Master Cylinder Bleeding (In-Vehicle or Bench)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Cutaway, and 2003 Ford RV Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
When the brake master cylinder has been installed new 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 the brake master cylinder in a vise.
- Install short brake tubes with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir. See Fig 1. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean DOT 3 brake fluid.
- 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.