Crown Victoria V8-281 4.6L SFI (1998)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Manual Bleeding
The primary and secondary (front and rear) hydraulic brake systems are individual systems and are bled separately. Bleed the longest tube first on the
individual system being serviced. During the complete bleeding operation, DO NOT allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry. Keep the
master cylinder reservoirs filled with High Performance DOT-3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or DOT-3 equivalent meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A. Never reuse brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system or has been allowed to stand in an open
container for an extended period of time.
NOTE: Non-ABS vehicles have the brake master cylinder mounted at an angle. Bleeding may be better performed if the vehicle is positioned so that
the brake master cylinder is horizontal.
1. To bleed the brake system, position a suitable box wrench on the bleeder fitting on the caliper bleeder fitting. Attach a rubber drain tube to the
bleeder fitting. The end of the tube should fit snugly around the bleeder fitting.
2. Submerge the free end of the tube in a container partially filled with clean brake fluid and loosen the bleeder fitting approximately three-quarters
of a turn.
3. Have an assistant push the brake pedal down slowly through its full travel. Close the bleeder fitting; then return the brake pedal to full-release
position. Repeat this operation until air bubbles cease to appear at the submerged end of the bleeder tube.
4. When the fluid is completely free of air bubbles, secure the bleeder fitting and remove the bleeder tube.
5. Repeat this procedure at the caliper bleeder fitting on the opposite side. Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir after each disc brake caliper is
bled and install the master cylinder cap and gasket. Make sure the diaphragm-type gasket is properly positioned in the master cylinder cap. When
the bleeding operation is completed, the fluid level should be at the MAX line to 4.0 mm (0.16 inch) below MAX line.
6. If the primary (front brake) system is to be bled, repeat Steps 2 through 5 at the RH front brake caliper and ending at the LH front brake caliper.
7. After disc brake service, be sure that the disc brake pistons are returned to their normal positions and the pad and lining assemblies are properly
seated. This is accomplished by applying the brake pedal several times until normal pedal travel is established.
