Bosch Tapped To Supply Ford F-150 Brake System

Robert Bosch Corporation is now supplying the complete brake system on Ford Motor Company’s new 2004 F- 150 pick-up trucks, including an ABS-related Integrated Acceleration Sensor.
“Bosch is proud to be part of the F-150’s successful past and the excitement that surrounds the introduction of the 2004 model,” said Hans Weckerle, president, Robert Bosch Corporation’s Chassis Division. “The growth of Bosch content on this legendary vehicle over the years and the significant role entrusted to us on the newest release of this best-selling vehicle are testament to Ford’s confidence in our technical capabilities and brake system expertise.”
The brake system on the 2004 Ford F-150 includes as standard equipment Bosch’s antilock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
The EBD feature controls the rear-wheel brake pressure before ABS is activated to provide optimal braking force and vehicle stability, automatically adjusting for the vehicle load. With Ford’s new F-150 4×4 models, Bosch is also making its global introduction of an integrated acceleration sensor (IAS) as part of the ABS unit. The IAS, mounted on the ABS hybrid electronic control unit board for packaging and cost benefits, is a sensor that measures vehicle deceleration rate.
This provides improved ABS performance during braking on low- coefficient surfaces in 4×4 mode. Bosch also performed extensive 4×4 ABS vehicle development on the 2004 Ford F-150 at off-road venues across the U.S. to enhance braking performance under off-road conditions such as gravel, deep sand and deep snow. The 2004 Ford F-150 ABS system is off-road ready in keeping with Ford’s “Tough Truck” image.
In addition, the 2004 Ford F-150 marks the debut of Bosch’s new higher response vacuum booster in a long-stroke tandem booster approach. The long- stroke concept, which allows the use of a smaller tandem booster, provides cost and weight savings.
This new booster also incorporates a high-response valve, which adds performance advantages. The brake system on the new Ford F-150 also features Bosch’s master cylinder, front and rear disc brake calipers; front hub, rotor and bearing assemblies; rear rotors, drum-in-hat parking brake and wheel speed sensors.