not sure if its your issue but found this
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
TSB #00S03
NHTSA ID #618580
Date Announced: SEPTEMBER 01 2000
Summary: SAFETY RECALL PERTAINING TO BRAKE PRESSURE CONTROL REDUCING VALVE REPLACEMENT. *JB
Auto Recall Date: 03/09/2000
Vehicle Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 436200
1999 FORD CONTOUR Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
Defect Consequence:
IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, 00S03
http://www.autobuyguide.com/1999/12-aut/ford/contour/recalls/index.html
hope that helps