Changing brake pads in my moms 99 3.8 windstar

[Delta88Driver]

I've done brakes,rotor replacements, and shoes before but would like to know if theirs anything diffrent about these ones? Just wanting to know any tips on this newer vehicle. Will the ABS make things diffrent or is that separate from the Caliper, and brake pads? Any tips on Not having to bleed the brakes would be great. I Usually just have a block of plywood i slide over the pneumatic piston, and clamp it down so i can reinstall it without bleeding the lines. Is this right? Thank you very much. Delta88driver.


One thing i was just thinking about, The vans on level ground. Will it make it easier to install the caliper over the rotors if i pressurize the brakes with the e-brake or leave the e-brake off. I've always thought that the reg. brakes were separate from the e-brake. Is this correct? Thanks againopcorn:

[Robdaparamedic]

Dude, you can't apply to E brake if your going to change the rear drum shoes. You will never get the drum off. I've done them on my 2000 and you just need a large C clamp to compress the piston on the front calipers. I don't remember if there's one or two pistons but either way, just go back and forth real slow while compressing and you won't have a problem. (bleeding the system) If your going to change the front rotors, your going to need the E 28 ?? It's the funky looking "star head" with 3/8" rachet end. Rear shoes are a peice of cake. Just put them together the way you take them apart and clean everything up while doing them. Make sure you pump the brakes before moving the vehicle and go in reverse to let rear drums adjust themselves. Works for me Good Luck

Rob

[Delta88Driver]

Thanks for the info Rob, Great help!! Yeah, i figured it was as straight forward as the others I've done. One difference though is that it has front and rear rotors, and it has regular American Bolts holding the Calipers on I Think 5/8 idk, I'll double check as that's just a guess. No biggy though, i actually prefer rotors over drums(Dont like the spring and Gunk build up). Well, it's off to AutoZone for parts. Have fun and take it easy. Delta88driver

[wiswind]

If you have rear disk brakes....there will be a separate "mini drum brake" for the parking brake.

I have pictures posted that show step by step the front disk / rear drum brake job on my '96.
Pretty straight forward.
The link in my signature takes you to the pictures.
As I have rear drum brakes......not much help for you back there.