Checking the brake pedal position (Mondeo 4)

The correct position of the brake pedal in a free state and when pressing it to the stop (pedal working travel) serves as one of the criteria for checking the serviceability of the brake system. At the same time, the position of the pedal largely ensures the proper operation of the system. If the pedal is located at a distance from the floor that is greater than the standard, incomplete release of the wheels is possible when releasing the pedal (usually there is no free pedal travel). If the pedal is too low, the effectiveness of the brakes may decrease due to a decrease in the pedal working travel. Adjustment of the pedal position is not provided; it is provided structurally if all brake drive parts are in good condition. In case of deviation from the nominal position, check the condition of all drive parts and assemblies and replace faulty ones.

You will need a ruler.



1. Start the engine, let it idle and press the brake pedal vigorously several times.

2. Pull the brake pedal up with your hand until it stops.

3. Release the pedal and measure the distance from the pedal pad to the floor.

NOTE: The ruler must be installed perpendicular to the floor plane.

4. Press the brake pedal firmly until it stops.

5. Release the pedal and re-measure the distance from the pedal pad to the floor in a free state. The pedal should return to its original position at the distance measured in step 3 from the pedal pad to the floor.

6. Check the free travel of the brake pedal by moving the pedal by hand until the pedal stops moving without resistance. Determine the free travel value using a ruler; it should be 1–3 mm. If the free travel does not correspond to the specified range of values, this may be due to the following reasons: – increased play in the connection between the vacuum booster pusher fork and the pedal. This may be due to wear on the fork pin; - pistons seizing in the main brake cylinder; – jamming of the plunger in the brake booster.

7. If the distance from the pedal pad to the floor during repeated measurement (item 5) is less than the value measured in item 2, this indicates that the pedal is stuck on the axle, that the pistons in the working and master cylinders are jammed, or that the compensation holes in the master brake cylinder are clogged.

NOTE: The expansion holes in the master cylinder may be blocked by seals that have swollen due to petroleum products entering the system, or due to the use of low-quality brake fluid.

8. If the pedal stops almost at the floor when pressed, this indicates that there is air in the brake hydraulic system or that the brake pads, brake discs or drums are worn to the limit. If there is air in the system, the pedal will stop further from the floor when pressed several times ("pumps up").

WARNING: If the pedal gradually moves toward the floor after being pressed all the way and held in this position, there is a hydraulic fluid leak or the master brake cylinder is faulty. These faults are very dangerous, so immediately find the leak and fix it or replace the master brake cylinder!

[The text is available on the specified website info portal: FORDBOOK.RU]