SECTION 206-05: Parking Brake and Actuation
2014 Mustang Workshop Manual
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Procedure revision date: 01/07/2013

Parking Brake

 

Principles of Operation

Parking Brake System

The parking brake system is cable-actuated and controlled by an independent hand-operated parking brake control that is not self adjusting, The parking brake system is actuated when the parking brake control is pulled up. When the parking brake control is pulled, tension is applied to the front parking brake cable. This tension pulls on both rear parking brake cables, which are attached to the brake caliper parking brake actuators and apply the brake pads. When the parking brake release button is pressed and the brake control is released, the return springs on the brake calipers and the parking brake control return the system to the released position.

 

Inspection and Verification

NOTE: Prior to carrying out any diagnosis, make sure the red brake warning indicator is functional. Refer to Section 413-01 .

The first indication that something may be wrong in the brake system is a change in the feeling through the parking brake control. The parking brake not holding on an incline or dragging after being released are also indicators of system concerns.

Check the operation of the parking brake system with the vehicle on a hoist and the parking brake control fully released. Check for any damaged cables and install new components as necessary. Carry out the brake system diagnosis.

  1. Verify the customer concern.
  1. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage.


 Visual Inspection Chart

Mechanical
  • Front parking brake cable and conduit
  • Parking brake control
  • Parking brake equalizer
  • Rear brake calipers
  • Rear parking brake cables and conduits

  1. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
  1. If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart .
 

Symptom Chart

 
Symptom Chart
Condition Possible Sources Action
  • The red brake warning indicator is always/never on
  • Brake fluid level switch
  • Parking brake switch
  • Wiring, terminals or connectors
  • Instrument Cluster (IC)
  • Smart Junction Box (SJB)
  • Rear brakes drag
  • Parking brake component(s)
  • INSPECT the parking brake system for corrosion, rust or kinked cables. REPAIR or INSTALL new parking brake components as necessary.
    • Rear brake caliper guide pins
    • INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins. REFER to Brake Caliper Guide Pins in Section 206-00 .
      • Brake caliper
      • INSPECT the brake caliper guide pins. REFER to Brake Caliper in Section 206-00 .
        • Brake booster
          • Brake master cylinder
          • CARRY OUT the Brake Master Cylinder Component Test. REFER to Section 206-00 .
          • The parking brake will not apply
          • Parking brake control
          • Parking brake cables
          • Parking brake rear wheel components
          • The parking brake will not release
          • Parking brake cables
          • Parking brake control
          • Parking brake rear wheel components
           

          Pinpoint Tests

           

          Pinpoint Test A: The Parking Brake Will Not Apply

          Normal Operation

          The parking brake system is cable actuated and controlled by an independent hand-operated parking brake control that is not self adjusting. The parking brake system is actuated when the parking brake control is pulled up. When the parking brake control is pulled, tension is applied to the front parking brake cable. This tension pulls on both rear parking brake cables, which are attached to the brake caliper parking brake actuators and apply the brake pads.

           
          PINPOINT TEST A: THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT APPLY
          Test Step Result / Action to Take
            A1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL  
          • Apply the parking brake control.
          • Does the parking brake control move?
          		Yes
          GO to A2 .

          No
          GO to A3 .
            A2 CHECK FOR BROKEN CABLES  
          • NOTE: Have an assistant apply and release the parking brake control to help isolate disconnected cables or cables that do not move.
          • Inspect the following items for damage and correct connections:
            • Parking brake control
            • Front cable
            • Equalizer
            • LH rear cable
            • RH rear cable
            • Rear brake caliper actuators
          • Is any damage found or are any components disconnected?
          		Yes
          CONNECT the component(s) or INSTALL a new parking brake component(s) as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

          No
          VERIFY that the rear pads are within thickness specifications. REFER to Specifications in Section 206-00 . If the rear pads are OK, INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to Section 206-04 .
            A3 ISOLATE THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL AND FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE  
          • Disconnect the LH and RH rear cables from the equalizer and release the cables from the body bracket.


          • Apply the parking brake control.
          • Does the parking brake control move?
          		Yes
          GO to A4 .

          No
          INSTALL a new parking brake control. REFER to Parking Brake Control in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
            A4 ISOLATE THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES  
          • Disconnect the LH and RH parking brake cables from the subframe brackets and the brake calipers.


          • While holding the cable conduit, attempt to slide the cable inside the conduit.
          • Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
          		Yes
          INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to Section 206-04 .

          No
          INSTALL a new rear brake cable(s). REFER to Parking Brake Cable — Rear in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
           

          Pinpoint Test B: The Parking Brake Will Not Release

          Normal Operation

          When the parking brake release button is pressed and the brake control is released, the return springs on the brake calipers and the parking brake control return the system to the released position.

           
          PINPOINT TEST B: THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT RELEASE
          Test Step Result / Action to Take
            B1 CHECK THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL  
          • Press the release button on the parking brake control and release the handle.
          • Does the parking brake control move?
          		Yes
          GO to B2 .

          No
          INSTALL a new parking brake control. REFER to Parking Brake Control in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
            B2 CHECK THE REAR PARKING BRAKE CABLES  
          • Disconnect the LH and RH rear cables from the equalizer and release the cables from the body bracket.


          • Disconnect the LH and RH parking brake cables from the subframe brackets and the brake calipers.


          • While holding the rear cable conduit, attempt to slide the rear cable inside the conduit.
          • Does the cable slide freely inside the conduit?
          		Yes
          INSTALL new rear brake calipers. REFER to Section 206-04 .

          No
          INSTALL new rear brake cable(s). REFER to Parking Brake Cable — Rear in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.