The rear brakes are equipped with pressure relief valves to prevent locking during hard braking. These valves are sometimes called pressure limiting valves. On models without ABS, they are installed in the master cylinder - in the holes for the rear brakes. On models with ABS, they are installed on the ABS unit.
On models equipped with rear disc brakes, the rear brake caliper is located on the rear axle support, at the front (Sedan and Hatchback models) or on the rear axle support, at the rear (Wagon models).
The handbrake has a cable drive to the rear brakes. On models with rear drum brakes, the cables act on the levers of the slave brake shoe drive, and on models with rear disc brakes, they act on the levers located on the calipers. The handbrake lever contains an automatic regulator that selects the slack of the cable when the lever is released. Adjustment of the handbrake is not possible.
The anti-lock braking system (if equipped) is a four-channel, low-pressure system. It operates on the basis of the conventional braking system and an ABS hydraulic modulator connected to the master cylinder and brake lines. The hydraulic modulator contains a hydraulic actuator unit, an ABS pressure pump, an ABS module with an integrated relay box and two pressure limiting valves. An electromagnetic valve of the hydraulic actuator unit is installed in the line of each brake. If the system detects that one of the wheels is close to locking when the vehicle speed exceeds 5 km / h, the valve opens, releasing pressure from the corresponding brake line until the wheel begins to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the vehicle. This process can occur with a frequency of several cycles per second. A malfunction of the ABS does not affect the conventional braking system. ABS diagnostics require special equipment and therefore should not be performed by dealers. Diagnostic connectors are installed on the support of the left front suspension strut on the side.
Traction control is an optional extra on some models. It operates using the ABS system and an additional pump and valves installed in the hydraulic actuator. If the system detects that the rotation speed of one of the wheels is increasing (at vehicle speeds below 50 km/h), one of the valves opens to pump pressure from the pump to the corresponding brake until the wheel slows down to a speed corresponding to the vehicle speed. As a result, torque is transmitted to the wheel at maximum traction. At the same time, the throttle valve is slightly closed to reduce the torque generated by the engine. At speeds above 50 km/h, the system operates only by changing the position of the throttle valve.
Note: When servicing the system, be careful to maintain cleanliness, especially when repairing hydraulic system components. Always replace components in pairs on each axle. Use only Ford parts.