Disc brakes provide superior braking performance over drum brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes were once only available on luxury vehicles and higher-end sports cars, but the four-wheel arrangement is becoming a stand for vehicles of all classes. The Ford Taurus anti-lock braking system should be inspected every 5,000 miles to provide the best opportunity to address a safety concern as early as possible. The brake pads are the most commonly replaced brake components, but the rotors should also be checked for serviceability. Replace a damaged rotor and worn brake pads to ensure a consistent brake system performance.
Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels of the Taurus with the tire iron or lug wrench from the Ford tire maintenance kit.
Place the lifting jack beneath the frame of the Ford, near the rear tires. Lift the vehicle and place two jack stands under the frame for support.
Remove the lugs and pull the rear wheels/tires from the Taurus.
Remove the caliper pins with a 13 mm wrench. Wipe the brake grease from the pins with a paper or cloth towel.
Pull the rotors from the rear hubs of the Ford. Spray chain lubricant on the backside of the discs if the rotors are not easily removed by hand.
Clean the replacement rotors with brake parts cleaner and place them onto the wheel hubs. The concave side of the disc should face the Taurus wheel-well as you slide the rotor onto the wheel bolts.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper with a flat screwdriver or pry tool. The pads are fixed to the caliper by metal clips on the backs of the pads.
Squeeze the caliper pistons with vise-grip pliers to force them into the sides of the caliper.
Apply brake grease to the back panel of the new brake pads and clip them to the caliper.
Place the caliper with new brake pads onto the new rotor. Replace the caliper pins with the 13 mm wrench.
Return the wheels/tires to the rear wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
Remove the jack stands from beneath the Taurus' frame and lower the vehicle's back end to the ground.
Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron or lug wrench.
