Brake Fluid Pressure Bleeding

[Shobo66]

I wish someone would make a DIY step-by-step for this. Insane to me that we have to take it to dealer to flush/bleed brakes.

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[Kanuck]

I went to my dealer this morning to see about doing a brake fluid flush. They have not done a brake flush as far bake as 2 service writers and 3 mechanics could remember. One mechanic said if I was driving through water all the time, then it might be a good idea to do so. They quoted me $140.00 to do the flush. So to me that would be worth having the dealer do it. The question is do I need to?

 

[SALEEN961]

I went to my dealer this morning to see about doing a brake fluid flush. They have not done a brake flush as far bake as 2 service writers and 3 mechanics could remember. One mechanic said if I was driving through water all the time, then it might be a good idea to do so. They quoted me $140.00 to do the flush. So to me that would be worth having the dealer do it. The question is do I need to?

Our trucks use DOT 4 LV brake fluid, more specifically it is ISO 4925 Class 6 brake fluid that meets Ford spec WSS-M6C65-A2. According to the owners manual, the brake fluid should be changed every 3 years. I find it interesting that they aren't following Ford's recommenced service schedule.

Most manufactures recommend a 2-3 year replacement interval, but some manufactures recommend waiting until the fluid tests positive for contamination. Brake fluid typically only has a 5 year shelf life when stored in a factory sealed container, in a vehicle the lifespan will be shorter.

 

[lrequa92]

Did the brakes on all four corners this weekend and was able to use the same mityvac pressure bleeder that @SALEEN961 used on his truck. Happy to say that I did not have to use a scan tool for any of the process. Before starting the brake job, I put the system in brake maintenance mode per the instructions. After doing the brakes, I made sure the master cylinder reservoir was filled to the max line, which it was after compressing all the calipers back in. Filled the bleeder tank with brake fluid and attached to the master cylinder. Set it to 20 PSI and started the bleeding process. Started at LF, then RF, then LR and finally RR. Attached a piece of clear tubing to the bleeder fitting each time I cracked them open. Bled each side for about 1.5 mins and it worked flawlessly. After I was done, followed the instructions and deactivated maintenance mode. Put wheels back on and test drove. Brakes are mint now! Just throwing this out to show that if you are careful, pay attention and take your time, you can do this job without FDRS or a scan tool.

 

[GMans 5.0]

Ok cool. Thanks for the reply! I have the same pressure bleeder that you used on your truck. I bought 2 liters of pentosin dot 4 LV brake fluid to use. My scan tool is an Xtool D7. I’m not sure if it has the brake bleeding procedure so I will have to check it out.

Is there a specific scanner you need for this job/ recommend? I’ve been trying to figure out if I could use something like a OBDLINK MX+. I need to do my break fluid but just trying to figure out the easiest/ safest way to do so.

 

[lrequa92]

Is there a specific scanner you need for this job/ recommend? I’ve been trying to figure out if I could use something like a OBDLINK MX+. I need to do my break fluid but just trying to figure out the easiest/ safest way to do so.

You don’t “NEED” one if you follow the proper procedure. I was able to do it without using one. I do recommend using a pressure bleeder for sure though. I used the same one that @SALEEN961 used for his truck.

 

[GMans 5.0]

You don’t “NEED” one if you follow the proper procedure. I was able to do it without using one. I do recommend using a pressure bleeder for sure though. I used the same one that @SALEEN961 used for his truck.

I appreciate the quick response I just figured it would be safer/ easier to have a scanner for the job. I’m buying the exact same bleeder off Amazon for sure.

 

[JohnTrigger]

Did the brakes on all four corners this weekend and was able to use the same mityvac pressure bleeder that @SALEEN961 used on his truck. Happy to say that I did not have to use a scan tool for any of the process. Before starting the brake job, I put the system in brake maintenance mode per the instructions. After doing the brakes, I made sure the master cylinder reservoir was filled to the max line, which it was after compressing all the calipers back in. Filled the bleeder tank with brake fluid and attached to the master cylinder. Set it to 20 PSI and started the bleeding process. Started at LF, then RF, then LR and finally RR. Attached a piece of clear tubing to the bleeder fitting each time I cracked them open. Bled each side for about 1.5 mins and it worked flawlessly. After I was done, followed the instructions and deactivated maintenance mode. Put wheels back on and test drove. Brakes are mint now! Just throwing this out to show that if you are careful, pay attention and take your time, you can do this job without FDRS or a scan tool.

