General information about the brake system

The braking system consists of a master cylinder, a brake booster and disc brakes on the front and rear wheels. The hydraulic brake system has 2 circuits. One brake circuit actuates the front axle disc brakes and the other the rear axle disc brakes. As a result, despite the failure of one brake circuit, for example due to leaks, the vehicle can be stopped by braking the wheels of one axle. The pressure in both brake circuits is generated by the dual brake master cylinder when the brake pedal is actuated.

Above the master brake cylinder in the engine compartment is a compensation tank with brake fluid, which must fill all the brake circuits.

The brake booster in vehicles with gasoline engines is driven by air vacuum. Thanks to the presence of a corresponding valve, the braking force generated by the brake pedal is increased if necessary with the help of a vacuum. Since the vacuum in the intake manifold of diesel engines is insufficient, these engines have a vacuum pump that creates a vacuum for the brake booster. The vacuum pump is flanged on the back of the generator and is driven from the generator shaft. Disc brakes on the front and rear axles are equipped with a floating caliper brake. In such a mechanism, only one piston is required to press the brake linings against the brake discs. The handbrake through the cable rods acts on the brake mechanisms of the rear wheels. Basic adjustment is required only after a repair, in which the brake system was disassembled.

Safety note: Brake dust is released when cleaning the brakes, which can cause health hazards. Therefore, when cleaning the brake system, care must be taken to ensure that this dust is not inhaled.

Brake pads are covered by a work permit - ABE (Allgemeinen Betriebseriaubnis), in addition, they are designed by the factory for the corresponding car model. Therefore, it is recommended to use only brake pads approved by FORD.

Safety note: Working on the brake system requires extreme cleanliness and precise working methods. In the event that the necessary work experience is not available, then work on the brakes should be carried out at a service station.

Note: On roads that are very wet from rain, it is necessary to brake from time to time during the journey in order to free the brake discs from deposits. Due to centrifugal forces, water is discharged from the brake discs, but a thin silicone film, rubber wear products, grease and other contaminants remain, which reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

After installing new brake pads, they must be run in. On a section of the track about 200 km long, useless sudden braking to a complete stop should not be repeated.

Rusted brake discs emit a squeal when braking, which may not be eliminated even with prolonged braking. In this case, the brake discs must be replaced.

Burnt dirt and rain cavities on the brake pads lead to the formation of marks on the brake discs. As a result of this, a decrease in the braking effect may occur.