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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.0 3, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 965 (Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup) >> General Procedures >> Brake System Bleeding >> Gravity Bleeding

Gravity Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
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.
CAUTION: Do not spill brake fluid onto painted or plastic surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately before damage to the plastic or painted surfaces occurs.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or new installation, air may 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 gravity bled, manually bled, or bled with pressure bleeding equipment.
NOTE: When a new brake master cylinder has been installed or the system has been emptied, or partially emptied, it should be primed to prevent air from getting into the system.
  1. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with brake fluid.
  2. Connect a clear tube to the RH rear disc brake caliper bleeder screw and place the other end into a container partially filled with recommended brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Connecting Clear Tube To RH Rear Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw And Placing Other End Into Brake Fluid
    G03961316Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Open the bleeder screw and leave it open until clear bubble-free brake fluid flows.
    • Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
  4. Tighten the disc brake caliper bleeder screw.
    Fig 2: Tightening Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder Screw
    G03961317Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the 3 remaining brake calipers, going in order from the LH rear disc brake caliper to the RH front disc brake caliper, and ending with the LH front disc brake caliper.
  6. If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the bleed procedure.
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