Thanks!

 

[lrequa92]

I appreciate the quick response I just figured it would be safer/ easier to have a scanner for the job. I’m buying the exact same bleeder off Amazon for sure.

Keep in mind, you have to make sure the scan tool has the capability. Mine did not.

 

[GMans 5.0]

Keep in mind, you have to make sure the scan tool has the capability. Mine did not.

Keep in mind, you have to make sure the scan tool has the capability. Mine did not.

Yeah that was kind of why I was asking which one people were using/ recommending in my OP, but I’ll just put it in BMM manually by following the guide.

 

[konoplya]

Did the brakes on all four corners this weekend and was able to use the same mityvac pressure bleeder that @SALEEN961 used on his truck. Happy to say that I did not have to use a scan tool for any of the process. Before starting the brake job, I put the system in brake maintenance mode per the instructions. After doing the brakes, I made sure the master cylinder reservoir was filled to the max line, which it was after compressing all the calipers back in. Filled the bleeder tank with brake fluid and attached to the master cylinder. Set it to 20 PSI and started the bleeding process. Started at LF, then RF, then LR and finally RR. Attached a piece of clear tubing to the bleeder fitting each time I cracked them open. Bled each side for about 1.5 mins and it worked flawlessly. After I was done, followed the instructions and deactivated maintenance mode. Put wheels back on and test drove. Brakes are mint now! Just throwing this out to show that if you are careful, pay attention and take your time, you can do this job without FDRS or a scan tool.

Can you do a step by step of how you did it with the pressure bleeder and no scan tool? Specifically of using the pressure bleeder tool and how you attached it, operate it. I've never bled brakes on a truck like mine before (2022 F150) and always did it on my sedans, which was super easy without any bleeding tools or scan tools, just pumping the pedals and adding fluids. I won't be replacing the pads at this time as they still have good amount of meat on them, just want to exchange the fluid. Thank you.

 

[heizhihe]

Still have some questionssir:
1, Is that possiable to do the bleed without the pressure bleeder?
2, I saw FORScan has the ABS bleed founction, if I click that option, should I get into brake service mode first?
3,if you use the pressure bleeder, how many ml do you ususally used please?

 

[SALEEN961]

Still have some questionssir:
1, Is that possiable to do the bleed without the pressure bleeder?
2, I saw FORScan has the ABS bleed founction, if I click that option, should I get into brake service mode first?
3,if you use the pressure bleeder, how many ml do you ususally used please?

It is possible to bleed the brakes without a pressure bleeder, but you risk setting codes that limit braking performance and may leave you with a truck that needs to be towed. These codes cannot be easily cleared without using Ford's preferred procedure with a scan tool and pressure bleeder.

I have not used the function in FORScan, it may be a direct copy of what a scan tool would do, or it could be something completely different. Putting your truck into brake service mode first may not be needed, but it sounds like the safest option.

I used 2 liters of Ate SL.6 DOT4 low viscosity brake fluid, but when I do the job again, I will probably buy 3 liters. You can use as much or as little brake fluid as you want.

 

[digitaltrucker]

SO if I am understanding this correctly, regardless of which procedure you use (Pressure vs scanner) you still must place the system in Brake Maintenance mode, correct?

 

[JohnTrigger]

SO if I am understanding this correctly, regardless of which procedure you use (Pressure vs scanner) you still must place the system in Brake Maintenance mode, correct?

Yes, very important step to activate brake maintenance mode before bleeding and deactivate it after complete. In this discussion it’s because of the electronic brake booster. Instructions to do these two processes without scan tool is in first post here. If you don’t you are likely to set codes and have an unsafe-to-drive vehicle with little braking action that will need towed to dealer to fix your error.

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