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Home › Ford › 2000 › ZX2 Standard › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 1446 (Brake System - General Information) › General Procedures › Brake System Bleeding › Pressure Bleeding

Pressure Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Use of any brake fluid other than approved DOT 3 will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in 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 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: 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 diagnostic tool, followed by the brake system bleed procedure using the diagnostic tool.
NOTE: Pressure bleed the brake system at 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi).
  1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Locating Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap & MAX Fill Line
    G03878781Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    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.
    NOTE: For anti-lock brake system (ABS) only vehicles, open the master cylinder bleed screw until clear, bubble-free fluid flows from the tube into the cup.
  2. Install the bleeder adapter to the brake master cylinder reservoir, and attach the bleeder tank hose to the fitting on the adapter.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir, as necessary.
    3. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  3. If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system.
    4. NOTE: Bleed from the longest to the shortest brake line. Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.
    Fig 2: Identifying Pressure Bleeding From Bleeder Screw
    G04583158Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Place a box end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube to the bleeder screw, and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.
  5. Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
    6. NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal approximately 25 mm (0.98 in) once every 2 seconds while pressure bleeding. This will enhance the pressure bleeding procedure.
  6. Loosen the bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows. Wait 15 seconds after clear, bubble-free fluid flows through the rubber hose. Then, tighten the bleeder screw and remove the rubber hose.
    • Tighten to 21 Nm (15 lb-ft).
  7. Continue bleeding the brake system repeating Step  6 at all wheel ends.
  8. Close the bleeder tank valve. Remove the tank hose from the adapter, and remove the adapter.
  9. Inspect the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
    • Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid, if necessary.
  10. Install the reservoir cap.
    11. NOTE: If the brake pedal remains spongy, air may be trapped in the HCU.
  11. If the brake pedal remains spongy after pressure bleeding, perform the ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT BLEEDING  with the diagnostic tool.
    12. WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .
  12. If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.
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