Brake System Bleeding
Brake System BleedingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Manual
WARNING: Use of any other than 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: 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.
NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the rear integral parking brake calipers, it is necessary to press and release the parking brake during the bleed procedure.
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, then the anti-lock HCU bleed procedure, followed by another Brake System Bleed procedure.
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. 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.
2. Remove the rear bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
3. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. 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.
^ Press and release the parking brake 5 times.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
^ Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
5. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and install the bleeder cap.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
7. Remove the rear bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube 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.
8. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
9. 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.
10. Tighten the RH front brake caliper bleeder screw and install the bleeder cap.
^ Tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
11. Repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the LH front brake caliper bleeder screw.
Pressure
WARNING: Use of any other than 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: 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 master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the clean, specified motor vehicle brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the rear integral parking brake calipers, it is necessary to press and release the parking brake during the bleed procedure.
1. 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, then the anti-lock HCU bleed procedure, followed by another Brake System Bleed Procedure.
Clean all the dirt from the area and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
2. NOTE: Master cylinder pressure bleeder adapter tools are available from various manufacturers of pressure bleeding equipment. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the adapter.
Install the bleeder adapter to the brake master cylinder reservoir and attach the bleeder tank hose to the fitting on the adapter.
3. NOTE: Bleed the longest line first. Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.
Place a box-end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube 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. Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
5. Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and remove the rubber hose.
^ Press and release the parking brake 5 times.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
6. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and install the bleeder cap.
^ To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
8. Continue bleeding the front of the system, going in order from the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw, ending with the LH front brake caliper bleeder screw.
9. Close the bleeder tank valve. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit Bleeding
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, including the hydraulic control unit (HCU) after it has been correctly connected.
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 Pressure Bleeding procedure using the scan tool.
NOTE: This procedure is only required when a new hydraulic control unit is installed.
1. Connect the scan tool and follow the ABS system bleed instructions.
2. Follow the pressure bleeding or manual bleeding procedure steps to bleed the system.