»(ref-44335-S37315783292001011500000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Insert pencil in master cylinder push rod socket.
2. Mark pencil at point where pencil and boss at end of master cylinder meet. Measure and record length of pencil to mark. Measure and record how far master cylinder push rod protrudes out of power brake booster. Using a ruler, measure and record master cylinder boss length.
3. Subtract length of boss from length of pencil. The difference between length of master cylinder push rod and length of pencil to mark is equal to push rod clearance. Clearance should be .04" (1.0 mm). If clearance is not as specified, adjust push rod length to obtain correct clearance. Install master cylinder and bleed brakes. See «BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM»(ref-44335-S29445032462001011500000) .

BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY

1. Release vacuum from power brake booster by depressing brake pedal several times. Gently depress brake pedal by hand and check brake pedal free play. If free play is not within specification, adjust clearance. See «BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-44335-S31381520952001011500000) table.
2. To adjust free play, loosen clevis lock nut on brake pedal push rod. Turn clevis until free play is within specification. Tighten clevis lock nut.

BRAKE PEDAL FREE PLAY SPECIFICATIONS

BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT

1. Measure distance between center of brake pedal pad and floor. If measurement is not within specification, go to next step. See «BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-44335-S31293475302001011500000) table.
2. Check brake pedal for missing, worn or damaged bushings and/or loose retaining bolts. If components are okay, ensure brake pedal, brake booster and/or master cylinder components are correct for vehicle application.

BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

PARKING BRAKE

1. Count number of notches it takes to pull parking brake lever to its full on position. If parking brake is fully ON in 5-7 notches, parking brake adjustment is okay. If parking brake needs adjustment, go to next step.
2. Parking brake cable is adjusted at parking brake lever. Remove center console. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Tighten adjusting nut at parking brake lever until adjustment is within specification. Install center console. Check parking brake operation.

REAR BRAKE SHOES

1. This adjustment should be made only after replacing brake lining or if brake applications are insufficient to actuate automatic adjuster. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels.
2. Remove brake drum. Use a brake drum diameter gauge to determine brake drum diameter and proper shoe diameter. Hold automatic adjusting lever out of engagement. Using a screwdriver, rotate knurled quadrant on adjuster assembly to adjust brake shoes.
3. Adjust brake shoes to fit gauge. Rotate gauge around shoe to ensure proper fit. Install brake drum. Install wheels. Check brake operation by making several stops at varying forward speeds.

PROPORTIONING VALVE

Using T-connector, install pressure gauge in master cylinder outlet port. Install another pressure gauge in outlet port of proportioning valve. Depressing brake pedal, apply 850 psi test pressure at master cylinder outlet port. See PROPORTIONING VALVE TEST SPECIFICATIONS table. If pressure indicated at proportioning valve pressure gauge is not as specified, replace proportioning valve.

PROPORTIONING VALVE TEST SPECIFICATIONS

POWER BRAKE BOOSTER

Note. Disassembly and reassembly procedures are not available from manufacturer. If brake booster is defective, replace brake booster assembly.