Brake System Bleeding
Brake System BleedingSpecial Tool(s)
Material
Pressure
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.
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: Pressure bleeding the brake system at 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi) is preferred to manual 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 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 bleed procedure first without the scan tool, followed by the brake system bleed procedure using the scan tool.
NOTE: Pressure bleed the brake system at 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi).
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 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 around the brake fluid reservoir cap and remove the 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.
Remove the RH rear bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the 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.
^ Press and release the parking brake 5 times.
^ Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
6. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw to 10 Nm (89 lb-in), remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the LH rear brake caliper.
8. Continue bleeding the front of the system, going in order from the RH front brake caliper and then to the LH front brake caliper.
^ Tighten the front brake caliper bleeder screws to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
9. Close the bleeder tank valve. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter.
Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid and install the reservoir cap.