Brake System

Brake System Bleeding - General Procedures

18steps
~108min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 18

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

Brake System/Clutch System
Fluid Container

bleeding

All vehicles

NOTICE: If fluid spills on the painted surface, the affected area must be washed immediately with cold water.

  1. Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap.
  2. Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
    Refer to Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
    1. Install the brake bleeding adapter on the master cylinder reservoir and connect the bleeder reservoir hose to the adapter fitting.
      Use general equipment: Brake/Clutch System Bleeder/Filler Hose.
    1. Open the valve on the bleeder reservoir and apply 207-345 kPa (30-50 psi) pressure to the brake system.
  3. Position the vehicle in NEUTRAL on the lift.
    Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview (100-02 Jacking and Lifting, Description and Operation).
  4. Perform the bleeding steps in the sequence shown in the chart.
  5. If equipped, remove the bleeder screw cap.
  6. Partially fill a clean fluid container with clean, specified brake fluid.
    Refer to Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
    Use general equipment: Fluid Container
  7. Submerge the hose in the brake fluid in the container and connect the hose to the bleeder fitting.
    1. Loosen the bleeder screw.
      Loosen:
      : 180°
    1. Leave open until clean brake fluid without bubbles flows, then tighten the bleeder screw.
    1. Disconnect the hose and tighten the bleeder screw to specification.
      Refer to: Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
  8. Repeat steps 8-10 on the remaining wheel ends.

Vehicles with rear integrated parking brake calipers

    1. Apply and release the parking brake 5 times.
    1. Loosen the bleeder screw.
      Loosen: 180°
    1. Leave open until clean fluid without bubbles flows, then tighten the bleeder screw to specification.
      Refer to: Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
    1. Repeat as necessary.

All vehicles

  1. If equipped, install the drain plug.
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. Close the bleeder reservoir valve and release the pressure.
    Remove general equipment: Brake/Clutch System Bleeder/Filler Hose.
  4. Fill the reservoir with clean brake fluid of the specified type.
    Refer to Specifications (206-00 Brake System - General Information, Specifications).
  5. Install the brake fluid reservoir cap.

Vehicles with New Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)

  1. Using the diagnostic scan tool, follow the ABS bleeding instructions.
  2. Repeat the brake bleeding procedure.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Fiesta quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.