Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Brake System BleedingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Anti-Lock Brakes Bleed
WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 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 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: Bleeding the hydraulic control unit (HCU) is required only when removing or installing the HCU, master cylinder or opening the tubes to the HCU.
1. NOTE: Carrying out the System Bleed function drives trapped air from the HCU. Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the brake hydraulic system through the bleeder screws.
NOTE: Adequate voltage to the HCU module is required during the anti-lock control portion of the system bleed.
Connect the scan tool.
2. Access the system bleed function and follow the directions on the scan tool.
3. Manually bleed the brake hydraulic system.
4. Repeat the procedure carrying out a total of 2 scan tool cycles and 2 manual bleed cycles.
Manual Bleed
WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 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 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 or a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.
1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RH rear wheel, to the LH rear wheel, to the RH front wheel and ending with the LH front wheel.
3. Attach a rubber drain hose to the rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 10 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Loosen the bleeder screw until the fluid flow stops. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal and tighten the bleeder screw.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
7. Tighten the bleeder screw to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
8. Continue bleeding the brake hydraulic system at each wheel.
9. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
Gravity Bleed
WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 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 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 or a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.
1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RR wheel, to the LR wheel, to the RF wheel and ending with the LF wheel.
3. Attach a rubber drain hose to the rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
4. Loosen the bleeder screw and leave it open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
5. Tighten the bleeder screw to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
6. Continue bleeding the brake hydraulic system at each wheel.
7. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.