Manual Bleeding - Non-Hybrid Vehicles Only

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious 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 serious personal injury.

WARNING: Do not allow the brake master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. Master cylinder may be damaged if operated without fluid, resulting in degraded braking performance. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.

NOTE: The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) bleeding procedure must be carried out if the HCU or any components upstream of the HCU are installed new.

NOTE: Pressure bleeding the brake system is preferred to manual bleeding.

NOTE: Due to the complexity of the fluid path within the hybrid brake system, it is necessary to pressure bleed this system.

Clean all the dirt from the brake master cylinder filler cap and remove the filler cap.
- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
  
  Fig 1: Locating Brake Fluid Level And Filler Cap
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RR bleeder screw cap and place a box-end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RR bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 2: Locating Rubber Drain Hose To RR Bleeder Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Have an assistant pump and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
Loosen the RR bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While an assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RR bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Tighten the RR bleeder screw to specifications. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.
Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LR bleeder screw.
Remove the RF bleeder cap and place a box-end wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RF bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 3: Locating Rubber Drain Hose To RF Bleeder Screw
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Have an assistant pump and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
Loosen the RF bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RF bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Tighten the RF bleeder screw to specifications. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS . Remove the rubber hose and install the bleeder screw cap.

Fig 4: Locating Bleeder Screw Cap
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Repeat Steps 7 through 10 for the LF bleeder screw.