2001 Taurus brake tool needed?

[99pewterta]

I am going to install new pads and rotors on my 2001 taurus. Do I need the caliper piston tool or will a c-clap work to compress the piston? I see the 96-99's need it.
Thanks

[shorod]

Are you planning to change the rear pads as well, or just the fronts? If just the fronts you will not need the special tool to compress the calipers. If you're planning to do the rear brakes and you have rear disc, you will need the special tool for compressing rear Ford disc brake calipers. Many of the chain auto parts stores offer a Loan-a-Tool program where you could borrow the good kit for no charge once you return the complete tool. I would not even bother with the cube that fits over the end of a 3/8" socket extension, it seems to be more frustration than help. The kit works well though.

-Rod

[99pewterta]

Originally Posted by shorod

Are you planning to change the rear pads as well, or just the fronts? If just the fronts you will not need the special tool to compress the calipers. If you're planning to do the rear brakes and you have rear disc, you will need the special tool for compressing rear Ford disc brake calipers. Many of the chain auto parts stores offer a Loan-a-Tool program where you could borrow the good kit for no charge once you return the complete tool. I would not even bother with the cube that fits over the end of a 3/8" socket extension, it seems to be more frustration than help. The kit works well though.

-Rod

Thanks alot Rod. I plan on doing the fronts first, but I need to buy some brake grease on the way home before I start the project. Do you have a name or picture of the "good tool" by chance? This is the first time I ever heard of compressing the brake calipers. Its funny you have to do for the rears and not the fronts. I am going to need T40 to remove the rotors correct? I am just trying to get all my ducks in a row before I start removing tires and have to run to the store again. Been there done that lol

[Willyum]

Every '01 Taurus I know of has "shoes" on the back. If you are unable to identify simple brake parts, I would be careful about a DIY job on such an important auto component. You shouldn't need any special Ford tools. If you DO them, be sure to do only one side at a time.

[99pewterta]

Originally Posted by Willyum

Every '01 Taurus I know of has "shoes" on the back. If you are unable to identify simple brake parts, I would be careful about a DIY job on such an important auto component. You shouldn't need any special Ford tools. If you DO them, be sure to do only one side at a time.

True alot of them do, but I got the SES model. The disks in the rear seem to be 8 inch. Here is a link for the model :
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/UsedCars/Specifications/2001_Ford_Taurus_4146_Retail_Excellent_Wagon.aspx? Mileage=85000&SelectedTabIndex=2&SelectionHistory= 4146|32927|77450|0|0|160590|true

I will take some pics after install. The brakes will look great on the car. I got a great deal on some slotted/cross drilled rotors. Thanks for the input.

[shorod]

Many of the auto parts stores around here loan out "OEM" brand tools so it may not look exactly like this one but should be pretty similar. The reason you need this tool for the rears and not the fronts is because the rear calipers incorporate, on your car, the parking brake actuation. There appear to be a few YouTube videos around on how to use these tools which you may want to watch.

To get the rotors off you will need to remove the caliper and the caliper mounting bracket. The caliper will be attached to the mounting bracket with slide pins that have either a 10mm hex head or a T40 (or so) Torx head. The mounting bracket will be attached to the knuckle with probably either a couple of 15mm or 17mm bolts. Often from the factory these bolts are installed with thread locker so you may want a 2 or 3 foot long 1/2" breaker bar and 1/2" 6-point socket.

You should also consider opening the bleeder screw when compressing the calipers so you'll want a combination wrench for those if you opt to open the bleeders rather than force the old fluid back in to the master cylinder. In this case you'll also want some fresh brake fluid to top off the master cylinder once you have the new brake pads installed. When you get the new rotors and pads installed be sure to pump up the brake pedal before putting the car in gear to move it.

-Rod

[Willyum]

Well blow me down !

[99pewterta]

Thanks again for all the help guys. This install should be breeze now. I call autozone and they have the loan a tool program.