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Master Cylinder Priming - In-Vehicle or Bench

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Use of any brake fluid other than approved DOT 3 will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. 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: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If spilled, wipe up immediately before damage to the painted or plastic surface occurs.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or installation of new components, air can enter 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.
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 entering the system.
  1. For in-vehicle priming, disconnect the brake lines.
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Brake Lines
    G04583153Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. For bench priming, mount the brake master cylinder in a vise.
    Fig 2: Mounting Brake Master Cylinder In Vise
    G04583154Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. If the vehicle has a master cylinder bleed screw, connect a short brake tube to the bleed screw and submerge one end into the brake master cylinder reservoir.
    • Tighten to 13 Nm (10 lb-ft).
  4. Install short brake tubes onto the primary and secondary ports with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
    Fig 3: Installing Short Brake Tubes Onto Primary And Secondary Ports
    G04583155Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean motor vehicle brake fluid.
  6. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, or slowly depress the primary piston until clear fluid flows from the brake tubes, without air bubbles.
  7. If the brake master cylinder has been primed at the bench, install it in the vehicle. For additional information, refer to HYDRAULIC BRAKE ACTUATION .
  8. Remove the short brake tubes, and install the brake outlet tubes.
    • Tighten to 17 Nm (13 lb-ft).
  9. Bleed each brake tube at the brake master cylinder as follows:
    1. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
    2. Loosen the rear-most brake tube fittings until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the brake tube fitting.
    3. Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
    4. Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean motor vehicle brake fluid as necessary. Repeat the bleeding operation at the front brake tube.
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