Brake System Bleeding
Brake System BleedingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Manual
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: 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.
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 motor vehicle brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
CAUTION: After a hydraulic control unit replacement (ABS or IVD unit), conduct the Brake System Pressure Bleeding procedure before the scan tool based bleed procedure. A scan tool based bleed procedure is then required to completely bleed the system. Follow the instructions from the scan tool to make sure of a correct bleed.
NOTE: If the hydraulic control unit (HCU), or any component upstream of the HCU are installed new, carry out the Brake System Pressure Bleeding procedure first without the scan tool, followed by the Brake System Bleed procedure using the scan tool. The Component Bleeding - Rear Brake Caliper procedure is not required as the rear calipers were not replaced.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or installation of new components, air can get into 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. Bleeding the system with pressure bleeding equipment is the preferred method.
1. Connect the scan tool cable adapter into the vehicle data link connector (DLC) under the dash and follow the scan tool instructions.
2. Clean all the dirt from the area, remove the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
3. Remove the rear bleeder cap and place a box end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. 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.
6. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and reinstall the bleeder cap.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs).
7. Repeat Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
8. Remove the rear bleeder cap and place a box end wrench on the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw, and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
9. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
10. Loosen the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
11. Tighten the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw and reinstall the bleeder cap.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs).
12. Repeat Steps 8, 9, 10 and 11 for the LH front brake caliper bleeder screw.