Brake System Bleeding

Special Tool(s)

Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent scan tool

Pressure

 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.

 WARNING: Do not allow the brake master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Master cylinder may be damaged if operated without fluid, resulting in degraded braking performance. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.

NOTE: Pressure bleeding the brake system is preferred to manual bleeding.

NOTE: The HCU bleeding procedure must be carried out if the HCU or any components upstream of the HCU are installed new.

1. Clean all the dirt from around the brake fluid reservoir cap and remove the cap. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.

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.

   Install the bleeder adapter to the brake master cylinder reservoir and attach the bleeder tank hose to the fitting on the adapter.

3. NOTE: Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.

   Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
   • Apply 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi) to the brake system.

4. Remove the RH rear bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the 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, specified brake fluid.

5. NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the rear integral parking brake calipers, it is necessary to press and release the parking brake during the bleed procedure.

   Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
   • Press and release the parking brake 5 times.
   • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.

6. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw to specification. Refer to Specifications in this section.
   • Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.

7. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 for the LH rear brake caliper.

8. Continue bleeding the front of the system, going in order from the RH front brake caliper and then to the LH front brake caliper.
   • Tighten the front brake caliper bleeder screws to specification. Refer to Specifications in this section.

9. Close the bleeder tank valve and release the pressure. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter. Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid and install the reservoir cap.

Manual

 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.

 WARNING: Do not allow the brake master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Master cylinder may be damaged if operated without fluid, resulting in degraded braking performance. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.

NOTE: Pressure bleeding the brake system is preferred to manual bleeding.

NOTE: The HCU bleeding procedure must be carried out if the HCU or any components upstream of the HCU are installed new.

1. Clean all the dirt from around the brake fluid reservoir cap and remove the cap. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.

2. Remove the RH rear bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the 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, specified brake fluid.

3. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.

4. NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the rear integral parking brake calipers, it is necessary to press and release the parking brake during the bleed procedure.

   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.
   • Press and release the parking brake 5 times.
   • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
   • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.

5. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw to specification. Refer to Specifications in this section.
   • Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.

6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear brake caliper.

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

8. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.

9. Loosen the RH front bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH front bleeder screw.
   • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
   • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.

10. Tighten the RH front bleeder screw to specification. Refer to Specifications in this section.
    • Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.

11. Repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the LH front brake caliper bleeder screw.

HCU Bleeding

NOTE: Pressure bleeding the brake system is preferred to manual bleeding.

1. Follow the pressure bleeding or manual bleeding procedure steps to bleed the system.

2. Connect the scan tool and follow the ABS Service Bleed instructions.

3. Repeat the pressure bleeding or manual bleeding procedure steps to bleed the system.