Warning: Always replace the pads on both rear brakes at the same time. Replacing the pads on only one wheel may cause uneven braking. Although Ford brake pads are asbestos-free, dust from other pads may contain asbestos, which is very dangerous to your health. DO NOT blow off dust with compressed air or inhale air containing asbestos. Wear a respirator when working on the brakes. DO NOT use gasoline (or gasoline-based solvents) to clean dust. Use brake fluid or methylated spirits. Do not allow brake fluid or oil to contaminate the pads or brake rotor.
1. Support the front wheels with chocks. Engage first gear (or position "P"). Loosen the rear wheel nuts, lift the rear of the car and place it on supports.
2. Remove the rear wheels. Work on each brake in turn.
3. Disconnect the plug of the brake pad wear indicator connector and release the wiring from the retainer on the caliper. The indicator wiring only fits the inner pad (see Fig. 8.3, a, b).
4. On Station Wagon models only, to turn the caliper back (to remove the pad), the parking brake cable must be disconnected from the caliper (see Fig. 8.4, a, b).
5. Pull out the elastic ring and remove the locking pin securing the caliper to the support bracket. Note that on Sedan and Hatchback models the pin is located at the bottom of the caliper, and on Station Wagon models it is located at the top (see Fig. 8.5, a, b).
6. Turn the caliper away from the support bracket to access the brake pads (see Fig. 8.6,a,b).
7. On Sedan and Hatchback models, remove the brake hose bracket bolts from the rear suspension strut to avoid tension on the hose.
8. On station wagon models, place a jack under the rear suspension strut and squeeze it slightly to avoid tension on the hose.
9. To do this, remove the cover and unscrew the hinge pin. Prop the caliper on a stand or tie it to the side of the installation site with wire.
10. Remove the pads from the support bracket. Sweep away dirt and dust from the pad support and disc. Remove traces of corrosion from the disc.
11. Inspect the rear brake disc.
12. Before installing new pads, insert the caliper piston into its hole completely, pressing the piston and turning it. The brake fluid level in the reserve tank will increase, so if necessary, first pump out some of the fluid with a syringe (see Fig. 8.12).
13. Turn the piston so that one of its recesses is on the protrusion of the inner shoe, and the hole (A) is at the top (see Fig. 8.13).
14. Install new pads, taking into account that the inner pad has a wear indicator wire. Apply a little grease (copper-based) to the bearing surfaces of the pads, but so that the grease does not get on the friction linings (see Fig. 8.14, a, b).
15. Turn the caliper to its working position (see Fig. 8.15) so that the piston recess fits onto the protrusion of the inner shoe and secure the caliper with a locking pin and elastic ring.
16. Install the hose bracket.
17. Connect the wear indicator connector plug.
18. Finally, press the brake pedal to return the pads to their normal position. Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it up if necessary.
19. Perform a test drive to check the brakes and to allow the new pads to become accustomed to the disc. Remember that maximum braking efficiency is not possible until the pads are accustomed.