Brake Bleeding on a Ford Fusion

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Maintaining the braking system on your Ford Fusion is crucial for safe and effective driving, as it is one of the most important parts of your car.

To ensure maximum braking performance, brake bleeding is an essential component of brake maintenance. It works by removing air bubbles and impurities from the brake fluid.

In this article, we'll go over how to bleed the brakes on your Ford Fusion to help you maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition.

1. Assemble the Equipment and Supplies Required

Before starting the brake bleeding procedure on your Ford Fusion, make sure you have the necessary equipment and supplies on hand:

• Use jack stands and a hydraulic floor jack to safely raise your car.
• Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel or wheels to gain access to the brake calipers.
• Use a box-end wrench or flare-nut wrench (typically 8mm or 10mm) to open and close the brake bleeder valves.
• Connect a transparent plastic tube to the bleeder valve to collect used brake fluid.
• Have a container to hold the used brake fluid and ensure its proper disposal.
• Enlist a family member or friend to help you with the bleeding (if feasible).
• Replace the brake fluid with new, as directed by your car's owner's manual (usually DOT 3 or DOT 4).
• Use a syringe or turkey baster to empty the brake fluid reservoir of excess fluid.

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2. Raise Your Ford Fusion and Secure It

Begin by using a hydraulic floor jack to raise your Ford Fusion safely, then place jack stands underneath the car's structure. Ensure it's on a level, sturdy surface before continuing. Safely securing your car while working on it is very important.

3. Prepare the Brake Bleeding Valve

Locate the brake bleeder valve on the caliper of the wheel you want to bleed. You might need to use a lug wrench to remove the wheel to reach the valve. Clean the area around the valve before opening it to prevent any dirt or debris from entering the brake system.

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4. Start the Brake Bleeding Procedure

Ask your friend or family member to press and hold the brake pedal while they are in the driver's seat. Meanwhile, you will be working at the bleeder valve.

Fasten one end of the transparent plastic hose to the bleeder valve, and place the other end in the container used to hold used brake fluid. The transparent hose allows you to observe air bubbles and debris being expelled from the system.

Turn the bleeder valve counterclockwise with the box-end wrench or flare-nut wrench. Your helper should press the brake pedal to the floor and hold it there.

You will see old brake fluid, air bubbles, and impurities flowing through the clear hose and into the container while your helper holds the brake pedal down.

After closing the bleeder valve by turning it clockwise, give your helper the all-clear to release the brake pedal. Repeat this process until the expelled fluid is clear of any impurities or air bubbles. This is known as "bleeding the brakes."

5. Monitor the Brake Fluid Reservoir

It's important to monitor the brake fluid reservoir when bleeding the brakes. Typically located next to the firewall on the driver's side, it must never run empty during the operation.

As you open and close the bleeder valve, the brake fluid level will naturally decrease; therefore, regularly top it off with fresh brake fluid to keep air out of the brake system.

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6. Perform the Procedure on Every Wheel

To ensure complete brake bleeding, perform the procedure on every wheel of your Ford Fusion. Start with the wheel farthest from the brake fluid reservoir (typically the right rear), then proceed to the left rear, right front, and finally the left front. This procedure will ensure air is released from all parts of the brake system.

7. Conduct a Brake Pedal Test

Once all wheels have been bled, ask your helper to apply pressure to the brake pedal. It should be firm and not drop to the ground. If the pedal feels spongy or depresses too far, you might need to repeat the bleeding procedure or check for any potential leaks or issues in the brake system.

8. Lower the Car and Take a Test Drive

Once you are satisfied with the firmness of the brake pedal and the absence of air bubbles, tighten the bleeder valves firmly on each caliper.

After reinstalling the wheel(s) and removing the clear plastic hoses, lower your Ford Fusion from the jack stands to the ground.

Before hitting the road, lightly press the brake pedal while the car is stationary to test your brakes. This ensures the brake pads and rotors are making proper contact.

If the pedal feels normal, take a short test drive in a safe area to verify your brakes are functioning correctly. Pay close attention to how your brakes feel and respond during the test drive.

In Summary

Brake bleeding is a crucial maintenance procedure for your Ford Fusion, ensuring the brakes operate safely and effectively. By following the instructions provided in this article, you can successfully bleed the brakes on your vehicle and ensure that the brake fluid is free of impurities and air bubbles.

Well-maintained brakes are essential for your safety and that of other drivers, so take your time and observe safety precautions when performing this task.

If you're not comfortable doing the brake bleeding yourself, it's advisable to seek the expertise of a professional auto technician.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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