How to Bleed Brakes on a 2000 Ford Explorer

The brake system on your 2000 Ford Explorer is one of the most important systems on your vehicle. To ensure the proper operation of your brake system, the brakes should be bled to remove air bubbles after any service to the system. Properly bleeding the brake system will help to ensure consistent and reliable operation. With a few simple tools and the help of an assistant, bleeding your brakes is a task that you can easily accomplish in your own garage or driveway.

Preparation and Brake Bleeding

Park your 2000 Ford Explorer on flat, level ground. Set the parking brake and securely chock the wheels.

Pull the hood release located on the driver's side kick panel and open the hood by pulling up on the hood latch located above the center of the front grill.

Clean the top of the brake-fluid reservoir and check the fluid level. If the fluid level is low, remove the filler cap and add DOT-approved brake fluid to the appropriate level. During the bleeding procedure, it may be necessary to add additional fluid.

Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the rear-passenger-side brake caliper. Place the clear plastic tube over the end of the bleeder screw. Place the other end of the plastic tube in the clear plastic container. Fill the container with enough brake fluid to fully submerge the end of the tube.

Ask your assistant to pump the brake pedal and then hold the brake pedal down. Use the openended wrench to open the bleeder screw by turning it counterclockwise. Watch the stream of brake fluid as it comes through the plastic tube and note when the brake fluid runs as a smooth stream, free of air bubbles, Close the bleeder screw by turning it clockwise.

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 on the rear driver-side caliper, front passenger-side caliper and front driver-side caliper.