I bought a low-mileage 93 Ford Tempo GL which (surprise surprise) didn't pass safety. The rear brakes aren't functioning properly and the mechanic told me I need new brakes, new bearings, and possibly new lines. I pulled the RR drum off and found the cylinder didn't extend when I pulled the lever. I've lubed everything that was ceased including the piston, and it all moves freely, yet the cylinder does not extend. My question is how do I add brake fluid to the rear brakes to eliminate that issue? Does the fluid come from the main brake reservoir, or is there another way to load the lines?
Cars & Trucks
Answers & Comments
Indeed the brake fluid for the rear comes from the main reservoir. However, many cars (the tempo included I'm sure) actuate the rear brake by a mechanical linkage to the E-brake lever. So, simply put when you pull the lever the cylinder will never extend. You have to push the brake pedal for that.
When it comes to your safety test, I think you could get by just by taking up the slack in the E-brake cable. This should be accessible by taking apart the center console right behind the E-brake lever.