ABS Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious personal injury.

WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the bleeding operation. Keep the brake master cylinder reservoir filled with clean, specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system or damage to the brake system components may occur.

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.

NOTE: When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or new installation, air may get into the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected. The hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment.

NOTE: This procedure must be carried out if the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) has been installed new.

NOTE: One conventional pressure bleed cycle consists of advancing the brake pedal to its depressed position, opening the disc brake caliper bleeder screw, allowing fluid to be released into the waste container, closing the disc brake caliper bleeder screw and releasing the brake pedal.

NOTE: Carrying out the diagnostic program routine drives entrapped air from the otherwise inaccessible lower section of the ABS valve into the upper sections (accessible by bleeding the brakes). Subsequent bleeding removes the air from the system.

NOTE: Add clean, specified brake fluid as necessary throughout the procedure.

Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap and fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 1: Identifying Brake Master Cylinder Filler Cap And Reservoir

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bleeder screw cap and place a box-end wrench on the RH rear bleeder screw. Attach a rubber drain hose to the RH rear bleeder screw and submerge the free end of the hose in a container partially filled with clean, specified brake fluid.

Fig 2: Connecting Clear Hose To Caliper Bleeder Screw

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Have an assistant pump the brake pedal at least 3 times and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.
Loosen the RH rear bleeder screw until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the RH rear bleeder screw.
- Repeat until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.
- Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary.
Tighten the RH rear bleeder screw and install the bleeder screw cap.
- Tighten to 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).
Repeat Steps 2 through 5 for the LH rear, RH front and LH front bleeder screws in this order.

NOTE: Go to the HELP menu in the scan tool.

Connect the scan tool to the vehicle data link connector (DLC) under the dash and follow the scan tool instructions.
Repeat the conventional bleed procedure as outlined in Steps 1 through 6.
If the brake pedal feels spongy, repeat the scan tool service bleed procedure.
- Apply brakes several times to verify correct brake operation.