How to Replace Emergency Brakes in a Ford Focus

The emergency brakes on your vehicle were originally used to stop it when the regular brakes failed. However, the brakes on a Ford Focus now rarely fail, and the emergency brakes are more often used to keep the vehicle from moving while parked. The most common source of failure for emergency brakes occurs when they aren't used for a period of time, causing the brake cable to rust and seize.

Instructions

1

Determine which type of emergency brakes your Ford Focus will need. Emergency brakes typically function by activating the regular braking system on the driving wheels. The emergency brakes for the Ford Focus use the rear wheels, which may have disc or drum brakes.

2

Release the parking brake and remove the wheel and tire with a socket wrench. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the brake caliper and the parking brake lever with a socket wrench.

3

Detach the conduit retaining clip and remove the brake caliper and anchor plate from the wheel knuckle with a socket wrench. Support the brake caliper properly with mechanic's wire and remove the disc.

4

Disconnect the brake drum, bearing and spindle assembly with a socket wrench, if present.

5

Install the new brake disc or drum by reversing the removal procedure. Use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting bolts for the brake caliper and anchor plate to 41 foot pounds if you have brake discs. Torque the mounting bolts to 49 foot pounds if you have a brake drum. Adjust the tension on the parking brake cable, if needed.