Bleeding Brakes

[wpurple]

My 99 Mountaineer seems to have a mushy petal (compared to my Sport)
so I bled the brakes tonight with a pump that sucks the fluid through from the bleed valve. (The pads are in very good condition)
It seems, or appears that I get tons of air into the jar. I would think that it was air entering through the threads of the bleed valve. Could it be that I am creating too much vacuum at the bleed screw and that the anti-lock valve(s) are creating a bit of restriction? Is there a special way to bleed anti-lock brake systems?

The master cylinder is full and cap removed.

I was going to just put a hose on the bleeder screw and put the hose in a jar of brake fluid but didn't think that was the best way to get the air (if any) out.

TIA
Kurt

 

[Glacier991]

Antilock brakes need to cycle the pump before bleeding. Ford has a special device that hooks into the antilock brake harness and does this....(T-year-P)-50-ALA [anti lock adapter] (they made it number of dfferent years, I think they are all interchangeable.) Mine is from 1990:

Here is the business end:

 

[jgilbs]

how much does a device like that set you back tho?

 

[Glacier991]

Don't hate me, but mine was "free". I bought a breakout box on E-bay and it came attached. I've seen em on E-bay now and then they tend to go for $75'ish. I have an extra aftermarket one I'll sell for $75. Does the same thing. Brand new in box, never opened.

 

[jgilbs]

i have a 92, so i really dont need it, but i was under the impression that that bleeding ABS required a "special, cant-be-obtained-by-home-mechanic giant, engine-oil-power-flushing-machine-sized tool".

 

[TheRookie]

Luckily that isnt the case. On your 92 you dont ned anything different to bleed the brakes. I use a vacuum bleeder but the old fashioned way will work fine

 

[Hartman]

I've bled my brakes without that special tool with no problems at all.

 

[DeRocha]

I used the vacuum tool and saw lots of tiny (pin head size) bubbles getting sucked out. I attributed this to air leaking around the treads. I didn't like this so I had a helper step on the pedal while I worked the bleeder valve.. IMO it is much faster, but the vac is the only choice when help isn't around.