Brake Bleed - All Four

This procedure removes air from the brake hydraulic system on all four wheels to restore proper brake pedal feel and braking performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid × 1 — PM-20

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify you have sufficient quantity of fresh, sealed Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid (approximately 32 oz needed)
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine compartment on driver side firewall mounted to brake master cylinder
5. Clean reservoir cap and surrounding area thoroughly to prevent dirt contamination
6. Remove reservoir cap and inspect fluid level and condition
7. If fluid is dark or contaminated, consider full system flush instead of simple bleed
8. Use turkey baster or fluid extractor to remove old fluid from reservoir down to MIN line (optional but recommended for best results)
9. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid
10. Loosen but do not remove all four wheel lug nuts
11. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer jack points
12. Remove all four wheels and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare bleeding equipment
   Cut approximately 18 inches of clear vinyl tubing. Attach one end of tubing to first bleeder screw (will start at right rear). Place other end of tubing into clean waste fluid container positioned below caliper level. Ensure tubing end remains submerged in waste fluid during bleeding to prevent air from being drawn back into caliper. Verify helper is positioned in driver seat with engine OFF.
2. 2

   Bleed right rear brake
   Locate bleeder screw on rear of right rear brake caliper. Clean bleeder screw area thoroughly. Have helper press brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pedal down with firm, constant pressure. With pedal held down, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn counterclockwise using 10mm wrench. Observe fluid flow through clear tubing. When pedal reaches floor, close bleeder screw finger-tight before helper releases pedal. Repeat process 4-6 times until fluid flows clear without air bubbles. Check and refill master cylinder reservoir to MAX after every 3-4 pedal strokes. Close bleeder screw to proper torque when complete.
   ⚠️Never allow helper to release brake pedal while bleeder screw is open. This will draw air back into caliper.
   ⚠️Monitor reservoir level constantly. If reservoir empties, stop immediately and refill before continuing.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move bleeding equipment to left rear caliper. Repeat exact bleeding process from Step 2: helper presses and holds pedal, open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow, close bleeder screw before pedal release. Continue until fluid is clear and bubble-free for at least 3 consecutive pedal cycles. Refill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
   ⚠Check reservoir level before starting each wheel. Refill as needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move bleeding equipment to right front caliper (passenger side). The 2011-2014 F-150 front calipers have bleeder screw on top rear of caliper body. Clean bleeder area thoroughly. Repeat bleeding process: helper slowly presses pedal 3-4 times and holds, open bleeder screw, observe clear fluid flow without bubbles, close bleeder screw before pedal release. Continue until fluid runs clear for 3 consecutive cycles. Refill reservoir to MAX. Torque bleeder screw.
   ⚠Front calipers may require more bleeding cycles due to larger caliper volume and longer brake lines on 4WD models.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move bleeding equipment to left front caliper (driver side). Repeat bleeding process for final wheel position: helper presses and holds pedal, open bleeder screw, observe clear bubble-free fluid flow, close bleeder screw before pedal release. Continue until absolutely no air bubbles visible in fluid stream for at least 3 consecutive pedal cycles. Refill reservoir to MAX line. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Check brake pedal feel
   With all bleeder screws closed to proper torque and reservoir filled to MAX, have helper pump brake pedal 10-15 times with engine OFF. Pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure. If pedal feels spongy, soft, or sinks slowly, repeat bleeding process starting at right rear. A firm pedal indicates successful bleeding. Top off reservoir to MAX line.
   ⚠️Do NOT proceed to reinstallation if pedal feels soft or spongy. Repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service.
7. 7

   Reinstall wheels
   Clean wheel mounting surfaces on hubs. Reinstall all four wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in star pattern with wrench but do not fully torque yet.
8. 8

   Lower vehicle and torque wheels
   Lower vehicle from jack stands until tires contact ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque all wheel lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to verify proper torque.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line and cap is securely installed
2. Wipe down all brake components and calipers to remove any spilled fluid
3. Clean up any brake fluid spills on wheels, suspension, or frame components with water
4. Dispose of used brake fluid according to local environmental regulations - do not pour down drains

Verification

• With engine OFF, pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• Start engine and press brake pedal. Pedal should drop slightly but remain firm with power assist active
• Verify no leaks at any bleeder screws or brake line connections
• Check that brake fluid reservoir is at proper level between MIN and MAX lines
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area with no traffic. Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify proper operation and pedal feel
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 20-30 mph in safe area. Braking should be smooth, even, and vehicle should stop straight
• If any abnormal pedal feel, pulling, or reduced braking effectiveness is detected, do NOT drive vehicle and seek professional service immediately
• Re-check fluid level after test drive and top off if needed

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