LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 713 (Brake System - General Information) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Brake System >> Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Most brake concerns that are not related to the electrical or anti-lock system are caused by leaks or mechanical problems in the base brake system.
    • For low brake fluid concerns, fill the brake master cylinder reservoir, apply the brakes and inspect for leaks. If no leaks are found, the concern may be caused by caliper piston advance to compensate for disc brake pad wear.
    • For mechanical concerns, such as pulling, vibration, drag or squeal, thoroughly inspect the base brake system for wear or damage. Install new as necessary. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM .
    • For lack of power assist concerns on E-150, E-250 and E-350, inspect the vacuum system for leaks. For E-450, inspect the power steering pressure supply to the Hydro-Boost. Install new as necessary. For additional information, refer to POWER BRAKE ACTUATION .
  2. To determine if a concern is anti-lock related, disable the anti-lock system by disconnecting the connector on the brake fluid level sensor at the brake master cylinder reservoir. If the concern cannot be duplicated with the anti-lock system disabled, the concern is in the anti-lock system. For diagnosis of anti-lock concerns, refer to ANTI-LOCK CONTROL .
  3. To test the operation of the brake warning light, do the following:
    • Start the engine and observe the brake warning light. The brake warning light should light and then go out. For additional information I on brake warning light prove out, refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND PANEL ILLUMINATION .
    • With the key to RUN, apply the parking brake. The brake warning light should light and stay lit until the parking brake is released.
  4. For premature rear wheel lockup concerns that are not anti-lock related, inspect and adjust the rear brakes. Retest the system.
  5. If the concern persists, install a new brake master cylinder fluid control valve mounted in the rear outlet port of the brake master cylinder. Retest the system.
  6. For "pedal bottoms out" concerns, check the brake pedal reserve.
    • Operate the engine at idle with the transmission in either PARK or NEUTRAL.
    • Depress the brake pedal lightly three to four times.
    • Allow 15 seconds for vacuum to replenish the power brake booster.
      • NOTE: Increased resistance may feel like the brake pedal has bottomed out.
    • Apply the brake pedal until it stops moving downward or an increased resistance to the brake pedal travel occurs.
    • Hold the brake pedal in the applied position and raise the engine speed to approximately 2000 rpm.
      • NOTE: The additional movement of the brake pedal is the result of the increased engine manifold vacuum, which exerts more force on the power brake booster during engine rundown. This means that additional stroke is available in the brake master cylinder and the brake system is not bottoming out as a customer may believe.
    • Release the accelerator pedal and shaft and observe that the brake pedal moves downward as the engine returns to idle speed

For low or spongy brake pedal concerns:

For slow or incomplete brake pedal return concern:

For a vibration concern when the brakes are applied on a vehicle with rear drum brakes:

scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals