Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 377

The returning brake fluid will cause a slight turbulence in the brake master cylinder reservoir. Turbulence seen 
in the brake master cylinder reservoir upon release of the brake pedal is normal and shows that the 
compensating ports are not plugged. 

GENERAL PROCEDURES 

BLEEDING - COMPONENTS 

Special Tool(s) 

Fig. 10: Special Tool(s) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Master Cylinder Priming - In-Vehicle or Bench 

WARNING:

Use of any other than approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent 
damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

1. For in-vehicle priming, disconnect the brake lines. 

WARNING:

Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact 
with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts 
eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention 
if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. 
Get medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake master cylinder reservoir to run dry during the 

bleeding operation. Keep the brake master cylinder reservoir filled with the 
specified brake fluid. Never reuse the brake fluid that has been drained 
from the hydraulic system.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is 

spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

NOTE:

When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or 
installation of new components, air can enter the system and cause spongy 
brake pedal (2455) action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after it 
has been properly connected. The hydraulic system can be bled instructionly or 
with pressure bleeding equipment.

NOTE:

When a new brake master cylinder (2140) has been installed or the system has 
been emptied, or partially emptied, it should be primed to prevent air from 
entering the system.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 11: Disconnecting Brake Lines 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

2. For bench priming, mount the brake master cylinder (2140) in a vise. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 12: Mounting Brake Master Cylinder In A Vise 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

3. Install short brake tubes with the ends submerged in the brake master cylinder reservoir (2K478), and fill 

the brake master cylinder reservoir with High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or 
equivalent DOT 3 fluid meeting Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A. If DOT 3 is not available use DOT 4 
Brake Fluid meeting Ford specification SAE-J1704-DOT 4. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup