Brake bleeding

[07XLT4x2v8]

I had to replace a front frozen brake caliper and after bleeding the brakes the pedal is still kind of soft. It was never firm to begin with but was checking if there is a proceedure to really bleed the brakes and firm up the pedal. I did the old pump and hold method starting at the RR and used Super Blue Racing fluid Dot4. I tow a lot and it would be nice to have a firm pedal. Brakes work good otherwise.

 

[CDW6212R]

How much fluid was allowed to drain out? Is there a chance that air got up in the lines and reached the ABS hydraulic unit? If so that can only be bleed by a diagnostic tool, typically only at Ford. Limit the amount of air that gets into any ABS vehicle brake lines. Regards,

 

[07XLT4x2v8]

No, I don't think air got that far.
The pedal was mushy to begin with, I just thought that bleeding all 4 brake lines would firm up the pedal.
It is better than when I started, just seems that it could be much firmer.

 

[CDW6212R]

Well then start again and do all four. If everything is in good shape, then any sponginess would be the booster or air in the ABS. I have two 95 Crown Vics, and one lost all fluid when I added ABS. I know what the difference feels like, it is minor but bleeding the ABS is best.

 

[07XLT4x2v8]

Is it possible to bleed the brake booster?

I thought the dealer had to bleed the ABS system.

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes the ABS bleeding requires a diagnostic tool which cycles the unit while being bled. The brake boosters rarely have problems, but a poor pedal is the common symptom. Make sure everything else is in excellent condition before going to those.

 

[AndyInFlorida]

I'm running the same fluid. I use a pressure bleeder, and have zero issues with pedal.

 

[Frank Faraci]

I have a 93 explorer 4x4.Changed all brake lines,and master cylinder (I bench bled M/C)

I still have NO pedal or very low pedal. Could it be I have to bled the abs system?If so do I need a special tool?
Thanks;
Frank

 

[CDW6212R]

I would suspect something else wrong in the system, or still too much air in it. I don't think that the first ABS systems needed the special tools, meaning the newer ABS types from about 95 on need it.

 

[tonyspi]

Help!

i have a 2001 sport trac and the abs light is on. i hade the shop use a specail harness to get it to go off but it came back on. i bled the lines so there is no air in the lines. but i cant figure out how to get the light to stay off.