Here's a general overview of the process:
1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels.
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
* Raise the vehicle securely using jack stands. Support the vehicle at the appropriate frame points, not the suspension.
2. Preparation:
* Gather tools: You'll need jack stands, a floor jack, socket set (including metric sizes), a wrench set, a hammer, a pry bar (possibly), penetrating oil (like PB Blaster), and possibly a transmission jack (highly recommended).
* Locate the driveshaft: The driveshaft connects the transmission to the differential. On a front-wheel-drive Taurus, you'll likely be dealing with the half-shafts (one for each wheel), rather than a single, long driveshaft.
3. Disconnecting the Driveshaft(s):
This is where things get specific and depend on whether you're working on the left or right half-shaft. The process will likely involve these steps for *each* half shaft:
* Remove the wheel and brake caliper. This gives you better access. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to keep it from hanging by the brake line.
* Disconnect the CV joint(s) from the transmission and the wheel hub. This often involves unbolting a flange or separating a ball joint. Penetrating oil is your friend here; spray liberally and let it soak. You might need a pickle fork or ball joint separator to help separate the joint.
* Remove the bolts attaching the half-shaft to the transmission or differential. These are often difficult due to rust and corrosion. Use penetrating oil and apply force carefully to avoid stripping the bolts.
4. Removing the Driveshaft(s):
Once the bolts are removed, the half-shaft should slide out. However, it can sometimes be stubborn due to the CV joints. Gently wiggle and tap the driveshaft to free it. A transmission jack can help support the transmission to prevent damage and make removal easier.
5. Reassembly (in reverse order):
When reinstalling, remember to use new bolts or reuse the existing bolts only if they are undamaged and not stretched. Torque all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications found in your repair manual.
Important Considerations:
* Front-wheel drive vs. All-wheel drive: The 1999 Ford Taurus was primarily front-wheel drive. If it's an all-wheel drive model, the process will be more complex and you'll have additional components to disconnect.
* CV joints: Be extremely careful when working with CV joints. Damaging them can lead to expensive repairs.
* Transmission fluid: Removing the half shafts might result in some transmission fluid leaking. Be prepared to top it off afterward if necessary.
* Professional help: If you are uncomfortable with any part of this process, it is strongly recommended that you take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly removing or reinstalling the driveshaft can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1999 Ford Taurus for detailed instructions, diagrams, and torque specifications. Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to damage and injury.
