How to Replace the Front Brake Pads on a 2008 Ford Taurus

In 2008 Ford resurrected the famed Taurus. This model came from the Ford 500, which did not have the name recognition the Taurus did. The new Taurus was larger, and this brought with it the need for more power and better braking. Changing the front brakes is something you can do in your driveway.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface. Apply the parking brake. Loosen the front lug nuts 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Jack up the vehicle and secure it on jack stands under the front jacking points. Remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheels from the vehicle.

2

Install the C-Clamp with the adjustable end on the outer brake pad and the other end on the back side of the caliper. Open the bleeder screw with a six-point, box-end wrench. If it won't come loose, soak it with penetrating oil -- they're easy to break. Tighten the C-Clamp until the caliper piston is fully compressed into the caliper. Tighten the bleeder screw to 8 foot pounds with the torque wrench.

3

Remove the two caliper mounting bolts. Do not remove the bolt for the brake line. Remove the caliper and and hang it from the suspension coil spring with the hanger, removing any tension from the brake hose. Remove the old brake pads from the mounting bracket. Remove the brake pad bracket mounting bolts and remove the bracket. Replace the brake pad spring clips. Inspect the caliper slide boots and replace then if they are damaged.

4

Install a lug nut 1/4 turn by hand. Remove the rotor hold-down screw with the screwdriver. Strike the rotor between the lug studs with the hammer until the rotor is loose. Remove the lugnut and rotor. Measure the rotor with the micrometer and have it machined if it is above 1.066 inches. Replace the rotor if it is below this measurement.

5

Clean the rotor mounting surface with the wire brush. Install the rotor and torque the mounting screw to 9 foot pounds. Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant to the brake pad clips, the back side of the brake pads, and the caliper slides. This will help prevent brake noise. Install the brake pad bracket, and torque the bolts to 111 foot-pounds. Install the brake pads into the brackets. If the brake pads have sensors make sure the sensors are facing down. Install the caliper and torque the mounting bolts to 44 foot pounds.

6

Install the wheels and snug the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the lugs nuts to 98 foot pounds in a star pattern. Check the brake fluid and add some new DOT 3 fluid if the level is below the full line. Pump the brake pedal slowly until it is firm. Check the brake fluid again and fill it to the full line.