Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Component Bleeding

Component Bleeding

Material:





Master Cylinder

WARNING: Use of any brake fluid other than approved DOT 3 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 a new brake master cylinder has been installed or 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 lines.





2. For bench priming, mount the brake master cylinder in a vise.





3. Install short brake tubes onto the primary and secondary ports with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir.





4. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
5. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, or slowly press the primary piston until clear fluid flows from the brake tubes without air bubbles.
6. If the brake master cylinder has been primed at the bench, install it in the vehicle.
7. Remove the short brake tubes, and install the master cylinder brake tubes.
Tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
8. Bleed each brake tube at the brake master cylinder as follows:
1 Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
2 Loosen the rear-most brake tube fittings until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the brake tube fitting.
3 Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
4 Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary. Repeat the bleeding operation at the front brake tube.