F-250 Light Duty (1999 year). Manual — part 28

BRAKES

Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to the scheduled
maintenance guide for scheduled maintenance.

Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a
performance concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal
operation, automotive brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent
squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a “metal-to-metal,” “continuous grinding” or
“continuous squeal” sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.

Rear anti-lock brake system (RABS) (if equipped)

Rear Anti-lock Brake System (RABS) is designed to help you maintain
directional stability in emergency stopping situations. With RABS, the
rear brakes are kept from locking during panic stops; however, the front
wheels can lock because they are not controlled by RABS.

A clicking noise and slight pedal pulsation during RABS braking events
indicates the RABS is functioning. Pedal pulsation coupled with clicking
noise while braking under panic conditions on loose gravel, wet or snowy
roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s RABS. If
the vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel
while braking, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service
technician.

The RABS operates by detecting the onset of rear wheel lockup during
brake applications and compensating for this tendency.

RABS warning lamp

The

ABS

warning lamp in the instrument cluster illuminates if a RABS

fault is detected. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible.

Normal braking is still effective
unless the BRAKE warning lamp is
also illuminated.

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Using RABS
• In an emergency, applying full pressure may cause the front wheels to

lock. If the front brakes lock, the vehicle cannot be steered. You
should apply the brakes with steadily increasing force, as if
“squeezing” the brakes. If you feel the front wheels begin to lock,
momentarily release the pedal and repeat the “squeeze” technique.

• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with how the RABS

performs. However, avoid unnecessary risks.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)

On vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system. The ABS performs a self-check at 17 km/h (10
mph) after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If a
malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensating for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during
hard braking with loss of front braking traction.

ABS warning lamp

The

ABS

warning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates

when the ignition is turned on and the engine is off. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.

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113

With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately).

Using ABS
• In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is

required, apply continuous full force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

• The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time necessary to apply

the brakes or always reduce stopping distance. Always leave enough
room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to stop.

• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking

technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.

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114

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Pull the release lever to release the
brake. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to
wear out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.

STEERING YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to help steer the vehicle.

Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
position for more than a few seconds when the engine is running. This
action could damage the power steering pump.

If the amount of effort needed to steer your vehicle changes at a
constant vehicle speed, have the power steering system checked. If the
power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

After any severe impact such as striking large potholes, sliding into curbs
on icy roads or a collision involving the front end, have the front
suspension and steering checked for possible damage.

TRACTION-LOK AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)

This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok axle functions like a standard rear axle.

BRAKE RELEASE

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115