How to Adjust Brake Pedal Height in a Ford Mustang

by Editorial Team

If you've taken your Mustang back to the shop numerous times because the brakes feel soft, and your mechanic still can't find anything wrong, try adjusting the brake pedal height. It might resolve the issue, and it doesn't cost you anything but a few minutes.

Step 1

Put the throw or rug on the front floor of the front seat. Set up the light on the passenger's side so it shines up under the dash.

Step 2

Stop the engine before you test the free play in the pedal. Pump the brake twice to remove any vacuum. Press down lightly on the pedal with two fingers. You'll feel it stop abruptly; that's the master cylinder stopping the free play.

Step 3

Measure the distance from the top of the brake pedal to the floor with a ruler. Take a second measurement after you depress the pedal. Find the difference between the two numbers and you've found the amount of freeplay in your pedal. About 1/8 inch is average. If your pedal feels mushy, the difference probably is greater.

Step 4

Look at the back of the brake pedal until you see the point where it attaches to a push rod, which is the brake booster adjustment rod. Make a small dot with the liquid correction fluid on the bottom of the rod. This gives you a point of reference in case the rod turns when you loosen the nut.

Step 5

Loosen the nut at the top of the rod. Rotate the rod. Use the dot to realign the rod back to its original reference point if it moves.

Step 6

Turn the rod. When you turn it to the left, it tightens for less free play. Turning to the right does the opposite. You may need to use pliers to turn the rod.

Step 7

Tighten the nut to secure the rod again. Test the pedal with finger pressure to ensure you don't have to adjust the pedal height even more. If it feels within range, test drive the car.

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