Brake System Bleeding
Brake System BleedingSpecial Tool(s):
Material:
Pressure Bleeding
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: When the hydraulic control unit (HCU) or master cylinder is 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 is correctly connected. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
NOTE: Pressure bleed the brake system at 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi).
NOTE: It is not necessary to do a complete brake system bleed if only the disc brake caliper was disconnected.
1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and 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 clean, specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.
Remove the RR wheel cylinder bleeder screw cap and place a box-end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RR wheel cylinder bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
4. Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
5. Loosen the RR wheel cylinder bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the RR wheel cylinder bleeder screw to 8 Nm (71 lb-in) and remove the rubber hose.
6. Continue bleeding the rest of the system, going in order from the LR wheel cylinder bleeder screw to the RF disc brake caliper bleeder screw, ending with the LF disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
^ Tighten the brake caliper and wheel cylinder bleeder screws to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
7. 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.