Brake System Bleeding

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: The HCU bleeding procedure is only necessary if the HCU has been replaced. The brake system pressure bleed procedure must be repeated after the HCU bleeding procedure is completed.

1. WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure in this section, refer to Safety Warnings in section 100-00 General Information. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

   Refer to: Health and Safety Precautions (100-00 General Information, Description and Operation).
   

1. 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.
   Material : Motorcraft® DOT 4 LV High Performance Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid / PM-20 (WSS-M6C65-A2) (ISO 4925 Class 6)

1. 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.
   General Equipment : Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler

1. NOTE: Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough clean specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.

   Open the valve on the bleeder tank and apply 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi) to the brake system.
   

1. NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the rear integral parking brake calipers, it is necessary to apply and release the parking brake during the bleed procedure.

   • 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.
     
   • Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
     
   • For vehicles with rear integral parking brake calipers, apply and release the parking brake 5 times. Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
     

1. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw to specification.
   Refer to: Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
   

1. Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
   

1. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
   

1. Continue bleeding the front of the system, going from the RH front brake caliper and then to the LH front brake caliper.
   

1. Tighten the front brake caliper bleeder screws to specification.
   Refer to: Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
   

1. NOTE: The HCU bleeding procedure is necessary if the HCU or any components upstream of the HCU are installed new. The brake system pressure bleed procedure must be repeated after the HCU bleeding procedure is completed.

   If necessary, follow the diagnostic scan tool instructions and carry out the ABS HCU bleeding procedure and then repeat brake system pressure bleeding steps 5-10.
   

1. Close the bleeder tank valve and release the pressure. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter. Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid and install the reservoir cap.
   

Copyright © Ford Motor Company