1996 Ford Taurus Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pumping is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness variation. To inspect for this condition, measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from the edge of the disc. If t...

Single Piston Calipers

The caliper assembly consists of a pin sliding caliper housing, inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies and a single piston, Figs. through . The caliper slides on two pins which also act as attaching bolts between caliper and the combination anchor plate and spindle. The outer brake shoe and lining assembly is longer than the inner brake shoe and lining assembly. Inner and outer shoe and lining assemblies are attached to the caliper by spring clips riveted to the shoe surfaces. The inner shoe is attached to the caliper by installing the spring clip to the i...

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic brake systems. Ensure all dirt and contaminants are removed from master cylinder area prior to removing reservoir cap.

To prevent air from the pressure tank getting into the lines, do not shake the tank while air is being added to the tank or after it has been pressurized. Set the tank in the required location, bring the air hose to the tank, and do not move it during the bleeding operation. The tank should be kept at least one-third full.

On vehicles equipped with disc brakes and master cylinders without proportioners or press...

Pre-Test Checks

• Verify parking brake is completely released. If parking brake is applied, "Brake" lamp will be illuminated.
• Check brake fluid. As fluid level drops, red "Brake" lamp will illuminate. If fluid level continues to fall, amber "Check Anti-Lock Brake" lamp will illuminate and anti-lock function will be inhibited.
• Verify all of the following connectors are properly connected and in good operating condition:
• 55-pin connector of the computer module.
• 19-pin c...

Disc brake service is extremely critical due to the close tolerances required in machining the brake disc to ensure proper brake operation.

Maintaining close control of the shape of the rubbing surfaces is necessary to prevent brake roughness. In addition, the surface finish must be non-directional and maintained at a micro-inch finish. This is necessary to avoid pulls and erratic performance and promote long lining life and equal lining wear of both the lefthand and righthand brakes.

Do not attempt to refinish the rubbing surfaces unless precision equip...