How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes 98-02 Mercury Grand Marquis

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 120 min · Mercury Grand Marquis

Replace rear disc pads and rotors on a 1998–2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, inspect caliper slides, and restore pedal pressure before performing a low-speed brake check.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Release the center cap and loosen the lug nuts on the ground. Lift the rear at an approved point, support it on jack stands, and remove the wheel and any wheel-cover bracket.

2. Inspect and remove the brake pads

   Check pad thickness and inspect both rotor faces for deep scoring. Remove the caliper bolts, lift the caliper away, support it safely, and remove the inner and outer pads from their seats.

3. Remove the rotor

   Apply penetrating oil around the wheel studs and hub center, then pull the rotor off. If corrosion has seized it, tap the rotor hat carefully while keeping the hammer away from the studs and backing plate.

4. Fit the new rotor

   Clean the hub face and slide the replacement rotor into position. Temporarily hold it with a lug nut so it remains seated while you prepare and install the new pads.

5. Install pads and caliper

   Use an old pad and a C-clamp to retract the piston, then fit the replacement pads. Clean the pad contact points, confirm the caliper slides move freely, and lubricate only the sliding surfaces if required before reinstalling the caliper bolts to specification.

6. Reinstall the wheel and check braking

   Remove the temporary lug, fit the wheel and cover bracket, and hand-start the lug nuts. Lower the car and tighten the lugs to specification in a star pattern; pump the pedal until firm and test the brakes slowly in a clear area.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.