Complete brake fluid flush to remove old contaminated brake fluid and replace with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid, ensuring proper brake system performance and preventing internal corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid × 2 — PM-20 or equivalent DOT 4 LV

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, place transmission in Park, engage parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Verify brake fluid type: Motorcraft DOT 4 LV only (PM-20). Do not substitute with standard DOT 4
3. Open and secure hood
4. Locate brake master cylinder reservoir on driver side firewall
5. Remove reservoir cap and inspect fluid condition (dark/contaminated fluid confirms need for flush)
6. Using turkey baster or fluid extractor, remove as much old fluid as possible from reservoir without letting debris enter system
7. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV fluid
8. Loosen wheel lug nuts on all four wheels while vehicle is on ground
9. Raise vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at all four corners, ensuring stability
10. Remove all four wheels to access brake calipers

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare bleeding equipment
   Attach clear vinyl tubing to bleeder screw on right rear caliper (passenger side rear). Place other end of tubing into clean waste container. Position container higher than bleeder screw if possible to prevent backflow. Ensure you have assistant available to operate brake pedal, or secure a brake pedal depressor tool.
2. 2

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Have assistant pump brake pedal 5-10 times, then hold firm pressure. Using 10mm wrench, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Observe old fluid flowing through tube (will be dark initially). Allow pedal to travel to floor slowly. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Release pedal. Repeat process until fluid runs clear and free of air bubbles. Check reservoir level after every 3-4 pedal strokes and refill to MAX line as needed. Never let reservoir fall below MIN line.
   ⚠️Monitor reservoir constantly. If reservoir empties, air will enter system and may require professional ABS bleeding procedure.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move bleeding equipment to left rear caliper (driver side rear). Repeat bleeding process: assistant pumps and holds brake pedal, open bleeder screw, allow fluid to flow until clear, close bleeder screw, release pedal. Continue until fluid runs completely clear with no air bubbles. Refill reservoir to MAX line as needed throughout process.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move bleeding equipment to right front caliper (passenger side front). Repeat bleeding process using same pump-and-hold technique. Ensure fluid runs clear and bubble-free. Front calipers typically require more fluid volume than rear. Continue checking and refilling reservoir to MAX line.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed left front caliper
   Move bleeding equipment to left front caliper (driver side front). Perform final bleeding using same procedure. This is the last wheel in sequence. Continue bleeding until fluid is completely clear and free of air bubbles. Verify firm pedal feel after closing final bleeder screw.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Final reservoir service
   Remove any remaining old fluid from reservoir using turkey baster if top layer appears contaminated. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV fluid. Wipe reservoir exterior clean of any spilled fluid. Securely install reservoir cap, ensuring it is fully seated to prevent moisture absorption.
7. 7

   Test brake pedal operation
   With engine off, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy. Pedal should not travel more than halfway to floor. If pedal feels soft or spongy, repeat bleeding process starting from right rear. Start engine and verify pedal remains firm with engine running. Pedal will drop slightly when engine starts (normal power brake assist).
   ⚠️Do not operate vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels to floor. This indicates air in system or other brake system failure.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall all four wheels. Thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern using torque wrench to specification. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final torque verification
   With vehicle weight on wheels, perform final torque on all lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Double-check all bleeder screws are closed and torqued properly.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure brake fluid reservoir cap is securely installed
2. Dispose of used brake fluid properly at recycling center or auto parts store (never pour down drain)
3. Clean any brake fluid residue from calipers, wheels, or painted surfaces immediately with water
4. Close hood and remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and consistent
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area: vehicle should stop smoothly without pedal pulsation or excessive travel
• Check for fluid leaks around all four bleeder screws and at master cylinder reservoir
• Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir
• Test drive at low speed (under 15 mph) in safe area, making several gentle stops to verify proper brake operation
• Perform moderate brake application from 25-30 mph in safe area to confirm normal braking performance
• If ABS warning light illuminates or pedal feels abnormal, do not drive vehicle - air may be trapped in ABS module requiring professional scan tool bleeding

More procedures for this vehicle