Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 378

Fig. 13: Installing Short Brake Tubes With Ends Submerged In Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

4. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal (2455), or slowly depress the primary piston until clear fluid 

flows from both brake tubes, without air bubbles.  

5. If the brake master cylinder has been primed at the bench, install it in the vehicle. For additional 

information, refer toHYDRAULIC BRAKE ACTUATION .  

6. Remove the short brake tubes, and install the brake outlet tubes. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 14: Installing Brake Outlet Tubes 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

7. Bleed each brake tube at the brake master cylinder as follows:  

1. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal, and then hold firm pressure on the brake pedal.  

2. Loosen the rearmost brake tube fittings until a stream of brake fluid comes out. While the assistant 

maintains pressure on the brake pedal, tighten the brake tube fitting.  

3. Repeat this operation until clear, bubble-free fluid comes out.  

4. Refill the brake master cylinder reservoir as necessary. Repeat the bleeding operation at the front brake 

tube.  

Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (4WABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) 

WARNING:

Use of any other than approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

1. Clean all dirt from and remove the brake master cylinder filler cap (2162), and fill the brake master 

cylinder reservoir (2K478) with the specified brake fluid. 

damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.

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: Brake fluid is harmful to painted or plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled 

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

CAUTION: Do not allow the master cylinder to run dry during the bleeding operation. 

Keep the master cylinder filled with the specified brake fluid. Never use 
brake fluid that has been drained from the hydraulic system.

NOTE:

This procedure only needs to be performed if a new 4-wheel anti-lock brake 
(4WABS) hydraulic control unit (HCU) has been installed or if the HCU lines 
have been opened.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 15: Identifying Cylinder Reservoir 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

2. Connect a clear waste line to the RH rear bleeder screw (2208) and the other end in a container partially 

filled with recommended brake fluid. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 GENERAL INFORMATION Brake System - General Information - F150 Pickup