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Bleeding - System: Manual

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.
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 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. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
  1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Identifying Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap
    G01622902Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Place a box end wrench on the RH rear 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 brake fluid.
    Fig 2: Placing Box End Wrench On RH Rear Bleeder Screw
    G01622903Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  4. Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
    • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  5. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
    Fig 3: Tightening RH Rear Bleeder Screw
    G01622904Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Repeat Steps 2, 3, 4 and 5 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
  7. Place a box end wrench on the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube to the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw, and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
    Fig 4: Attaching Rubber Drain Tube To RH Front Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw
    G01622905Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  9. Loosen the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
    • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  10. Tighten the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw. For additional information, refer to SPECIFICATIONS  .
    Fig 5: Tightening RH Front Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw
    G01622906Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Repeat Steps 7, 8, 9 and 10 for the LH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.