Bleeding Master Cylinder/ABS System

I have a 96 Ford Explorer that blew out a rear brake line. My SIL was driving it and proceeded to run the master cylinder dry.

I have replaced the brake line and bled the lines, but the pedal is still going to the floor and is very soft. I suspect there is air either in the master cylinder or the ABS system. How do I bleed those?



Thanks,

Gary

The master cylinder should be filled with fluid once bled. The only way the ABS can be bled is with a device that can command it to.

I don't believe air in the ABS system will cause the brakes to be soft, however. Did you bleed the lines at all 4 wheels?

You probably still have air in the lines. I was amazed how long it took to bleed the brakes and get all the air out. I'm a firm believer in Speed Bleeders after a few times trying to purge a system of air. On one of my vehicles Speed Bleeders were not locally available so I tried the Mity Vac route. It was A LOT of pumping, but did the job. I never really liked the feel of the pedal though, and eventually tried the $20 (on sale) bleeder tool from Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92924). It never had such a great pedal feel.

-Rod