The braking system is of the dual circuit hydraulic type with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. A diagonally split dual circuit hydraulic system is employed in which each circuit operates one front and one diagonally opposite rear brake from a tandem master cylinder. Under normal conditions both circuits operate in unison; however, in the event of hydraulic failure in one circuit, full braking force will still be available at two wheels. A pressure regulating valve on Saloon and Estate models, and a light laden valve on Van models is incorporated in the rear brake hydraulic circuit. The valve regulates the pressure applied to each rear brake and reduces the possibility of the rear wheels locking under heavy braking.

The front brakes utilise solid or ventilated discs according to model and are operated by single piston sliding type calipers. At the rear, leading and trailing shoes are operated by twin piston wheel cylinders and are selfadjusting by footbrake application. A cableoperated handbrake provides an independent mechanical means of rear brake operation.

From 1986 onwards an anti-lock braking system is available as standard or optional equipment according to model. Further information on this system will be found in later Sections of this Chapter.

Note: When servicing any part of the system, work carefully and methodically; also observe scrupulous cleanliness when overhauling any part of the hydraulic system. Always renew components (in axle sets, where applicable) if in doubt about their condition, and use only genuine Ford replacement parts, or at least those of known good quality. Note the warnings given in “Safety first” and at the relevant points in this Chapter concerning the dangers of asbestos dust and hydraulic fluid.