Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Brakes and Traction Control » Hydraulic System » Description and Operation  
 
 
  Description and Operation  
 

The hydraulic brake system is diagonally split with the LH front and RH rear brakes on one circuit and the RH front and LH rear brakes on the other circuit.

Three different brake systems are available:

  • Disc/Drum with ABS.
  • Disc/Disc without ABS (Mexico Only).
  • Disc/Drum without ABS.

Disc/Drum Actuation
The brake pedal is connected to the brake master cylinder. When the brake pedal is depressed, brake fluid is pushed through the double-walled steel lines and flexible hoses to the rear wheel cylinders and the rear disc brake caliper. The brake fluid enters the rear wheel cylinder, forcing the rear wheel cylinder pistons outward against the brake shoe and lining. The brake shoe and lining press against the braking surface of the brake drum. The front disc brake caliper pistons are forced outward against the brake shoe and lining, and contact the braking surface of the front disc brake rotor. When the brake pedal is released, the pressure is relieved, returning the front disc brake caliper pistons and rear wheel cylinder pistons and the brake shoe and lining to the unapplied position.

Disc/Disc Actuation
The function of the four wheel disc brake hydraulic system is similar to the disc/drum system, but it uses a caliper/rotor design at the rear wheels instead of the wheel cylinder/drum design.