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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1923 (Brake System - General Information -- F250-F550 Super Duty) >> General Procedures >> Brake System Bleeding >> Manual Bleeding Method

Manual Bleeding Method

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For additional information, see product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). For 24-hour MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673 (FORD). 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 clean, 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 replacement, air may get into the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been properly connected. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.
  1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
    Fig 1: Identifying Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap And Reservoir
    GF0006696Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Remove the bleeder screw cap and place a box end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.
    Fig 2: Attaching Rubber Drain Tube To RH Rear Bleeder Screw
    GF0006697Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
  4. 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.
  5. Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and install the bleeder screw cap.
    • Tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
  6. Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear, RH front and LH front bleeder screws in this order.