How to Change Brakes on a 1998 Ford Taurus

The 1998 Ford Taurus uses brake calipers and pads on the front and rear wheels. The procedure for replacing the front brakes differs slightly from replacing the rear ones. It is possible that you may need to replace the front and rear brakes at the same time, but it's more likely that you'll need to replace the front brakes. This should be done every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Either way, you must change the pads for the left and right wheels together.

Instructions

Removal

1

Siphon out approximately two-thirds of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or other small suction tool. Dispose of this fluid in an environmentally appropriate manner.

2

Jack up the front or rear end of the Taurus. Support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheels on both sides of the car.

3

Clean off the brake assembly using an aerosol brake cleaner and a drip pan. Dispose of the residue in an appropriate manner.

4

Compress the parking brake lever and spring (rear caliper only) using slip-joint pliers. Disconnect the brake cable from the lever with locking pliers. Pry off the retaining clip on the cable with a screwdriver and pull the cable off the caliper.

5

Push the caliper piston on the front caliper -- accessed through the arch in the caliper -- back into its bore using a C-clamp.

6

Remove the front caliper's lower mounting bolt and swing the caliper upward and off the bracket, tying it to the suspension with a strong wire. If you are working on a rear caliper, remove the upper bolt and pivot it down.

7

Remove the brake pads from the bracket.

8

Rotate the rear caliper piston clockwise using needle-nose pliers or a special caliper-adjusting tool to seat the piston in the bore. Make sure one of the piston notches is in the same position as before.

Installation

9

Clean off all grime and residue from the inside of the caliper using a wire brush. Then, clean and lubricate the slide pins with high-temperature grease.

10

Remove the anti-squeal shims from the old front brake pads. Apply anti-squeal compound to the shims and connect them to the new pads.

11

Insert the replacement pads into the mounting bracket.

12

Swing the caliper back onto the bracket, making sure the anti-rattle clip is in place. Then install the bolt, tightening it with a torque wrench to 23 to 25 foot pounds.

13

Reconnect the parking brake cable to the rear calipers using the pliers. Reinstall the wheels and lower the car once you've changed the brakes on both wheels.

14

Refill the master cylinder reservoir with fresh brake fluid.