I have a 2003 escape that the right rear brake hose started to leak so I replaced the hoses on both side And the wheel cylinder on the right side because the bleeder was seized. I have tried to bleed it the manuel way and with a vacuum bleeder several time. I just doesn't want to bleed. Am I missing something? Also the abs light has been on for some time. Has anyone run into this problem before? Thanks

 

how exactly have you been trying the manual way??

 

When you pulled the hose off the right side did fuild leak out? Could be blockage in the line.

 

If you end up needing to bleed the ABS unit, take it to the dealer. A diagnostic tool is required to activate the gizzards and flush out air bubbles.
I think a flexible line replacement should not require ABS bleeding. Are you sure that is where you are getting the spongy pedal? To check, if you have drums in the rear, apply the parking brake, then check pedal firmness. If the pedal firms up, I think your rear lines need bleeding.
tom