replacing master cylinder -- '01, 3.8 L

[Fordina]

We have had an ABS light on and a brake light on. Codes indicated that the ABS control module and HCU needed replacing. I replaced the control module and the master cylinder and topped it up with brake fluid. A couple of questions:
1) Is the HCU the same thing as the master cylinder?
2) Now, the brakes don't work. The pedal goes all the way down to the floor without any braking when the ignition is on. I've tried pumping the brakes to get the brake fluid back into the system, but it still won't "catch" and actually brake. What did I do wrong? Any ideas?

[12Ounce]

Anytime the brake system is opened, it must be "bled" afterwards ... to remove air bubbles. Usually best to have an assistant ... hopefully someone who's been thru the process before. It involves one person open/closing the drain "cocks" at each wheel ... and the assistant pumping the brake pedal. Some co-ordination is necessary, as the wheel petcocks must be closed while the fluid waste stream is flowing ... and the pedal must be returned only when the petcock is closed. Be sure to top off master cyl when complete.

[MagicRat]

Agreed. Check on-line for "how to bleed brakes" and you should find many sites with instructions and advice.

[wafrederick]

Most say the buddy way is not the way to go,air bubbles gets trapped when doing it this way.The bleeder stystems made by Phoenix systems and sold on tool trucks are the way to go getting rid of the air bubbles much easier.

[wiswind]

I bought a "One man Bleeder" at Autozone for cheap.
It is a bottle with a hose.....connect the hose to the bleeder screw opening and place the bottle slightly uphill from the bleeder screw.......then open bleeder screw and give the brake pedal 2 or 3 good pumps,,,close bleeder screw, empty bottle, and repeat.

I found that I needed to remove each bleeder screw, wrap a single layer of teflon thread tape over the bleeder screw threads, and re-install.....to make a good seal at the threads.

A link to a picture of the "One Man Bleeder" in use on the front caliper of my windstar
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2158...11220610qGRHGw