Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Master Cylinder




Component Bleeding










Master Cylinder

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious 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 serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not allow the brake master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Master cylinder may be damaged if operated without fluid, resulting in degraded braking performance. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.

NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system is 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 is correctly connected.

NOTE: When a new brake master cylinder has been installed, or the system is emptied or partially emptied, it should be primed to prevent air from entering the system.

1. Disconnect the brake tubes from the master cylinder.





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





3. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.

4. NOTE: On hybrid vehicles, the brake booster push rod has an elongated slot that attaches to the brake pedal with a clevis pin. The elongated slot allows for a small amount of pedal travel (free play) to occur without the brake pedal applying pressure on the booster push rod. When performing a bleed procedure, it is important to push the pedal through the air gap, so that the clevis pin is contacting the brake booster push rod. Except when required by the scan tool, the ignition key must remain off during the bleed procedure to allow minimal force required to push through the gap.

Have an assistant slowly pump the brake pedal until clear fluid flows from the brake tubes, without air bubbles.

5. Remove the short brake tubes and install the master cylinder brake tubes.
- Tighten to specifications, refer to Specifications.

6. Bleed the brake system, refer to Brake System Bleeding Brake System Bleeding.