FixVault

Brake System Pressure Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding .

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment 

Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler
Fluid Container

Bleeding 

All vehicles 

NOTE: If the fluid is spilled on the paintwork, the affected area must be immediately washed down with cold water.
NOTE: The HCU bleeding procedure and a second brake system pressure bleed must be carried out if a new HCU has been installed.
  1. NOTE: Make sure the area around the master cylinder cap is clean and free of foreign material.

    Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.

    GFD518508Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  2. Make sure the fluid reservoir is filled with clean specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
    GFD518509Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    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. Use the General Equipment: Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler

    2. 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.

  3. Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
  4. NOTE: Bleeding sequence is unique for LHD and RHD.

    Bleeding steps must be followed in the order indicated in the graphic.

    GFD518510Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. If equipped, remove the bleeder screw cap.
    GFD518511Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. Partially fill a clean brake fluid container with clean specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications . Use the General Equipment: Fluid Container
    GFD518512Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. Submerge a hose into the brake fluid in the container and connect the hose to bleeder screw.
    GFD518513Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. NOTE: For vehicles equipped with 4 or 6 piston brake calipers, bleed the inner bleeder screw first, followed by the outer bleeder screw.

    1. Loosen the bleeder screw. Loosen: : 180 deg.
    2. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the bleeder screw.

    GFD518514Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. GFD518515Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    1. Disconnect the hose and tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .

  10. Repeat steps 8-10 at the remaining wheel ends.

    Vehicles with rear integral parking brake calipers 

  11. 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.

    1. Apply and release the parking brake 5 times.
    2. Loosen the bleeder screw. Loosen: 180 deg.
    3. Leave open until clear, bubble-free fluid flows and then tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .
    4. Repeat as necessary.

    GFD518516Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    All vehicles 

  12. If equipped, install the bleeder screw cap.
    GFD518511Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Close the bleeder tank valve and release the pressure. Remove the General Equipment: Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler
  15. Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
    GFD518509Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
    GFD518508Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    Vehicles with new hydraulic control unit (HCU) installed 

    NOTE: The HCU bleeding procedure and a second brake system pressure bleed must be carried out if a new HCU has been installed.
  17. Using the diagnostic scan tool, follow the ABS Service Bleed instructions.
  18. Repeat brake system pressure bleeding steps.