So, it's been a while but my brake fluid hasn't been changed. I also just replaced all 4 rotors, new pads all around, greased up all the slide pins and got 1 out 4 bleeder valves to loosen. I also heave to replace the Master Cylinder and at this time I want to drain all the brake fluid out. So, what is the best way, how long would it take me, how many qts of brake fluid can I expect to fill up. Would I just take off each individual brake line and let them drain? Would I have to even bother with the bleeder valves? I'm not opposed to getting them unstuck as I like a good challenge. Anyone's thoughts, techniques, experiences are welcome. It's a 2002 F 250 5.4L, XLT 4WD with 213K on the clock.
Thanks.....

 

I think your going to need to be able to crack the bleeders in the end to bleed all the air out when you refill the system. To empty the system you can just unmount the calipers and get the bleeders below the flex hose (invert them) and remove the bleeders at all 4 corners and basically 99% of the fluid is going to gravity run out. If your replacing the master, remove the 2 feeder lines from it and now the system is wide open and emptying. Let it drip overnight if you like. Put the bleeders back just finger tight and remount the calipers but don't put the wheels back on yet. Bench prime the master cylinder and then mount it and reattach the 2 lines. Now open all your bleeders about 1/2 a turn and let them sit for an hour or more, it will gravity bleed out the air as the new fluid comes down the lines. KEEP FILLING THE MASTER!!! When its a steady flow of fluid and not bubbly with air dripping out close that bleeder until all 4 bleeders are closed (usually the drivers front, then passenger front, drivers rear, then pass rear will be the order they clear up in). Now wrench tighten them and pump up the brakes to build some pressure. I like the 1 man brake bleeder kits for like $8 at the parts store. You hook a little bottle with a line to the bleeder, crack the bleeder a 1/4 turn then pump the brakes and push fluid/air out until it stops getting air out. Bleed pass rear, drivers rear, pass front, last do drivers front. Remember to fill the master cylinder as you go, NEVER let the master go dry or you'll be pumping air back in.

 

Agree with nydiver with one exception. I made a one man bleeder with some 3/16 clear plastic line from Lowes and a Gatorade bottle after I finished drinking it.

Once all of that is done, you are going to have to bleed the ABS system. I'm having that issue now with my 04 Chevy since I replaced the master cylinder. If you don't some air will get trapped in the ABS and you will have spongey brakes, no matter how much you bleed them.

I'm not sure of the procedure for bleeding the Ford ABS but I'm sure google is your friend.

For the Chevy, its a bit complicated to do without a scan tool to cycle the ABS. But I'm going to give it a try tonight. I have a few different procedures I'm going to try based off of symptoms I'm having and a little Google sleuthing.