OEM 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Brake Master Cylinder

2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Brake Master Cylinder Parts Q&A

• Q: How to properly prime the brake master cylinder using DOT 3 brake fluid on 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

  A: When priming the brake master cylinder from either a vehicle or lab setting, utilize DOT 3 brake fluid exclusively because using alternative fluids will result in permanent damage that creates an inoperable braking system. When handling brake fluid, handle it properly since direct eye contact should be prevented and complete hand washing becomes necessary after finishing; if fluid contacts your eyes, flush them with water for 15 minutes followed by medical assistance if eye irritation persists. The bleeding operation requires maintaining the brake master cylinder reservoir with the correct fluid type and avoiding reuse of hydraulic system fluid because it will damage painted surfaces and plastics. Any hydraulic system disconnection may introduce air, which requires a bleeding procedure following system reconnection. You can perform in-vehicle priming when you disconnect brake lines from the brake master cylinder or bench priming from mounting the brake master cylinder into a vise with short brake tubes bent into the reservoir. The reservoir requires High Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AB or a DOT 3 equivalent product that meets Ford specification ESA-M6C25-A. Before using a new brake master cylinder, you should loosen the speed control pressure switch while having an assistant slowly press the brake pedal or manually press the primary piston. To remove air bubbles from the fluid outlet, perform the speed control pressure switch tightening procedure until no more bubbles exist. Push the brake pedal or depress the primary piston so clear liquid flows out from both tubes without any sign of air bubbles appearing. Finally, install the brake master cylinder inside the vehicle and cut off short tubes while attaining outlet tubes into place. An assistant should maintain pressure on the brake pedal after allowing the brake outlet tube at the 4WABS HCU to gently loosen while regularly refilling the reservoir when needed. Assume tightness of HCU outlet tube fittings while repeating the procedure until the expelled fluid shows no bubbles present before doing it for the other outlet tube. A flexible tube should connect to the brake master cylinder bleeder screw while directing the other end into a container that contains brake fluid. The assistant should hold down the brake pedal while using the bleeder screw to loosen, then close it when fluid begins to exit. To complete this procedure, continue until the expelled fluid shows no air bubbles and then commence the brake system bleed.