How to Bleed Your Ford Focus Brakes

Your vehicle's brake system stands out as a critical safety feature on the road, underscoring the necessity of proper brake maintenance. Brake bleeding constitutes a vital service that guarantees your vehicle's continued smooth operation for many miles in Naperville.

Although not inherently complex, this process can consume a significant amount of time. Fortunately, the service department at River View Ford is here to handle the more labor-intensive aspects for you. Now, let's delve into the fundamental principles of brake line bleeding.

What Signs Might Be Treated by a Braking System Bleed?

The primary reason for requiring a brake fluid flush and bleed is routine brake maintenance. Nevertheless, if the fluid is identified as excessively old, contaminated, and posing a risk to rubber components within the brake system, it becomes imperative to conduct a flush and bleed service.

Additionally, in cases of brake fluid leakage, this service becomes necessary to expel air from the system.

Lastly, when the brake pedal exhibits excessive softness or a spongy feel accompanied by subpar performance of the service brakes, a brake system bleed and flush will be carried out to eradicate air from the system. This procedure will be undertaken after identifying and rectifying the source of air.

A Brake Fluid Bleed or a Brake Flush?

The procedure of brake bleeding involves the manual pumping of fresh fluid through your brake lines to eliminate any potential air present within them.

This task can be accomplished either individually, using an external hand pump, or collaboratively with two individuals utilizing the vehicle's brake pedal.

Each of the vehicle's four brakes is bled separately, utilizing a bleeder screw located on each caliper or wheel cylinder. Those well-versed in hydraulic braking systems can opt to learn how to bleed brakes personally, or alternatively, a mechanic can manage the process.

Shop From Amazon

R1 Concepts Front Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic...

R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads...

Detroit Axle - 10.94'' Front and 10.67'' Rear Disc Rotors Ceramic Brake Pads Replacement f...

On the other hand, brake flushing takes the process a step further. This process entails the complete replacement of old brake fluid with pristine new fluid.

Frequently, a powered flushing machine is employed for this purpose, connecting to the brake fluid reservoir's usual cap attachment point.

Fresh brake fluid is pushed throughout the entire hydraulic system until the fluid exiting the system runs clear. Brake flushing ensures the presence of entirely new brake fluid throughout your entire braking system.

How to Bleed the Brakes

For those inclined towards DIY Ford Focus maintenance, mastering the skill of brake bleeding is completely attainable. However, this endeavor will require a substantial amount of time and a proper collection of necessary supplies.

1. Gather brake fluid, a box-end wrench, a fluid holder with tubing, and enlist an assistant for assistance. If uncertain about the specific brake fluid required, consult your owner's manual.
2. Elevate your Ford Focus on a stable and level surface. Proceed to remove the wheels.
3. Carefully loosen the four caliper bleeding screws to ensure their condition, taking care not to damage them. If the screws appear stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow 30 minutes before retrying. Once loosened successfully, proceed to retighten the screws.
4. Access the engine compartment and inspect the brake fluid levels within the master cylinder reservoir. Throughout the process, leave the reservoir cap unscrewed, but safeguard it from misplacement.
5. Position one end of a transparent 1/4-inch tubing segment over the initial bleeder screw and the other end over a receptacle. Ensure that the receptacle is positioned at a lower level than the screws, making certain the tubing's length is adequate.
6. Instruct your assistant to pump the brake pedal multiple times until they sense resistance. Open the bleeder screw, allowing fluid to flow down the tubing.
7. While you bleed the brakes, your assistant should maintain consistent pressure on the pedal, notifying you before their foot reaches the floor, and subsequently close the bleeder screw.
8. Verify the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If it has decreased, replenish it with more fluid.
9. Repeat the process a minimum of five times on each bleeder screw or until the fluid stream exhibits no air bubbles.
10. Replicate the procedure for the remaining bleeder screws, following a sequence from the screw farthest from the master cylinder to the one closest.
11. Upon completion, assess your work. Have your assistant apply the brakes and swiftly release the pedal. Monitor the fluid within the master cylinder reservoir. If it shows bubbles, a repetition of the process is necessary. If the fluid movement is minimal, your task is accomplished.
12. Securely tighten each bleeder screw, reattach the wheels, and lower your vehicle to the ground.

Shop From Amazon

Centric FRONT and REAR Metallic Brake Pads Plus Shoes 2 Complete Sets For Ford Focus 2012-...

R1 Concepts Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Semi Metal...

A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Without Bracket Compatible with Select Ford and Mazd...

Is It Safe to Drive When a Brake System Hydraulic Bleed Is Needed?

It is not advised to drive any car with braking problems. For safety reasons, take the car out of service right away and have it serviced if you see any indication that the brakes are not working correctly.

In the case of a brake fluid flush and bleed performed as routine maintenance without any observable symptoms, it is generally safe to drive the vehicle to a repair shop.

How Frequently Should a Brake Hydraulic System Be Bled?

Brake system maintenance is a component of the manufacturer's scheduled upkeep, typically outlined in the owner's manual. For most vehicles, brake service is commonly scheduled between 40,000 and 60,000 miles, during which the brake fluid is flushed and bled.

It is important to note that neglecting to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule could lead to premature malfunction of different brake system elements.

Properly bleeding the brakes of your Ford Focus is an essential maintenance task that ensures optimal brake performance and safety.

By carefully following the outlined steps and paying attention to the details, you can effectively remove air from the brake lines and restore the brake system's functionality.

Regular brake bleeding, as advised by Ford and explained in this tutorial, will improve your driving experience and give you more assurance in your car's braking power.

Remember, it is always a good idea to obtain assistance from a trained technician to guarantee the task is done correctly if you are hesitant or uneasy attempting this technique alone.