Replacing the protective cuffs of the caliper and piston of the brake mechanism (Mondeo 3)

If the protective cuffs are defective or poorly installed, dirt and moisture will penetrate into the hydraulic cylinder. Over time, the sliding pistons will then slowly but surely begin to rust. The consequences: high wear of the brake pads and discs, uneven braking action.

ORDER OF EXECUTION

Remove or install brake pads as described above and... ...first check the free movement of the pads in the shafts. If necessary, clean the shafts with a stiff wire brush or a medium-sized slotted screwdriver and blow with compressed air. Make sure not to damage the protective cuffs or loosen their fit. Before reinstalling the brake pads, lubricate all contact surfaces with heat-resistant copper paste. It goes without saying that the calipers should also have free movement. If not, clean and lubricate the sliding surfaces as described above with heat-resistant copper paste.

Checking the brake cylinder piston

ORDER OF EXECUTION

Before checking the pistons for "passability", install a clamp with a wooden block on the caliper as a stop. It will protect the piston from damage - it will no longer be able to slip out of the cylinder. The opposite caliper, of course, must be fully mounted. Ask the assistant to now gently press the brake pedal. If the piston is jammed, the assistant "pumps" the brake pedal until it appears on the outside. Put the mounting lever between the piston and the disk in advance. As soon as the piston appears, send it back into the cylinder using the lever. Repeat this procedure until the piston slides easily in the cylinder. Note: If these steps do not help, it is better to send the caliper to a workshop for repair.

Replacing the protective cuff

ORDER OF EXECUTION

Press the old seal away from the brake caliper and piston with a bent welding wire or a small bent screwdriver. Try not to scratch the surfaces of the piston or cylinder. Check to see if brake fluid is leaking from the cylinder. In this situation, it is better to send the caliper to a workshop for "treatment". Clean the sealing surfaces with denatured alcohol or clean brake fluid. Before installing new seals, preserve the cleaned surfaces with brake cylinder paste (Ate, Bosch, Girliling). Carefully press the new cuff onto the sealing surfaces, make sure the cuffs fit tightly and only then... ...press the piston back into the cylinder until it stops. Install the brake pads as described above. Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank. Before putting the car on its wheels, check the entire brake system for leaks. And only then complete the installation in the reverse order.