Master Cylinder Priming (In-Vehicle Or Bench)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford Pickup Heritage, 2004 Ford Pickup, 2003 Lincoln Blackwood, 2003 Ford Pickup, and 2002 Lincoln Blackwood. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
- For in-vehicle priming, disconnect the brake lines.
- For bench priming, mount brake master cylinder body in a vise.
- Install short brake tubes with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir, and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid (C6AZ-19542-AB) or equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A. If DOT 3 is not available use DOT 4 Brake Fluid meeting Ford specification SAE-J1704-DOT 4.
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, or slowly depress the primary piston until clear fluid flows from both brake tubes, without air bubbles.
- If the brake master cylinder has been primed at the bench, install it in the vehicle.
- Remove the short brake tubes, and install the brake outlet tubes.
- Bleed each brake tube at the brake master cylinder as follows:
- Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
- Loosen the rearmost 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.
- Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary. Repeat the bleeding operation at the front brake tube.