1998 Ford Windstar Logo
Posted on May 19, 2011
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My break pedal I have to pump twice to stop, I checked the pad and shoes, they are in good condition. what I don't know is how to set the E break?.

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Randy Ohler

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  • Ford Master 14,585 Answers
  • Posted on May 20, 2011
Randy Ohler
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You don't want to adjust the E brake unless you just replaced a cable. There is a slack adjuster in the rear brakes that doesn't usually work. You will have to adjust it yourself. It is about 3" long and has a gear on it. there is an arm that is mounted on the shoe that is suposed to turn it when you hit the brakes in reverse. again they don't always work. ( this is common in all makes and models). Anyway, If there is a lip on the brake drum, it will have to be ground off or replace the drum. Adjust the slack adjuster out untill the drum fits on bearly, not rubbing. Spray some lube on the adjuster and all moving parts, not to much though, you don't want to lube up the brake shoes. Calipers are self adjusting and work great. Now Check the brake pedal. If you have to pump it up then there could be air in the lines. Bleed out the lines starting with the furthest away and work your way to the closest. This will take about 3 or 4 times of opening the vavle to purge the air. Once you get to where you thnk the air is out. press down on the pedal, it should go down about an inch and hold. (Some times a couple of inches) As you hold the pedal down keep pressure on it , if it continues to go down slowly, then you have a small leak or a bad master cylinder. check for leaks. If there are no leaks and the master is bad, replace it (not hard) And start all over. If you need to know how to bleed the system . Let me know . Randy

Ben Darden

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  • Master 984 Answers
  • Posted on May 20, 2011
Ben Darden
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Hi,
You problem should not be taken lightly. It sounds as though you either have air in the brake line or you are leaking brake fluid.
Suggestion:With the running at idle and the shift lever in neutral, depress the brake pedal and hold a constant foot pressure on the pedal. If the pedaol gradually falls away with the constrant pressure, the system may be leaking. Check the following visually to confirm a suspected leak,

  • Master Cylinder Fluid levels. While a slight drop in the level occurs with normal lining wear, an abnormally low level may mean a leak in the system. The system may be leaking internally or externally. A leaking master cylinder must be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Brake Hose and Pipe Inspection. If leakage is found, verify the tightness of the fittings and possibly have the leaking line replaced.
Click on this link for some additional troubleshooting possibilities. Troubleshooting Guide
Good luck and all the best
ben

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Clifford Beard

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  • Ford Master 1,975 Answers
  • Posted on May 20, 2011
Clifford Beard
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When you say "E" I am guessing you mean an emergency brake. The parking brake can be used for that reason but not designed to do this but only in an emergency. below I gave you the instructions on how your parking brake works. I hope this helps and is what you're looking for and by the way it sounds as if you need to replace your master cylinder. Good luck.


My break pedal I have - clifford224_469.gif

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Teamwork and communication. Both of my wives were able to assist me in bleeding brakes.

You will have to add fluid and repeat this process until you have a firm pedal.

One man bleeder valves work if used properly, but who tells you what is happening at the other end while you're pressing the pedal?

Good luck.
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