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Brake System Bleeding: Manual

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 clean, 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. Connect the scan tool to the vehicle data link connector (DLC) and follow the scan tool instructions.
  2. Fig 1: Identifying Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap And Reservoir
    GF0006696Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
  4. Fig 2: Attaching Rubber Drain Hose To Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw
    GF0006694Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: Bleed the brake system in the order displayed on the scan tool.
  5. Attach a rubber drain hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
  6. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  7. Loosen the bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the bleeder screw.
    • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  8. Tighten the bleeder screw.
    • Tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
  9. Repeat Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the remaining bleeder screws in the system.