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Brake System Bleeding: Manual

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.
WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the brake master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.
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. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
  1. Connect the diagnostic tool cable adapter into the vehicle data link connector (DLC) under the dash and follow the scan tool instructions.
  2. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Identifying Maximum Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Level
    G01285326Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Place a box end wrench on the RH rear 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 brake fluid.
    Fig 2: Identifying RH Rear Bleeder Screw
    G01285327Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 3: Submerging Free End Of The Tube In A Container
    G01285328Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  5. 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.
    • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  6. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
  7. Repeat Steps 3, 4, 5 and 6 for the LH rear bleeder screw.
  8. Place a box end wrench on the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain tube to the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw, and submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
    Fig 4: Bleeding Caliper
    G01285329Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Have an assistant hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  10. Loosen the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
    • Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  11. Tighten the RH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
    Fig 5: Tightening Front Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw
    G01285330Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Repeat Steps 8, 9, 10 and 11 for the LH front disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
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