ok looking to settle a bit of an difference here when replacing brake pads on the focus or cmax. (front or rear) according to the Haynes manual they state to use method 1 and according to the ford etsis workshop manual they state to use method 2 (hence the confusion lol! )

Now to be clear I have only listed the main differences in the two methods as everything else is pretty similar.

I have always used method 1 on non abs cars and method 2 on abs cars for the fear of damaging the master cylinder seals.

so question is what method/manual is the proper way?

Method 1 (Haynes Manual)

Open reservoir cap clamp hose and slacken bleed screw before wind back either front or rear brake position to avoid damage/flipping the the master cylinder seal then bleed when new pads are fitted.

Method 2 ( Ford workshop Manual)

Open reservoir cap and wind piston back slowly using special rewind tool.

just wanting to know what why you guys do this and why the two manuals list two separate methods.

Thanks :)

Method 1 is probably the safest, myself i do method 2 because i don't have a good clamp for the brake hose

Ive heard that pushing the piston back without clamping the hose off could damage the master cylinder as the seal would be going the opposite way and could cause it to bind, but i havent had any issues

method 2 normally unless reservoir full to start with , then its crack bleed nipple of to expell excess fluid when pushing/winding back.

done it this way for 35 years , no issues with master cyl.

Always done method 2. :)

Thanks guys I guess I could start using method 2 as it would clearly speed up the process. I guess if they are winded back slowly they can cause no harm.

Thanks for the input.

Hi, I am with Ian on this one, I also use method 2, just in case I snap off the bleed nipple, I also have had no problems doing it this way for a lot of years, there again its your car do it the way you think is best for you, or take it to a garage.

Thanks fella's.

the idea of this thread was just to see what everyone thought of the two methods and why two separate manuals don't mention the same method to use. I have always used method 2 over the years (and will continue to do so) but started to use method 1 after reading about abs systems and a chance of wrecking the master cylinder.

So to sum it up both methods have the same end result although I guess the Haynes manual just state method 1 maybe to cover themselves in case someone caused damaged following their guide or something like that lol! :)

Thanks again to all who replied I have enough information now to settle a little friendly argument with a friend over both methods lol! :)

Thanks again.

Bit late, but method 2 also here. Method 1 sounds like a right faff.

Sent via the 'Clacks'

GNU STP

Presumably using method 1 is easier to wind back the piston.Like everyone on here I use method 2 but sometimes winding the piston back can be hard.

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Method 2 and just siphon off the fluid using a syringe as it fills the reservoir!

method 2 just like everyone else lol

Method 2 for me too.. garages I believe do it it like that.