Brake System Pressure Bleeding

2021 Ford Edge SE, 4WDSECTION Brake System Pressure Bleeding
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. 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.
  1. NOTE: Make sure the area around the master cylinder cap is clean and free of foreign material.

    Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.

    GFD200858Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  2. Make sure the fluid reservoir is filled with clean specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
    GFD200859Courtesy 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. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
  4. Bleeding steps must be followed in the order indicated in the graphic.
    GFD200860Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. If equipped, remove the bleeder screw cap.
    GFD200861Courtesy 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
    GFD200862Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. Submerge a hose into the brake fluid in the container and connect the hose to bleeder screw.
    GFD200863Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Loosen the bleeder screw. Loosen: 180 °
    2. Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the bleeder screw.
    GFD200864Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Disconnect the hose and tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .
    GFD200865Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. Repeat steps 8-10 at the remaining wheel ends.

    Vehicles with rear integral parking brake calipers 

  9. 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 °
    3. Leave open until clear, bubble-free fluid flows and then tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .
    4. Repeat as necessary.

    GFD200866Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    All vehicles 

  10. If equipped, install the bleeder screw cap.
    GFD200861Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Close the bleeder tank valve and release the pressure. Remove the General Equipment: Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler
  13. Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
    GFD200859Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
GFD200858Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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.