Brake System Bleeding: 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:
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:
This procedure must be carried out if a new anti-lock brake system (ABS) hydraulic control unit (HCU) has been installed.
NOTE:
When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or installation of a new component, air may 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.
NOTE:
Carrying out the chassis brake bleeding procedure drives trapped air from the otherwise inaccessible lower section of the HCU valves into the upper sections (accessible by bleeding the brakes). Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the system.
NOTE:
Add clean, specified brake fluid as necessary throughout the procedure.
- Clean all dirt from the master cylinder filler cap, then remove the cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
- Install the master cylinder filler cap.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an ABS, connect the vehicle communication module (VCM) and scan tool into the vehicle data link connector (DLC) under the dash and carry out the chassis brake bleeding procedure.
- Place a box-end wrench on the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber hose to the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
- Loosen the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. Have an assistant maintain pressure on the brake pedal while tightening the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
- Tighten the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
- Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
- Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear disc brake caliper.
- Place a box-end wrench on the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber hose to the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
- Loosen the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. Have an assistant maintain pressure on the brake pedal while tightening the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
- Tighten the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
- Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
- Repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the LH front disc brake caliper.