The 1994 Ford Taurus comes with front disc brakes and may also come equipped with rear disc or rear drum brakes. Replacing the front brakes in the Taurus is a relatively unchanged process no matter what year it is; the rear disc brakes employ a different procedure to retract the caliper piston than do the front. A special tool is required to screw the rear caliper piston into the caliper bore. Otherwise, the procedure is quite similar to the front brake pad replacement.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the cover to the master cylinder and then siphon out 1/3 of the brake fluid from inside it. Discard the old fluid appropriately. Replace the cover to the master cylinder.
2Loosen the wheel nuts with wheel nut wrench before lifting the Taurus.
3Lift the Taurus, one side at a time, with the jack and then support each frame rail gently onto a jack stand. Finish removing the wheel nuts and wheels.
4Remove the brake pin retainers using a ratchet and a socket set. Remove the caliper and support it to the strut spring using a caliper S-hook. This will prevent damage from occurring to the hydraulic brake hose. Be sure not to twist the caliper and brake hose when replacing.
5Remove the outboard pad and inboard pad from the caliper housing. A screwdriver may help removing the retaining clips of the pads. Place one of the old pads against the caliper piston and use the 4-inch C-clamp to compress the caliper piston inward until it bottoms out. Tighten the C-clamp slowly so the caliper piston does not incur damage.
6Inspect the rotor for any visible damage to the surface. If you're not replacing it, use a medium-grit sandpaper to hand-sand the glazing from the surface.
7Install the inboard and outboard pads to the caliper. Make sure the rattle clips are properly seated and holding the pads in correct position to the caliper housing. Apply a light coat of lubricant to the integral caliper seat of the knuckle where the caliper anchors to. Install the caliper and then replace the brake pin retainers and tighten. Repeat the same procedure for the other side.
8Replace the wheels and wheel nuts and then tighten them to 100-foot pounds using the torque wrench and 19mm socket after lowering the car to the ground. Pump the foot brake pedal several times to position the pads against the rotors. Check the master cylinder again and top off the brake fluid, if necessary, with new brake fluid. Test drive the Taurus.
