Instead of repairing, focus on replacing the master cylinder. Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Safety First: This is crucial. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. Have a helper assist you, as you'll need to pump the brake pedal during certain parts of the process. Wear safety glasses.
2. Gather Supplies: You'll need a new master cylinder (get the correct one for your year and model Taurus!), new brake fluid, a brake bleeder kit, rags, a wrench set (metric for Ford), and potentially a C-clamp (depending on the type of brake line connections).
3. Bleeding the Brakes: Before removing the old master cylinder, completely bleed the brakes at each wheel. This will minimize the amount of brake fluid lost during the replacement. Follow the bleeding procedure outlined in your Taurus's owner's manual or a reliable repair manual. Typically, you start with the furthest wheel from the master cylinder and work your way closer.
4. Removing the Old Master Cylinder:
* Disconnect the brake lines: Carefully loosen the brake lines connected to the master cylinder. You'll likely need a wrench. Have a helper keep a rag nearby to catch any spilled brake fluid. Consider capping the brake lines immediately to prevent air from entering the system.
* Disconnect the brake booster: Depending on your year, there may be bolts or rods connecting the booster to the master cylinder. Loosen and remove these connections.
* Remove the master cylinder: Usually secured by bolts, carefully remove the master cylinder from its mounting bracket.
5. Installing the New Master Cylinder:
* Install the new master cylinder: Reverse the removal process. Carefully mount the new master cylinder to the booster and its bracket.
* Reconnect the brake lines: Carefully reconnect the brake lines. Tighten the connections securely but avoid over-tightening.
* Reconnect the brake booster: Attach the brake booster to the master cylinder.
6. Bleeding the Brakes Again: After installing the new master cylinder, you must completely bleed the brakes at each wheel again to remove any air introduced into the system. This is essential for proper brake function. Failure to do this properly is extremely dangerous.
7. Testing: After bleeding, test the brakes thoroughly. Pump the pedal several times to check for firmness and responsiveness. If the pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor, you likely have air in the lines and need to repeat the bleeding process. If the pedal is hard and you have good braking performance, you're done!
Important Considerations:
* Brake fluid is corrosive: Wear gloves and immediately clean up any spills.
* Consult a Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your year and model Ford Taurus is highly recommended. It will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams to guide you through the process.
* If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake failure is a serious safety hazard.
This is a simplified overview. The exact procedure may vary slightly depending on the year and model of your Ford Taurus. Always consult a repair manual for accurate and detailed instructions. Improper repair can result in brake failure. Safety is paramount.
