Safety First:
* Engage parking brake firmly.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wear safety glasses.
* Use gloves.
* Properly dispose of used brake parts.
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench set (metric) with extensions and ratchets
* Torque wrench (crucial for proper tightening)
* C-clamp (or brake caliper compressor tool)
* Wire brush
* Brake cleaner
* New rear brake pads
* New rear brake rotors
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Hammer (possibly, for stubborn parts)
* Possibly a caliper slide pin lubricant
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
* Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
* Loosen lug nuts slightly with the lug wrench before jacking up the car.
* Safely jack up the rear of the car and securely place it on jack stands.
* Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts. These are usually at the top and bottom of the caliper.
* Spray penetrating oil on the bolts if they appear stuck.
* Remove the bolts using the appropriate socket.
* Carefully remove the caliper. It may still be attached to the brake line, so be gentle. You may need to support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to keep the brake line from stressing.
3. Remove the Brake Pads:
* The pads should be easily accessible once the caliper is removed. They're usually held in place by a spring clip or retainer.
* Remove the old brake pads.
4. Remove the Rotor:
* Some 1993 Lincoln Town Cars may have solid rotors, others may have a separate dust shield. If you have a dust shield, remove it first. Usually held on with a few screws.
* Inspect the rotor's mounting surface for excessive corrosion or damage. If it's severely scored or warped, replace it.
* The rotor may be pressed onto the wheel hub, secured by the wheel studs. Depending on its condition, it may simply slide off after the wheel studs are free. Some may need slight tapping with a rubber mallet or hammer (use a block of wood to protect the rotor to avoid cracking). If extremely stubborn, seek professional help to avoid damage.
5. Install the New Rotor:
* Clean the wheel hub's mating surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
* Install the new rotor, ensuring it sits flush against the hub. It should slide easily onto the wheel studs.
6. Install the New Brake Pads:
* Lubricate the caliper slide pins (if applicable) with caliper slide pin lubricant. These are what allow the caliper to slide smoothly. Make sure the slide pins and their bores are clean.
* Install the new brake pads. Make sure they slide easily and are properly seated.
7. Install the Caliper:
* Carefully reinstall the caliper, making sure the brake pads are properly engaged with the rotor.
* Reinstall the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
8. Reinstall the Wheel:
* Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
9. Final Steps:
* Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
* Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
* Pump the brake pedal several times to restore brake pressure. If the pedal feels spongy or goes all the way to the floor, you may have air in the brake lines. You'll need to bleed the brakes (a more advanced procedure).
* Test drive the vehicle carefully to ensure the brakes are working properly.
Important Considerations:
* Brake bleeding: If you encounter any problems with the brakes after reassembly (spongy pedal), you may need to bleed the brakes to remove air from the brake lines. This requires a brake bleeder tool and an assistant.
* Torque specifications: Use a torque wrench and consult your repair manual for the correct torque values for all bolts and nuts. Over-tightening can damage threads and components.
* Professional help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can be extremely dangerous.
This is a general guide and may not cover all variations in your specific vehicle. Always consult a repair manual for your 1993 Lincoln Town Car before attempting this repair. Remember safety is paramount.
