Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (4WABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted or plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

CAUTION: Do not allow the master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the master cylinder reservoir filled with the specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.

NOTE: This procedure only needs to be carried out if a new 4-wheel anti-lock brake (4WABS) hydraulic control unit (HCU) has been installed.

Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap (2162), and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with the specified brake fluid.

Fig 1: Removing Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles With Rear Drum Brakes
Connect a clear drain tube to the RH rear bleeder screw and the other end in a container partially filled with recommended brake fluid.

Fig 2: Connecting Clear Drain Tube To RH Rear Bleeder Screw (Rear Drum Brake)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles With Rear Disc Brakes
Connect a clear drain tube to the RH rear bleeder screw and the other end in a container partially filled with recommended brake fluid.

Fig 3: Connecting Clear Drain Tube To RH Rear Bleeder Screw (Rear Disc Brake)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All Vehicles
Have an assistant pump the brake pedal and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
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 bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Vehicles With Rear Drum Brakes
Tighten the bleeder screw.

Fig 4: Tightening Bleeder Screw (Drum brake)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles With Rear Disc Brakes
Tighten the bleeder screw.

Fig 5: Tightening Bleeder Screw (Disc brake)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All Vehicles
Repeat Steps 2-7 for the LH rear bleeder screw, the RH front bleeder screw and the LH front bleeder screw, in that order.

NOTE: Go to the help menu on the scan tool. The Ford Service Function Card (FSF) must be used to get the help menu.

Connect the NGS DLC cable adapter into the vehicle data link connector (DLC) under the dash, and follow the scan tool instructions for bleeding.
Repeat the conventional bleed procedure as outlined in Steps 2-7.