I. Rear Drum Brakes (More common on older Sables):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly. Use jack stands to securely lift the rear of the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses.
2. Wheel Removal: Remove the wheel and tire using a lug wrench.
3. Drum Removal: Often, the brake drum is held on by friction. You might need to gently tap around the edges with a rubber mallet to loosen it. If it's stubbornly stuck, try using a brake drum puller (available at auto parts stores).
4. Brake Shoe Inspection and Replacement: Once the drum is off, you'll see the brake shoes and hardware. Inspect the shoes for wear. If they're worn, replace the entire brake shoe assembly (usually comes as a pair). Note the position of the shoes and any adjusting mechanisms.
5. Brake Cylinder Adjustment: Drum brakes have a wheel cylinder (not a piston). This cylinder pushes the brake shoes outward. It doesn't typically need compression like a disc brake caliper piston. However, the shoes may need to be adjusted for proper clearance. Your vehicle's repair manual will detail how to adjust the star wheel or other adjustment mechanism.
6. Reassembly: Install new shoes (if necessary), ensuring they're correctly positioned. Return the drum. Sometimes, a slight tap is needed to seat the drum.
7. Wheel Reinstallation: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
II. Rear Disc Brakes (More common on newer Sables):
1. Safety First: Same as above.
2. Wheel Removal: Same as above.
3. Caliper Removal: Locate the caliper bolts and remove them. The caliper might be held on by a slide pin or two. Carefully remove these and the caliper. Support the caliper with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from dangling and stretching the brake line.
4. Piston Compression: This is where you compress the brake caliper piston. You'll need a C-clamp and some padding (wood blocks or thick rubber) to avoid damaging the piston. Important: Slowly and steadily compress the piston while turning it. This allows the brake fluid to be pushed back into the master cylinder. If the piston doesn't move, consult a repair manual to ensure you're doing it correctly and that there isn't an issue with your brake system. Do not force the piston.
5. Rotor Removal: Remove the rotor bolts (if any) and carefully remove the rotor. Inspect the rotor for scoring, excessive wear, or warping. Replace if necessary.
6. Brake Pad Replacement: Remove the old brake pads and install new ones. Make sure they're seated correctly.
7. Caliper Reinstallation: Reinstall the caliper, making sure the slide pins are lubricated with high-temperature brake caliper grease.
8. Wheel Reinstallation: Same as above.
9. Bleed the Brakes: After working on any part of the braking system, you *must* bleed the brakes to remove air from the lines. This is usually done at each wheel, starting with the furthest from the master cylinder. Consult a repair manual for the correct procedure.
Crucial Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your year and model Mercury Sable is invaluable. It will provide detailed instructions, diagrams, torque specifications, and critical warnings.
* Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is corrosive. If you spill any, clean it up immediately.
* Proper Tools: You'll need the correct size sockets, wrenches, and possibly specialty tools (like a caliper piston compression tool and brake drum puller).
* If Unsure, Seek Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable performing this task, take your Sable to a qualified mechanic. Brake repair is critical for safety.
This information is for general guidance only. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific procedures and safety precautions. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
