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.
Brake System Pressure Bleeding
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
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NOTE: Make sure the area around the master cylinder cap is clean and free of foreign material.
Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
- Make sure the fluid reservoir is filled with clean specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
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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
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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.
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- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
- Bleeding steps must be followed in the order indicated in the graphic.
- If equipped, remove the bleeder screw cap.
- Partially fill a clean brake fluid container with clean specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications . Use the General Equipment: Fluid Container
- Submerge a hose into the brake fluid in the container and connect the hose to bleeder screw.
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- Loosen the bleeder screw. Loosen: 180 °
- Leave open until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows, then tighten the bleeder screw.
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- Disconnect the hose and tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .
- Repeat steps 8-10 at the remaining wheel ends.
Vehicles with rear integral parking brake calipers
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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.
- Apply and release the parking brake 5 times.
- Loosen the bleeder screw. Loosen: 180 °
- Leave open until clear, bubble-free fluid flows and then tighten the bleeder screw to specification. Refer to: Specifications .
- Repeat as necessary.
All vehicles
- If equipped, install the bleeder screw cap.
- Lower the vehicle.
- Close the bleeder tank valve and release the pressure. Remove the General Equipment: Brake/Clutch System Pressure Bleeder/Filler
- Fill the reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid. Refer to: Specifications .
- Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.
NO RELATED
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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.