This procedure flushes and replaces all brake fluid in the hydraulic system to maintain proper braking performance and prevent moisture contamination.

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 surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Ensure engine is off and has been off for at least 30 minutes to allow brake system to cool
3. Gather at least one quart of fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid from sealed container
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side firewall
5. Clean reservoir cap and surrounding area thoroughly to prevent contamination
6. If performing manual bleeding, loosen wheel lug nuts before raising vehicle (if accessing bleeders requires wheel removal)
7. Determine bleeding sequence: Right Rear → Left Rear → Right Front → Left Front (farthest to closest from master cylinder)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove old fluid from reservoir
   Using turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the master cylinder reservoir without allowing debris to enter. Wipe inside of reservoir with clean lint-free towel if accessible. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid. Keep reservoir covered when not adding fluid to prevent moisture absorption.
2. 2

   Access right rear bleeder valve
   Locate bleeder valve on top or rear of right rear brake caliper. Clean bleeder screw and surrounding area thoroughly with brake cleaner and towel to prevent contamination. Attach clear plastic hose to bleeder valve nipple and place other end in catch bottle with enough fresh fluid to keep hose end submerged.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear brake
   Have assistant pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold firm pressure (or use vacuum bleeder per tool instructions). With pressure held, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Observe old dark fluid flowing through clear hose. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat process until fluid runs clear and free of air bubbles. Check reservoir level after every 3-4 pump cycles and refill to MAX line—never let it drop below MIN or air will enter system.
   ⚠️If reservoir runs dry, air will enter master cylinder requiring complete system re-bleeding. Monitor reservoir constantly during this step.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move to left rear caliper. Repeat cleaning and bleeding process from steps 2 and 3. Continue bleeding until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Maintain reservoir level above MIN throughout process. Torque bleeder screw properly when complete.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed right front brake
   Move to right front caliper. Repeat cleaning and bleeding process. Front calipers may require more pump cycles due to larger caliper volume. Continue until fluid runs completely clear. Monitor reservoir level continuously and refill as needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move to left front caliper (closest to master cylinder, final position). Repeat complete bleeding process until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. This is the final bleed point. Ensure bleeder screw is properly torqued when closing.
   Torque spec

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

   Final reservoir fill and cap installation
   Fill master cylinder reservoir to MAX line with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid from reservoir area immediately. Install reservoir cap and torque to specification (hand tight plus slight snug—do not overtighten plastic cap).
   Torque spec

   Master Cylinder Cap4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install wheels if removed
   If wheels were removed for access, install wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle to ground if raised.
   Torque spec

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

   Pump brake pedal and check system
   With engine off, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should feel firm and consistent with normal height. If pedal is soft or spongy, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Check all bleeder screws for leaks. Inspect reservoir level and top off if needed.
   ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far. This indicates air in system or other brake system failure.
10. 10

    Start engine and test brake assist
    Start engine and verify brake pedal drops slightly as power brake assist activates. Pump pedal several times with engine running—pedal should remain firm. Check dashboard for any ABS or brake warning lights. If any warning lights are illuminated, do not drive vehicle and consult service manual.
    ⚠️Warning lights indicate a brake system fault. Vehicle is unsafe to drive until fault is diagnosed and corrected.

Reassembly

1. Verify all bleeder screws are torqued to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) and not leaking
2. Confirm master cylinder reservoir cap is installed and torqued to 4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
3. Verify all wheels are installed with lug nuts torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern if removed
4. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces with water
5. Dispose of old brake fluid properly—do not pour down drain or onto ground

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 15-20 times—pedal should be firm and hold pressure without sinking
• Start engine and verify brake pedal becomes slightly easier to press as power assist activates
• Check that brake pedal height and firmness match pre-service condition
• Verify no brake warning lights or ABS lights are illuminated on dashboard
• Visually inspect all four bleeder screws and verify no fluid leakage
• Check master cylinder reservoir level is at MAX line with clear, light-colored fluid visible
• Perform low-speed test drive in safe area—verify brakes engage smoothly and evenly with firm pedal feel and no pulling to either side
• After test drive, recheck reservoir level and inspect all bleeder screws for leaks
• If pedal feels soft, spongy, or brake performance is degraded in any way, do not drive vehicle and repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service

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