How to Replace the Brakes in a 2000 Taurus

The 2000 Ford Taurus uses disc brakes with brake calipers on all four wheels. All brake pads need replacing eventually, but it is normal that you'll need to change the front pads more frequently than the rear pads. There are slight differences in changing the brake pads in front calipers than in rear ones. No matter which end you're changing them on, you need to change the brake pads for both the left and right wheel together.

Instructions

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels on the end of the car you're going to change the brake pads on. Raise the end of the car you're working on, support it on jack stands, and remove both of the wheels. Block the front of the front wheels if you're working on the rear end or the rear of the rear tires if you're working on the front end.

Wash the brake assembly with brake cleaner and catch the residue in a drip pan.

Compress the caliper piston with a C-clamp if you are working on the front calipers. The brake fluid will rise in the master cylinder as you do this; make sure it doesn't overflow.

Remove the caliper's lower bolt with a wrench and swing it up if it's the front caliper. For a rear caliper, detach the parking brake cable from the caliper, remove the upper mounting bolt, pry the caliper's top end free and swing it down.

Pull the brake pads out of the caliper's mounting bracket.

Seat the rear caliper piston into its bore by rotating it clockwise using a caliper adjusting tool or needle-nose pliers. One of the piston's slots must be able to engage the tab on the inner brake pad's backing plate.

Clean away all rust, corrosion or dirt from the caliper using a wire brush.

Install the replacement brake pads into the caliper mounting bracket.

Press the caliper sliding pins and make sure they move freely within the bores. Remove the pins and lubricate them with high-temperature grease if they do not.

Swing the caliper back into position on the mounting bracket, making sure the anti-rattle clip is properly installed. Apply a small amount of thread-locking compound to the threads of the mounting bolt and tighten it.

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car once you have changed the brake pads for both wheels.