The front brake rotors on the Ford Taurus models are the main parts that the brake pads press against to bring the Taurus to a stop. Once the brakes are applied, the cylinder inside of the brake caliper compresses against the brake pads. The brake pads then compress against the brake rotor to stop the car. Once the brake pads wear down, they will leave grooves inside of the brake rotors and the brake rotors will need to be replaced.
Park the Ford Taurus on a level surface and shut the engine off. Set the emergency brake and open the hood.
Unscrew the cap to the brake fluid reservoir and set it in a safe place.
Jack up the front of the Ford Taurus and put the jack stands behind each front tire along the frame rail of the Ford Taurus. Lower the Taurus onto the jack stands. Inspect to make sure that the Taurus is sitting securely and evenly under the frame rails.
Remove the driver side front tire with the lug wrench. Turn the lug nuts counter-clockwise to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
Slide the wheel off of the wheel hub and set the wheel to the side.
Remove the two upper and lower 12mm caliper mounting bolts in the rear of the caliper with a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and a 12mm socket. Turn the bolts counter-clockwise to loosen and remove.
Slide the flat head screwdriver into the top rear of the brake caliper and pry the rear brake pad inward. This will compress the caliper cylinder and allow you to slide the caliper off of the brake rotor.
Slide the brake caliper straight off of the top of the brake rotor. Hang the brake caliper to the front coil spring with a bungee cord to keep the caliper from hanging by the brake line.
Put on the safety glasses to keep any debris and trash from getting into your eyes when hammering. Tap the rear of the brake rotor with the rubber mallet all the way around the rotor until the rotor loosens from the hub. Slide the front rotor straight off of the hub.
Line the new rotor up with the lugs on the hub and slide the rotor straight onto the hub. Slide the caliper back over the top of the brake rotor.
Screw the two upper and lower 12mm caliper mounting bolts back into the rear of the brake caliper. Tighten these two bolts very tight with the 1/2 inch drive ratchet and 12mm socket.
Slide the wheel back onto the hub and screw the lug nuts back onto the lugs. Tighten the lug nuts by turning the lug nuts clockwise with the lug wrench. Follow these same steps for replacing the front brake rotors on the front passenger side of the Taurus.
Jack the Taurus up and remove the jack stands. Lower the Taurus to the ground.
Add DOT-3 brake fluid to the brake fluid reservoir if needed. Screw the cap back onto the brake fluid reservoir and close the hood.
Crank the Taurus and pump the brakes until you feel the brakes get tight. Pumping the brakes will compress the brake pads back to the original distance from the brake rotor. Turn the engine off. Job complete.
