How to Change Brake Pads on a 1995 Ford Taurus

The 1995 Ford Taurus came equipped with front disc brake pads and either rear brake pads or rear brake shoes (drum brakes). In any event, replacing the front or rear pads is a similar procedure except for one definitive difference. The rear caliper piston requires a special tool to compress it into its bore. Attempting to compress the piston like you would the front would damage the piston and/or the tool.

Instructions

1

Remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder inside the engine compartment after parking the 1995 Taurus on a flat, paved surface suitable for lifting the vehicle.

2

Apply the parking brake if you're replacing the front brake pads; however, do not apply the parking brake if replacing the rear.

3

Break the lug nuts loose 1/4 turn counterclockwise on the tires on which you intend to replace the brake pads, using the lug wrench.

4

Lift the Taurus with the car jack, then support it safely onto the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and tires.

5

Remove the upper and lower caliper mounting bolts with a hand wrench.

6

Pry the caliper and pad assembly off the integral knuckle with a standard screwdriver or small pry bar, then support the caliper on the coil spring from a caliper hook.

7

Pry the outboard pad from the caliper using the screwdriver or pry bar. Pull the inboard pad from the caliper piston to remove it.

8

Compress the caliper piston inward using the 4-inch C-clamp. Twist the rear calipers clockwise with a caliper reset tool, ratchet and extension.

9

Clean the edges of the integral knuckle where the backing plates of the pads sit against with a wire bristled brush.

10

Apply a coat of lubricant (supplied in the pad replacement box) to the mating surface of the knuckle-to-pad backing plates.

11

Install the inboard pad into the caliper piston.

12

Install the outboard pad to the outer edge of the caliper.

13

Replace the caliper and pad assembly into the integral knuckle over the rotor. Align the guide bolts into their respective holes and tighten.

14

Replace the wheels and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts snugly, then lower the Taurus to the ground by reversing the lifting procedure.

15

Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern with the torque wrench and socket to 100 foot-pounds.

16

Make sure the cover to the master cylinder is in place, then pump the brake pedal until it feels firm. Remove the cover to the master cylinder to check and add brake fluid, if necessary.