1968-1972 Mercury Montego Disc Brake Caliper Guide
Stopping power explained: What to know when replacing the front disc brake calipers on your classic Montego.
- A failing caliper is a critical safety issue; address symptoms like pulling, leaks, or a spongy pedal immediately.
- Always replace front calipers in pairs to ensure balanced braking and prevent pulling.
- New aftermarket calipers from brands like Raybestos or Dynamic Friction are a reliable choice over remanufactured parts for this classic vehicle.
- Plan to replace the flexible rubber brake hoses and bleed the entire system with fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid for best results.
Is Your Montego's Brake Caliper Failing?
After five decades, brake calipers can wear out, rust, and fail. A bad caliper is a serious safety risk. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to inspect your braking system immediately.
Key Failure Symptoms
- Pulling to One Side: When you brake, does your car sharply pull left or right? This can be caused by a seized caliper on one side, creating an imbalance in braking force.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the pedal feels mushy or goes closer to the floor than usual, it could signal a fluid leak from a caliper seal or air in the brake lines.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: A visible puddle of clear or yellowish fluid near the inside of your front wheel is a sure sign of a leaking caliper. This will often contaminate the brake pads, requiring their replacement as well.
- Dragging Brakes or Burning Smell: A caliper that doesn't release properly will cause the brake pads to drag on the rotor. This generates a lot of heat, which you might notice as a hot wheel or a distinct burning smell after a drive.
- Loud Noises: Squealing or grinding sounds, especially when you are not braking, can indicate a stuck caliper is forcing the pads against the rotor constantly.
Choosing a New Aftermarket Caliper
Finding New Old Stock (NOS) or original Ford calipers for your Montego is nearly impossible. Thankfully, today's aftermarket offers new calipers that are a reliable and cost-effective solution. For a classic car that you drive, a brand-new caliper is often a better choice than a remanufactured one, as it uses all-new materials and castings, reducing the risk of issues from old, fatigued metal.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
Several brands offer new calipers for your vehicle. Here’s an honest breakdown based on industry reputation:
- Premium Brands (Raybestos): Raybestos is a well-respected name in the brake industry. Their new calipers are often considered a top-tier choice, known for quality manufacturing and providing a reliable, long-lasting fit.
- Standard/Value Brands (Dynamic Friction, BBB Industries): Dynamic Friction is known for making quality new parts that are a good value, sometimes costing the same as remanufactured parts from other brands. BBB Industries is a large, established remanufacturer also offering new components that provide reliable, standard performance.
- Remanufactured Options (Cardone): While the prompt is for new parts, you will see remanufactured calipers from brands like Cardone. Quality can be inconsistent; some users have good experiences, while others report issues. For a critical safety part on a classic car, opting for a new caliper is often the safer bet.
Pro Tip: Always replace brake calipers in pairs (both front wheels). Replacing only one can lead to unbalanced braking, causing your car to pull to one side. It also ensures that both sides have components with the same age and performance characteristics.
Cost of Replacing a Mercury Montego Brake Caliper
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Caliper (Single) | $40 - $140 |
| Shop Labor (Per Side) | $100 - $200 |
| Total Per Wheel (Parts + Labor) | $140 - $340 |
Note: Costs are estimates. Prices vary by location, brand, and the specific condition of your vehicle. This estimate does not include new pads, rotors, or brake fluid, which are often replaced at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for 1968-1972 Montego brake calipers?
No. Searches of the NHTSA database show no specific recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the brake calipers on the 1968-1972 Mercury Montego. Any issues today are related to the age and wear of these 50+ year-old components.
Do I need to replace my brake hoses at the same time?
It is highly recommended. The original rubber brake hoses on your Montego can degrade from the inside out over decades. They can swell internally, trapping fluid and causing the caliper to stick, or they can become brittle and crack. Replacing them is a low-cost, high-reward job that ensures your new calipers work correctly.
What kind of brake fluid should I use?
For most applications, a high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is appropriate. Check the specifications of your new calipers and your vehicle's service manual. DOT 4 fluid has a higher boiling point, which can be beneficial. The most important thing is to use fresh, clean fluid from a sealed container and to fully bleed the system of old fluid and air.
Is this a good DIY job?
For a mechanic with some experience, yes. The process is straightforward if you have the right tools, including a flare nut wrench for the brake line and a way to safely lift and support the vehicle. However, because brakes are a critical safety system, if you have any doubts, you should have the work performed by a qualified professional mechanic.
Technical Specifications
The 1968-1972 Mercury Montego typically used a single-piston, floating cast-iron disc brake caliper for the front wheels. Ensure the replacement part is specified for your exact year and engine, as variations may exist.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.