Description & Operation

Hydraulic system is diagonally split so system will still operate if one side loses pressure. Proportioning valves (one in each rear brakeline) limit hydraulic pressure applied to rear brakes, directing most of the available hydraulic pressure to the front brakes. See Figure . Valves are forward of left rear wheelwell.

Disc brakes are continually self-adjusting. Caliper piston seals retract pistons enough to allow brake lining to lightly brush rotor. Sliding caliper compensates for lining wear.

On Eldorado, Riviera and Seville, parking brake mechanism is part of rear caliper. When transmission is shifted into Drive or Reverse, parking brake is automatically released by a vacuum diaphragm. Parking brake release valve is on steering column (column shift) or at console (console shift). See Figure and Figure

On all vehicles, BRAKE warning light comes on under the following conditions:

• Parking brake is not fully released.
• Fluid level in master cylinder reservoir is low.
• Ignition switch is in START (bulb check) position. Light should not come on with ignition switch in any other position.
• Hydraulic system pressure loss has occurred (Eldorado, Riviera and Seville).