Component Bleeding
Component BleedingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Master Cylinder Priming - In-Vehicle or Bench
WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the brake master cylinder reservoir filled with clean, specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or installation of new components, air can enter the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
NOTE: When the brake master cylinder has been installed new, the system has been emptied, or partially emptied, it should be primed to prevent air from entering the system.
1. For in-vehicle priming, disconnect the brake tubes from the master cylinder.
2. For bench priming, mount the brake master cylinder in a vise.
3. Install short brake tubes with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, or slowly press the primary piston until clear fluid flows from both brake tubes, without air bubbles.
5. If the brake master cylinder has been primed at the bench, install it in the vehicle.
6. Remove the short brake tubes.
7. Install the brake master cylinder tube fittings.
^ Tighten to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs).
^ For traction control and stability assist vehicles, tighten to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs).
8. Bleed each brake tube at the brake master cylinder as follows:
^ Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
^ Loosen the rearmost brake tube fitting until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the brake tube fitting.
^ Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary. Repeat the bleeding operation at the front brake tube.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)
NOTE: This procedure only needs to be carried out if a new anti-lock brake (ABS) hydraulic control unit (HCU) has been installed or if the HCU tubes have been opened.
1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Connect a clear waste hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
3. Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
4. Tighten the rear bleeder screw and disconnect the waste hose.
^ Tighten to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs).
5. Repeat Steps 2, 3 and 4 for the LH rear bleeder screw, the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw and the LH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw, in that order.
6. Connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC) and follow the scan tool instructions.
7. Repeat the system bleed procedure as described in Steps 1 through 5.
Caliper
1. NOTE: It is not necessary to do a complete brake system bleed if only the disc brake caliper was disconnected.
Place a box end wrench on the disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the disc brake caliper bleeder screw, and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
3. Loosen the disc brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
4. Tighten the front and rear bleeder screw.
^ Tighten to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs).