Pressure Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. 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.

NOTE: 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.

NOTE: 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, preform the brake system bleed procedure first without the scan tool, followed by the brake system bleed procedure using the scan tool.

NOTE: Pressure bleed the brake system at 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi).

All vehicles

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.

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.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid as necessary.

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.
Open the valve on the bleeder tank.
Loosen the bleeder screw and leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows into the container.
- Tighten the master cylinder bleeder screw to specification. Refer to Specifications in this service information.
- Remove the rubber hose.

All vehicles

NOTE: Bleed from the longest to the shortest brake line. Make sure the bleeder tank contains enough clean, specified brake fluid to complete the bleeding operation.

Remove the brake caliper bleeder screw cap and place a box-end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the brake caliper 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.

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.

Loosen the bleeder screw and leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows into the container. Wait 15 seconds after clear, bubble-free fluid flows through the rubber hose.
Tighten the brake caliper bleeder screw to specification. Refer to Specifications in this service information.
- Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
Continue bleeding the brake system repeating Steps 7 through 9 at all wheel ends.
Close the bleeder tank valve. Remove the tank hose from the adapter and remove the adapter.
Inspect the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid if necessary.
Install the reservoir cap.

NOTE: If the brake pedal remains spongy, air may be trapped in the HCU.

If the brake pedal remains spongy after pressure bleeding, preform the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) Bleeding procedure in this service information with the scan tool.