How to bleed brakes on a 2015 Ford Expedition?
Bleeding the brakes on your 2015 Ford Expedition is an essential maintenance task that ensures your braking system operates effectively and safely. Over time, air can enter the brake lines, reducing braking performance and potentially compromising safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step to help you restore your vehicle’s braking power.
Why Bleeding Your Brakes is Important
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that transfers force from your brake pedal to the brake calipers. However, air can sometimes enter the brake lines due to leaks, improper maintenance, or during brake component replacements. Air in the brake lines can cause a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking efficiency. Bleeding the brakes removes this air, ensuring optimal performance.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Brake fluid (check your owner’s manual for the recommended type)
- Wrench (usually 10mm for bleeder screws)
- Clear plastic tubing
- Catch container for old brake fluid
- Jack and jack stands
- Tire iron
- Safety gloves and goggles
Step-by-Step Guide to Bleeding Brakes
Follow these steps carefully to bleed the brakes on your 2015 Ford Expedition:
Prepare Your Vehicle:
Park your Expedition on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels but do not remove them yet. Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the brake calipers.
Locate the Bleeder Screws:
Each brake caliper has a bleeder screw. These are typically located on the top of the caliper. Clean the area around the bleeder screws to prevent contamination.
Check and Refill Brake Fluid:
Open the brake fluid reservoir under the hood and ensure it is filled to the recommended level. Keep the reservoir cap loose but do not remove it completely.
Attach the Bleeder Hose:
Attach one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw and place the other end into a catch container. Ensure the tubing is secure to avoid spills.
Bleed the Brakes:
Start with the brake farthest from the master cylinder (usually the rear passenger side). Have a helper press the brake pedal several times and hold it down. While the pedal is held, use a wrench to open the bleeder screw slightly. Fluid and air bubbles will flow into the tubing. Close the bleeder screw before your helper releases the brake pedal. Repeat this process until no air bubbles are visible in the fluid.
Repeat for All Wheels:
Move to the next farthest wheel (rear driver side, front passenger side, and finally front driver side) and repeat the bleeding process for each wheel.
Top Off Brake Fluid:
After bleeding all the brakes, check the brake fluid reservoir and top it off to the recommended level. Ensure the cap is securely tightened.
Reassemble and Test:
Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Test the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm before driving.
Tips for Success
- Always use the correct type of brake fluid as specified in your owner’s manual.
- Dispose of old brake fluid properly; it is hazardous and should not be poured down the drain.
- If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic for assistance.
Conclusion
Bleeding the brakes on your 2015 Ford Expedition is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your vehicle’s braking performance. By following this guide, you can ensure your brakes are free of air and functioning at their best. Regular brake maintenance is key to staying safe on the road, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin’s Autos if you need professional assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you pump brakes when bleeding?
Position the bottle on top of the caliper or drum assembly, and hold it steady. Instruct your assistant to pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down firmly and say “applied.” Loosen the bleeder screw with a brief 1/4 turn to release fluid into the waste bottle.
What are the symptoms of air in the ABS module?
The brakes feels spongy when pressed: The brake pedal loses its firmness and feels soft or spongy when pressed. Erratic ABS activation: Air causes unpredictable ABS engagement which can lead to erratic braking response times. Increased brake pedal travel: More pedal effort is required to achieve braking.
Do you bleed brakes with the engine on or off?
The vehicle should not be running at any time during the bleeding process. If you are using a DIY system, these steps require a partner: With your partner in the driver's seat, have them slowly pump the brake pedal two times and then hold the brake pedal to the floor.
How to pressure bleed brakes?
All you have to do is fill the power bleeder with a brake fluid of your choice, pressurize it to about 15 psi, then go and crack your caliper bleeder screw. The pressure is enough to push the old fluid out, no pedal pumping required. I like to repump it a few times per corner to get out as much fluid as possible.
How to bleed a Ford ABS module without a scan tool?
The general procedure is find some sand, gravel, ice, or snow, and drive around locking all the wheels up to activate ABS to purge air out, then bleed the brakes, then repeat till normal ABS function is observed and no sponginess.
How many times should you pump the brakes when bleeding them?
Attach one end of the clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw, and place the other end into the disposable bottle. Position the bottle on top of the caliper or drum assembly, and hold it steady. Instruct your assistant to pump the brake pedal three times, then hold it down firmly and say “applied.”
How do you bleed brakes on a Ford ABS?
The Factory-Recommended Procedure: Fully Flushing ABS Systems
- Manually bleed the system (Right Rear, Left Rear, Right Front, Left Front).
- Use the service tool to activate the ABS pump and cycle the valves.
- Bleed the system again using the same manual process.
How to bleed air from brakes by yourself?
you want to pump your brakes. hold down the pedal. then open the valve to release any air. and then quickly close it to prevent any air from going back into the system. repeat this a couple times until there is no more air bubbles in your tubing. now just repeat this process with your other calipers.
How do you get trapped air out of your brakes?
Removing Air From the Brake Lines Without Bleeding Them
- Raise your car using a jack and locate the bleeder.
- Attach a plastic hose to the bleeder bolt after you've loosened this bolt.
- Place something on the brake pedal to hold it firm.
- Wait for the brake fluid to drain.
Do you bleed brakes with the reservoir cap on or off?
Locate your brake master cylinder reservoir's brake fluid level, usually located under-the-hood. Ensure that your car has the appropriate amount of fluid. While you're bleeding the brakes, you'll want to be sure that you leave the master cylinder cap unscrewed but rest it on top of the reservoir.
