Hydraulic System: Description and Operation

Hydraulic Brake Actuation

CAUTION: Blistering or swelling of rubber brake components can indicate contamination of the brake fluid by a petroleum based substance. Contaminated rubber components in the hydraulic brake system must be replaced and the entire hydraulic brake system must be flushed with clean brake fluid to prevent recontamination.

This vehicle is equipped with an adjustable brake pedal actuated dual brake system.

The brake pedal is connected to the power brake booster by the brake master cylinder push rod.

When the brake pedal is depressed, brake fluid is pushed from the master cylinder through the metal tubing and flexible hoses to the rear disc brake calipers and the front disc brake calipers. The brake fluid enters the disc brake calipers, forcing the rear disc brake caliper pistons outward against the brake pads. The brake pads press against the braking surface on the brake discs.

Adjustable Brake Pedal
The vehicle has an adjustable brake pedal to increase driver comfort. The brake pedal position is changed in phase with the accelerator pedal. The system is adjusted by pressing the dash mounted switch that powers the drive motor mounted on the accelerator pedal assembly. The two-way motor operates backward (away from the driver) or forward (toward the driver) to adjust the accelerator pedal directly and the brake pedal through the drive cable attached to the brake pedal assembly.

The dual brake system is split front and rear with the front wheel brakes comprising of one circuit and the rear wheel brakes, the other circuit.

Brake Fluid

WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted or plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

Use clean, fresh Ford High Performance DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C2SA. If DOT 3 is not available, use DOT 4 brake fluid meeting Ford specification SAE-J-1 704-DOT 4.
^ Do not reuse brake fluid drained or bled from the system.
^ Do not use brake fluid that has been stored in an open container.
^ Do not use contaminated brake fluid.