Ford Taurus Brake Caliper Guide: 1994-2000
Everything you need to know about replacing a sticking, seized, or leaking brake caliper on your Taurus.
- The most common failure is a sticking or seized caliper; if this happens, also replace the flexible brake hose to that wheel.
- Always replace calipers in pairs on the same axle (both front or both rear) for safe, even braking.
- Verify if your Taurus has rear disc or drum brakes before ordering parts.
- Confirm if your original calipers use phenolic (black composite) or steel pistons and order the matching type.
Is Your Taurus Brake Caliper Failing?
For the 1994-2000 Ford Taurus, the most common caliper problem is not a sudden break, but a slow and frustrating failure where the caliper sticks or seizes. This happens when corrosion builds up on the slide pins or the caliper piston, often after a rubber boot tears and lets in moisture. When a caliper sticks, it doesn't release the brake pad from the rotor completely after you let go of the brake pedal.
Symptoms of a Sticking or Seized Caliper:
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose a seized brake caliper yourself.- Vehicle Pulling: The car pulls to one side while driving or braking.
- Burning Smell: A distinct, acrid burning smell comes from one of the wheels after driving, caused by the constant friction.
- Excessive Heat: One wheel feels much hotter than the others after a drive. This can be dangerous, so be careful checking.
- Sluggish Driving: The car feels slow or like it's dragging, as if the parking brake is partially on.
- Uneven Pad Wear: When you inspect the brakes, the pad on one side of the rotor is worn down much more than the other.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: Puddles of fluid near the wheel are a sign of a failed piston seal, which is a critical safety issue.
A Note on Brake Hoses
On this generation of Taurus, an old, internally collapsed rubber brake hose can trap hydraulic pressure, perfectly mimicking the symptoms of a seized caliper. If you're replacing a caliper that was sticking, it is highly recommended to replace the flexible rubber brake hose on that wheel at the same time. 🎬 Learn how to replace a brake hose and bleed the lines. It's an inexpensive part and a common point of failure that can cause the new caliper to fail prematurely.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
For a vehicle of this age, you will almost always be buying a remanufactured caliper. This isn't a bad thing; the core of the caliper is the original, sturdy factory part. The difference between brands comes down to the quality of the new seals, pistons, hardware, and the protective coating.
Brand Quality Tiers
Standard Remanufactured (BBB Industries, Cardone):
These brands are widely available and offer a good value. They are remanufactured to meet original specifications. However, forum discussions sometimes point to inconsistent quality control or thin coatings that may rust sooner in wet climates. They are a budget-friendly option that gets the job done. Most require you to return your old caliper to get a "core charge" refunded.
Premium Remanufactured (Centric, Raybestos):
These brands are often considered a step up by mechanics and DIYers. They typically have a better reputation for quality control, using high-quality seals and applying more durable, corrosion-resistant coatings. For a daily driver, spending a little more for a premium remanufactured caliper from one of these brands is a solid investment in reliability.
Performance Coated (Powerstop):
Powerstop calipers are remanufactured but come with a thick, high-temperature powder coating (usually red). This offers the best protection against rust and corrosion and provides a custom look. They are sold as a performance upgrade and typically come with all new slide pins and hardware, making installation easier. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing front brakes on your Taurus. While some users have questioned their long-term durability versus OEM, they are a popular choice for those who live in the rust belt or want an aesthetic upgrade.
Before You Buy
The 1994-2000 Taurus could have different brake setups. Always verify two things before ordering:
- Rear Brakes: Does your car have disc brakes or drum brakes in the rear? This article only applies to models with four-wheel disc brakes.
- Piston Material: Calipers for this Taurus came with either phenolic (a black composite) or steel pistons. They are not interchangeable. Check your original caliper or your vehicle's specifications to ensure you order the correct one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I replace brake calipers in pairs?
Yes, it is always recommended to replace calipers in pairs (both front wheels or both rear wheels at the same time). This ensures even braking performance and prevents the car from pulling to one side. An old caliper will not perform the same as a new one.
What is a core charge?
Since most aftermarket calipers are remanufactured, the companies need your old part back to rebuild it. A core charge is a deposit you pay when you buy the part. When you return the old caliper in the box the new one came in, that deposit is refunded to you.
Do I need to buy new brackets?
Many remanufactured calipers are available with or without the mounting bracket. If your bracket is in good shape and not heavily rusted, you can often reuse it and buy a caliper without one to save money. However, buying a "loaded" caliper with the bracket included saves you the step of cleaning the old one and swapping it over.
What's the difference between phenolic and steel pistons?
Phenolic pistons are lighter and don't transfer heat as much as steel, which can help keep brake fluid cooler. Steel pistons are stronger and less prone to cracking under extreme use. Neither is definitively better for a stock Taurus, but you MUST replace your caliper with one that has the same piston material as the original.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Configuration: Front or Rear (if equipped with 4-wheel disc). Piston Material: Phenolic or Steel (must match original). Piston Count: Single. Includes Bracket: Varies by part number (available loaded or unloaded).
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.
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