The braking system on the car is of the four wheel internal expanding type and is hydraulically operated on both front and rear with two leading shoe brakes on the front wheels.The hand brake operates on the rear wheels only through the medium of a separate cable linkage. The foot brake pedal operates the brakes on all four wheels.
Adjusting the Front Brakes
Before making a brake adjustment, ensure that all four tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.In order to test the brakes, select a good stretch of road surface, preferably dry and uncambered. If the braking action is unequal, or the pedal movement is excessive, the brakes should be adjusted. Your Authorised Ford Dealer can make this adjustment quickly, correctly and economically. If such service is not readily available, the brakes may be adjusted for lining wear as follows (it is advisable to test the front wheel bearings and adjust if necessary)
Check that the hand brake is in the fully released position and that the brake drums are cold. There are two square headed adjusters on each front brake plate to enable each shoe to be adjusted individually.
Jack up the front wheels, turn the adjuster of one shoe clockwise (using hand pressure) until the drum is locked, then slacken back to obtain minimum running clearance.
Repeat this procedure on the second adjuster, also on the other front brake.
Adjusting the Rear Brakes
On each rear brake, a threaded square headed adjuster is fitted diametrically opposite the expander unit.Do not disturb the plain square headed adjuster positioned on the backplate, your Authorised Ford Dealer should make this adjustment when it becomes necessary.
Jack up the rear wheels, turn the threaded adjuster clockwise until the drum is locked, then slacken back to obtain minimum running clearance. Similarly adjust the other rear brake.
Do not jeopardise your safety by makeshift replacements or adjustments.
It is also of extreme importance that the linings are kept free from grease and oil. The use of correct front wheel bearing lubricant and care not to overfill the rear axle, as well as replacing grease retainers when leakage is indicated, will prove particularly valuable in maintaining braking efficiency.
Check the Brake Fluid Reservoir Levels
(The brake and clutch fluid reservoirs are located in the engine compartment on the driver’s side of the car and are integral with their master cylinders. When checking or replenishing the system wipe the sides of the reservoirs and caps with a clean dry cloth to prevent any dirt entering the system. Do not use a cloth that is greasy or has been soaked in petrol or paraffin etc.Remove each cap by unscrewing it and top up if necessary to the level indicated on the reservoir casing (approximately 5/8 in (16mm) from the rim). Use only the correct brake fluid, obtainable from your Authorised Ford Dealer.
Warning – MINERAL OILS MUST NOT BE USED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR TOPPING UP THE RESERVOIRS.
Insufficient fluid in the reservoir can result in air entering the brake operating system and making the brakes feel “spongy”. If this condition is suspected, it will be necessary to bleed the air from the hydraulic system. This operation, if required at any time, should be carried out by an Authorised Ford Dealer.
Information taken from Various Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect Instruction Books and Handbooks.
Warning – The Health and Safety bit
Please note your health may be at risk if you do not take sensible safety precautions. Never work under an unsupported vehicle, do not take shortcuts. If you feel that the task is beyond your capabilities, then employ the services of a trained professional. The Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club nor the author cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injury arising from advice given on this webpage. Safety advice can be obtained from the RoSPA. The advice and opinions given are purely those of the author and not necessarily those of the Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club.