1998 Ford Taurus Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Roughness

Thickness Variation

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. Measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from edge of disc. If thickness measurements vary by more than .0005 inch, replace the Disc.

Lateral Runout

Excessive lateral runout of braking disc may cause a " knocking back" of the pistons, possibly creating increased pedal travel and vibration when brakes are applied.

Wheel Bearing Looseness

Adjust the ...

Parking Brake Linings, Replace

Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis & Town Car

1997

The parking brake system is a drum type design mounted in the hubs of the rear brake rotors.

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove caliper as previously outlined, then the rotor assembly.
• Drain differential fluid from axle by removing cover.
• Remove lock bolt from differential pinion shaft, then shaft from differential.
• Push axle shaft inward to access and remove axle shaft C-lock.
• Remove ABS speed sensor, then axle shaft from axle housing.
• Disconnect brake cable from lever, ...

• Inspect components for damage and unusual wear. Replace as necessary.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Boots which are torn, cut, or heat damaged indicate need for wheel cylinder replacement. Fluid spilling from boot center hole, or wetness around wheel cylinder ends indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement. A small amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, acting as lubr...

Cougar, Sable, Taurus, Thunderbird & 1997-98 Continental, Mark VIII & Mustang

Removal

• Remove rear disc brake caliper assembly as described under " Caliper Service." Do not disconnect flexible hose unless caliper requires service. Support caliper with wire or tie strap so flexible hose is not stretched or twisted.
• Remove rear disc support bracket to wheel knuckle bolts, then the rear disc support bracket and brake shoes and linings.
• Remove two nuts, then the rotor from rear hub.

Installation

• If installing new rotor, remove protective coating from rotor with suitable carburetor cleaner.
• Lub...

On models with anti-lock brakes, the brake hydraulic system must be depressurized before disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings. Depressurize the system by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with the ignition in the Off position.

Except Aspire, Contour, Escort, Mystique, Probe, Tracer, ZX2 & 1997-98 Mustang Cobra,

Removal

• Remove brake fluid until reservoir is half full.
• On Town Car and 1997-98 Continental, turn air suspension service switch (if equipped) to Off.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Remove two calip...

Brake System Bleed

Manual

The primary and secondary (front and rear) hydraulic brake systems are individual systems and are bled separately. Bleed longest tube first on individual system being serviced. During complete bleeding operation, DO NOT allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry. Never reuse brake fluid that has been drained from hydraulic system or has been allowed to stand in an open container for an extended period of time.

• Clean all dirt from master cylinder filler cap, then remove cap.
• When bleeding the primary (rear) brake system, position a suitable box wrench on ...