Manual Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

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. Damage to the brake system components may occur.

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, including the HCU after it has been correctly connected.

NOTE: If the HCU or any component upstream of the HCU are installed new, carry out the brake system bleed procedure first without the scan tool, followed by the brake system bleed procedure using the scan tool.

All vehicles

WARNING: Before servicing a vehicle equipped with a fire suppression system, depower the system by following the procedure in FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow the instructions may result in serious personal injury.

If equipped with fire suppression system, depower the system.
Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 1: Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles not equipped with traction control

Place a box-end wrench on the master cylinder bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
Loosen the bleeder screw and leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows into the container.
- Tighten the master cylinder bleeder screw to 13 Nm (10 lb-ft) and remove the rubber hose.

All vehicles

NOTE: Bleed the brake system from the longest to the shortest brake line.

Remove the brake caliper bleeder screw cap and place a box end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 2: Rubber Drain Hose On Bleeder Screw

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
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.
Tighten the brake caliper bleeder screw to 21 Nm (15 lb-ft), remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
Repeat Steps 5 through 8 for the remaining brake calipers.

WARNING: If the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system.