Brakes Ford F150
1. The vehicles covered by this manual are equipped with hydraulically operated front and rear brake systems. The front brakes are disc type and the rear brakes are disc or drum type. Both the front and rear brakes are self adjusting. The disc brakes automatically compensate for pad wear, while the drum brakes incorporate an adjustment mechanism that is activated as the parking brake is applied.
Hydraulic system
2. The hydraulic system consists of two separate circuits. The master cylinder has separate reservoir chambers for the two circuits, and, in the event of a leak or failure in one hydraulic circuit, the other circuit will remain operative. A dynamic proportioning valve, integral with the ABS hydraulic unit, provides brake balance to each individual wheel.
Power brake booster and vacuum pump
3. The power brake booster, utilizing engine manifold vacuum, and atmospheric pressure to provide assistance to the hydraulically operated brakes, is mounted on the firewall in the engine compartment. An auxiliary vacuum pump, mounted below the power brake booster in the left side of the engine compartment, provides additional vacuum to the booster under certain operating conditions.
Parking brake
4. The parking brake operates the rear brakes only, through cable actuation. It’s activated by a lever mounted in the center console.
Service
5. After completing any operation involving disassembly of any part of the brake system, always test drive the vehicle to check for proper braking performance before resuming normal driving. When testing the brakes, perform the tests on a clean, dry, flat surface. Conditions other than these can lead to inaccurate test results.
6. Test the brakes at various speeds with both light and heavy pedal pressure. The vehicle should stop evenly without pulling to one side or the other. Avoid locking the brakes, because this slides the tires and diminishes braking efficiency and control of the vehicle.
7. Tires, vehicle load and wheel alignment are factors which also affect braking performance.
Precautions
8. There are some general cautions and warnings involving the brake system on this vehicle:
- Use only brake fluid conforming to DOT 3 specifications.
- The brake pads and linings contain fibers that are hazardous to your health if inhaled. Whenever you work on brake system components, clean all parts with brake system cleaner. Do not allow the fine dust to become airborne. Also, wear an approved filtering mask.
- Safety should be paramount whenever any servicing of the brake components is performed. Do not use parts or fasteners that are not in perfect condition, and be sure that all clearances and torque specifications are adhered to. If you are at all unsure about a certain procedure, seek professional advice. Upon completion of any brake system work, test the brakes carefully in a controlled area before putting the vehicle into normal service. If a problem is suspected in the brake system, don’t drive the vehicle until it’s fixed.
- Used brake fluid is considered a hazardous waste and it must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local laws. DO NOT pour it down the sink, into septic tanks or storm drains, or on the ground. Clean up any spilled brake fluid immediately and then wash the area with large amounts of water. This is especially true for any finished or painted surfaces.
Troubleshooting
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) – general information
Disc brake pads – replacement
Disc brake caliper – removal and installation
Brake disc – inspection, removal and installation
Cable-actuated parking brake – component replacement
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) – general information, troubleshooting, deactivation/activation and component replacement
Master cylinder – removal and installation
Brake hoses and lines – inspection and replacement
Brake hydraulic system – bleeding
Power brake booster – check, removal and installation
Adjustable brake pedal and bracket – removal, installation and indexing
Brake light switch – replacement
Brake vacuum pump (2.7L V6 models) – removal and installation