How to Install Disc Brakes on a Ford Taurus

Introduced in 1986, the Taurus has been an enduring staple of the Ford Motor Company's lineup. Since its induction, the car has employed front disc brakes; but the rear brakes on your Taurus may feature drum or disc, depending on the year the car was made. Throughout the first four generations of the vehicle---through 2005---replacing the disc brakes has remained virtually unchanged. There may be subtle differences, but the overall procedure to install new front and rear brakes is very similar no matter what year the Taurus is.

Instructions

1

Use a hand pump and cup to extract half the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Replace the cap and discard the fluid.

2

Crack the lug nuts 1/8 of a turn using a lug wrench. Lift and support the front of the Taurus using a jack and jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

3

Remove the caliper locating pins with a ratchet and socket; then use a screwdriver to pry the caliper off the caliper bracket and rotor. Tie the caliper to the coil spring with twine to prevent damage to the brake hose.

4

Remove the outer and inner brake pads. The outer pad is seated in the caliper bracket, and you must pry the inner pad out of the caliper piston. Place the outer pad against the caliper piston, and use a 6-inch C-clamp to retract the caliper piston fully into the bore.

5

Use a piece of emery cloth to clean any rust from the caliper on the pad contact points.

6

Inspect the rotor for scoring, grooves or hard spots. If replacing the rotor, remove it by pulling out the two caliper bracket bolts and then removing the bracket. If necessary, use a three-jaw rotor/drum puller to separate the rotor from the hub. Clean the surface of the hub flange with emery cloth. Spray the new rotor with brake clean spray to remove the rust preventive solution, and then place it on the hub flange. Return the caliper bracket, and tighten the bracket bolts to 85 foot-pounds using a torque wrench and socket.

7

Spray the backing plates of the pads with anti-squeal brake spray. Allow a couple minutes for the solution to become tacky. Apply anti-seize compound to the caliper slides, if necessary, and to the caliper anchor where the pad contacts are located. Set the inboard pad into the caliper piston, then place the outboard pad into the caliper bracket. Remove the twine and discard, and then replace the caliper onto the caliper bracket and rotor. Tighten the caliper locating bolts to 25 foot-pounds.

8

Repeat the procedure for the other side.

9

Replace the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm. Top off the brake fluid in the master cylinder using only clean DOT brake fluid. Test drive the Taurus to ensure proper braking.