Bleeding - System
Brake System Bleeding
Special Tool(s)
Anti-Lock Brakes Bleed
NOTE: Bleeding the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) is required only when removing or installing the HCU or master cylinder, or opening the lines to the HCU.
1. NOTE: Carrying out the System Bleed function drives trapped air from the HCU. Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the brake hydraulic system through the bleeder screws.
NOTE: Adequate voltage to the HCU module is required during the anti-lock control portion of the system bleed.
Connect the diagnostic tool.
2. Access the SYSTEM BLEED FUNCTION. Go to the Tool Tab-Chassis-Braking-ABS Service Bleed and follow the directions on the diagnostic tool.
3. Manually bleed the brake hydraulic system.
4. Repeat the procedure carrying out a total of two diagnostic tool cycles and two manual bleed cycles.
Manual Bleed
Brake system
WARNING: Use of any other than the 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: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. (let medical attention immediately. 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 the 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 a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system alter it has been correctly connected.
1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RH rear wheel, to the LH rear wheel then to the RH front wheel and ending with the LH front wheel.
Rear drum brakes
3. Attach a rubber drain hose to the rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 10 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
5. Loosen the bleeder screw until fluid flow stops. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal and tighten the bleeder screw.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
7. Tighten the wheel cylinder bleeder screw.
8. Continue bleeding the rest of the system.
Front disc brakes
9. Attach a rubber drain hose to the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
10. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 10 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
11. Loosen the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw until fluid flow stops. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal and tighten the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
12. Repeat Steps 10 and 11 until clear, bubble-free fluid flows.
13. Tighten the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
14. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir and install the reservoir cap.
^ Use High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3.
Gravity Bleed
Brake system
1. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3.
2. Begin bleeding the system, going in order from the RH rear wheel, to the LH rear wheel, then to the RH front wheel and ending with the LH front wheel.
Rear drum brakes
3. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Loosen the rear wheel cylinder bleeder screw and leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows.
4. Tighten the wheel cylinder bleeder screw.
Front disc brakes
5. CAUTION: Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir often. Do not let it run dry.
Open the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Leave open until clear bubble-free brake fluid flows.
6. Tighten the front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
7. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with fluid and install the reservoir cap.
^ Use High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3.
Brake System Pressure Bleeding
Special Tool(s)
WARNING: Use of any other than the 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: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. 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 the 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 replacement, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.
1. Clean the outside of the brake master cylinder reservoir.
2. Remove the reservoir cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid.
^ Use High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3.
3. 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 Brake Bleeder to the brake master cylinder reservoir, and attach the Brake Bleeder tank hose to the fitting on the adapter.
4. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
5. Open the valve on the Brake Bleeder tank.
6. Loosen the bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then close the bleeder screw and remove the rubber hose.
7. Tighten the wheel cylinder bleeder screw.
8. Continue bleeding the rest of the system, going in order from the LH rear wheel to the RH front wheel, ending with the LH front wheel.
9. Close the Brake Bleeder tank valve and remove the tank hose from the adapter, and remove the adapter.
10. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir and install the reservoir cap.
^ Use High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A, DOT 3