This procedure is a general guideline and may vary slightly depending on the year of your Taurus. Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual for specific details.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench and sockets (various sizes)
* Wrenches (various sizes)
* C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool
* Brake cleaner
* New brake pads
* New brake rotors (likely needed, especially if pads are worn)
* Possibly new hardware (clips, springs, etc.)
* Gloves
* Safety glasses
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle using the jack and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Inspect the Brakes: Examine the brake pads, rotors, and caliper for wear and damage. This is crucial for determining what parts need replacing. Worn pads are obvious, but rotors should be checked for scoring, grooves, or excessive rust.
4. Remove the Caliper: There are typically two ways to remove a rear brake caliper: using a C-clamp to compress the pistons, or a dedicated caliper compression tool.
* Using a C-clamp: Carefully place a C-clamp across the brake caliper pistons and gently compress them. You may need to rotate the pistons as you compress them. Be extremely careful not to damage the pistons or seals. This process pushes the brake fluid back into the system.
* Using a Caliper Compressor: A caliper compressor tool is specifically designed for this task and makes it easier and safer.
5. Remove the Brake Pads: Once the caliper is removed, the brake pads should come out relatively easily. Note the orientation and position of any retaining clips or springs – you'll need to put them back in the same way.
6. Inspect and Replace Rotors (if needed): If the rotors are worn, scored, or rusted, they need to be replaced. Typically, this involves removing a retaining bolt or screw (depending on the year of your Taurus).
7. Install New Rotors (if needed): Install the new rotors, ensuring they are properly seated.
8. Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads, making sure that they are seated correctly and all retaining clips and springs are in place.
9. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully slide the caliper back onto the brake pads.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
12. Torque Lug Nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. This is crucial to prevent wheel detachment.
13. Bleed the Brakes (possibly): If you compressed the brake calipers significantly, you may need to bleed the brakes to remove any air that has entered the system. This is a separate procedure. Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual for instructions on how to bleed brakes.
Important Considerations:
* Brake fluid is corrosive: Wear gloves and eye protection.
* Brake fluid is under pressure: Be careful when working with the brake system.
* Always consult a repair manual: This is a generalized procedure. Specific steps may vary depending on your Taurus's year and model.
* If you're uncomfortable with any step, seek professional help: Improperly installed brakes can be dangerous.
This is a complex procedure. If you are not mechanically inclined, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Incorrectly done brakes can lead to serious injury or even death.
