Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1990RANGER 4WD L4-140 2.3L SOHCREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISMAINTENANCEBRAKE BLEEDINGSERVICE AND REPAIRMANUAL BLEEDING
1990 Ford Ranger 4WD L4-140 2.3L SOHC
Manual Bleeding
1990 Ford Ranger 4WD L4-140 2.3L SOHCSECTION Manual Bleeding
Bleed the primary and secondary hydraulic brake systems separately.
NOTICE: Do not allow the reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoirs filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
1. Loosen the master cylinder to hydraulic line nut.
2. Wrap a shop cloth around the tubing below the fitting to absorb escaping brake fluid.
3. Push the brake pedal down slowly by hand to the floor of the cab. This will force air trapped in the master cylinder to escape at the fitting.
4. Hold the pedal down and tighten the fitting. Release the brake pedal.
NOTICE: Do not release the brake pedal until the fitting is tightened or air will re-enter the master cylinder.
5. Repeat this procedure until air ceases to excape at the fitting and the brake pedal is firm.
6. Place a box wrench on the bleeder fitting on the Rear Antilock Brake System (RABS) valve. Attach a rubber drain tube to the bleeder fitting making sure the end of the tube fits snugly around the bleeder fitting.
7. Submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid. Loosen the bleeder fitting approximately three-quarters of a turn.
8. Slowly press the brake pedal all the way down. Close the bleeder fitting, and return the pedal to the fully released position. Repeat this operation until air bubbles no longer appear at the submerged end of the bleeder tube.
9. When the fluid is completely free of air bubbles, close the bleeder fitting and remove the bleeder tube.
10. Repeat this procedure at the RR, LR, RF and LF wheels.
11. When the bleeding procedure is complete, fill the master cylinder to the maximum level line of the master cylinder reservoir.
NOTICE: Do not allow the reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoirs filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
1. Loosen the master cylinder to hydraulic line nut.
2. Wrap a shop cloth around the tubing below the fitting to absorb escaping brake fluid.
3. Push the brake pedal down slowly by hand to the floor of the cab. This will force air trapped in the master cylinder to escape at the fitting.
4. Hold the pedal down and tighten the fitting. Release the brake pedal.
NOTICE: Do not release the brake pedal until the fitting is tightened or air will re-enter the master cylinder.
5. Repeat this procedure until air ceases to excape at the fitting and the brake pedal is firm.
6. Place a box wrench on the bleeder fitting on the Rear Antilock Brake System (RABS) valve. Attach a rubber drain tube to the bleeder fitting making sure the end of the tube fits snugly around the bleeder fitting.
7. Submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid. Loosen the bleeder fitting approximately three-quarters of a turn.
8. Slowly press the brake pedal all the way down. Close the bleeder fitting, and return the pedal to the fully released position. Repeat this operation until air bubbles no longer appear at the submerged end of the bleeder tube.
9. When the fluid is completely free of air bubbles, close the bleeder fitting and remove the bleeder tube.
10. Repeat this procedure at the RR, LR, RF and LF wheels.
11. When the bleeding procedure is complete, fill the master cylinder to the maximum level line of the master cylinder reservoir.
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.