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Brake Master Cylinder - In-Vehicle Bleed

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Use of any other than the approved DOT 3 brake 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: Bleeding the master cylinder on Hybrid vehicles requires a full system pressure bleed. For additional information, refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING - HYBRID .
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 brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.
NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or a new component is installed, air may enter the system, causing spongy brake pedal action. This requires the bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected.
  1. Disconnect the brake outlet lines from the brake master cylinder and cap the lines.
    Fig 1: Locating Brake Outlet Lines From Brake Master Cylinder And Cap Lines
    G04617673Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Install short brake hoses to the master cylinder outlet ports with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
    Fig 2: Locating Brake Hoses To Master Cylinder Outlet Ports
    G04617674Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified motor vehicle brake fluid.
  4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal until clear, bubble-free brake fluid flows from both brake hoses.
  5. Remove the short brake hoses and install the brake outlet lines.
    Fig 3: Locating Short Brake Hoses
    G04617675Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Bleed the hydraulic brake system. For additional information, refer to BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING .