Mustang Cobra V8-281 4.6L DOHC VIN V MFI (1997)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Manual Bleeding
CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with
water.
WARNING: BRAKE FLUID CONTAINS POLYGLYCOL ETHERS AND POLYGLYCOLS. AVOID CONTACT WITH EYES. WASH
HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING. IF BRAKE FLUID CONTACTS EYES, FLUSH EYES WITH RUNNING WATER FOR 15
MINUTES. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IF IRRITATION PERSISTS. IF TAKEN INTERNALLY, DRINK WATER AND INDUCE
VOMITING. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
DESCRIPTION
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 DOT-3 motor vehicle brake fluid. 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.
NOTES:
^
Non-ABS vehicles have the brake master cylinder mounted at an angle. Bleeding may be better performed if the vehicle is positioned so the
brake master cylinder is horizontal.
^
Refer To Hydraulic System - Specifications for proper brake fluid requirements.
PROCEDURE
1. To bleed the brake system, position a suitable box wrench on the bleeder fitting on the brake wheel cylinder. 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 brake wheel cylinder on the opposite side. Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir after each wheel cylinder 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. Bleed the brake master cylinder at the bleed screw after all calipers are bled.
8. After disc brake service, make sure that the disc brake pistons are returned to their normal positions and the shoe and lining assemblies are
properly seated. This is accomplished by applying the brake pedal several times until normal pedal travel is established.