Here's a general outline of the steps involved. Specific details may vary slightly depending on the exact year and model of your Taurus/Sable:
1. Safety First:
* Disconnect the battery: This prevents accidental shorts and electrical issues.
* Use jack stands: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Securely support the vehicle on jack stands.
* Wear safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from potential hazards.
2. Preparation:
* Consult a repair manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual specific to your year and model is crucial. These manuals provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams.
* Gather tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including jacks, jack stands, wheel chocks, socket wrench set (metric), wrenches, a torque wrench, a pry bar, possibly a ball joint separator, and potentially a pickle fork (use with caution!).
3. Removal Steps (General):
* Remove the wheels: Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the front wheels.
* Disconnect the brake calipers: Remove the brake caliper bolts and carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a bungee cord or wire to avoid damaging the brake line. Some models may require disconnecting the brake line (requires bleeding the brakes afterward).
* Disconnect the ABS sensor: If equipped, carefully disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor.
* Disconnect the sway bar link: Remove the bolt securing the sway bar link to the lower control arm.
* Disconnect the tie rod end: This usually requires a tie rod separator tool to safely separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
* Disconnect the lower ball joint: This can be tricky and might require a ball joint separator tool or a pickle fork (use a pickle fork cautiously to avoid damaging the control arm).
* Remove the axle nut: This is a large nut on the axle shaft. You'll likely need a breaker bar or impact wrench to loosen it.
* Remove the axle shaft: With all components disconnected, the axle shaft should slide out of the hub and differential. You may need to gently tap it out with a mallet.
4. Reassembly:
Reassembly is essentially the reverse of the removal process. Pay close attention to torque specifications in your repair manual. Improper tightening can lead to premature wear and failure. After reassembly, have your wheel alignment checked by a professional.
Important Considerations:
* Front-Wheel Drive: The Taurus/Sable is front-wheel drive, meaning the axle is an integral part of the transmission. Removing the axle requires more steps than a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
* CV Joints: The axle shafts contain Constant Velocity (CV) joints, which are delicate. Avoid damaging them during removal and installation.
* Bleeding the Brakes: If you disconnect the brake lines, you'll need to bleed the brakes afterward to remove air from the system.
* Alignment: After reassembling the front end, it's crucial to have a wheel alignment performed to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
This is a simplified overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Again, if you lack the experience or tools, have a professional mechanic perform this repair. Attempting this without proper knowledge can lead to significant damage and potentially dangerous situations.
