Questions and Answers
Thunderbird Needs A Boost
Q. Hi Vincent, I have a 1992 Ford Thunderbird 5.0 LX with an automatic transmission, fuel injection, rack-and-pinion steering, A/C & four-wheel disc brakes w/ ABS. I have 102,000 miles on it. I've been having an "intermittent" power brake problem that is, sometimes (randomly) I lose my power assist/boost.
This seems to happen when I'm stop-and-go driving, and not on the highway. My local repair shop couldn't help (they drove it and couldn't reproduce the problem). They told me to take it to the dealer. They said that since the brake booster system was electronically controlled, only the dealership could diagnose the exact problem. I guess this might have to do with using some type of diagnostic/ "code" reader. I was also told that my type of brake system was only used for a couple of years.
I've heard about other Fords having numerous brake problems. I don't know if that same brake system was used in the other cars (which may have been recalled). I'm sure that other people must have had a similar problem. Please help, I really appreciate it.
Thanks,
PeteA. If you are losing power assist then the problem is either the brake booster, the inline check valve of the vacuum supply to the booster. Since this is an intermittent problem, it will be difficult to check.
What you can do is replace the check valve since it is relatively inexpensive and make sure the vacuum lines are good and without cracks. If the problem persists, then the brake booster itself is a prime candidate for replacement.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
