Replacing front brake pad and rotors

SFLUBBEN

MEMBER
2007 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

I have replaced front brakes and rotors on several cars in the past. 1997 Ford Contour, 2002 Ford Escape, and 2002 Ford Focus all had the calipers and pads on the back side of the rotor or wheeel. The 2007 Ford Taurus I have now has the caiper and pads on the front of the wheel assembly. Can you help me in what I need to do to remove the pads and caliper to replace?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Hi,

Replacing front brake pads and rotors isn't too hard of a job. In general, you can expect the brakes to last about 25000 miles. It has become common to replace brake rotors every time pads are replaced. However, if you have no brake pulsation or shaking in the steering and the rotors are in good shape, they will likely last for another set of brake pads.

First, here is a link that shows in general how pads and rotors are replaced. You can use this as a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for pads and rotors replacement.

FRONT
Brake Pads

Removal

1. WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to personal injury.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, wash it with water immediately.

Check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
If required, remove brake fluid until the brake fluid reservoir is half full.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.

3. CAUTION: Do not pry in the brake caliper sight hole to retract the piston as this can damage the piston and boot.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake hose can result. Support the caliper using mechanic's wire.

Remove the brake caliper bolts and support the caliper with mechanic's wire.

4. CAUTION: Install new brake pads if they are worn past the specified thickness above the metal backing plate. Install new brake pads in complete axle sets.

Inspect the pads for wear and contamination.
5. Measure the brake disc thickness and install a new front brake disc if it is not within specification.
6. Remove the brake pads.

Installation

1. CAUTION: Do not allow grease, oil, brake fluid or other contaminants to contact the pad lining material. Do not install contaminated pads.

NOTE: One brake disc pad kit contains the pads required for both sides.

Install the new brake pads.

2. NOTE: Use a suitable tool to protect pistons and boots when pushing the caliper pistons into the bores.

Compress the disc brake caliper pistons into the caliper piston bores.
3. Position the brake caliper and install the caliper bolts.
Tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).
4. Pump the brake pedal several times to position the brake linings.
5. Fill the brake fluid reservoir with clean brake fluid.
6. Test the brakes for normal operation.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Images (Click to make bigger)