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Taurus/Sable Maintenance & Repair

2996 messages,  Last post on Dec 01, 2012 at 9:47 AM

You are in the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 123 of 301

#1215 of 2996 by badgerfan

Mar 25, 2004 (6:38 am)

When we have visited her I occasionally drive it, and some is at highway speeds, so I do know that engine, brakes, steering and transmission are all working properly. Before my current Taurus Duratec, I owned a 2000 Vulcan Taurus, so I do know how that era generally behave. Vulcan engine is pretty much bullet proof. I do know Ford had some transmission issues when going to the electronic controls, I believe starting in 1991, but since this car has been babied and garaged all its life, we will take the risk.
 
As far as coolant, Grandma had it changed at least every three years, so should be no problem there. I even talked her out of changing it this year, as she had done it two years and maybe 2000 miles ago.
 
AC works, at least it did last summer. Anyone know if 1992's still had the old Freon?
 
OK, I will at least look at the brake fluid. Doubt if I will bleed/flush it. Maybe replace what is in the master cylinder reservoir so it slowly mixes in with the fluid in the lines. This should help dilute any excess moisture. Brakes stop straight, smooth, and true.
 
Thank goodness it is not a Porsche. I wouldn't want the maintenance or insurance costs. Can't imagine what the car insurance for a Porsche with a 21 year old male driver would be!

#1216 of 2996 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 25, 2004 (11:37 am)

Probably more than the car!
 
Actually Porsches are not high maintenance if you tend to them regularly. They just don't tolerate neglect---otherwise, they are a tough car. American and Japanese cars seem to tolerate neglect more easily.

#1217 of 2996 Shiftright by badgerfan

Mar 25, 2004 (12:01 pm)

Gotta be careful typing "Shiftright". I almost transposed the ft, and that is not a pretty name!
 
I see I made an error in my last post also, as my previous Taurus was a 1990, while my current one is a 2000.
 
We figure on paying Grandma about $2k for the car, based on approximate Edmunds and KBB private sale value.
 
"Porsches are not high maintenance if you tend to them regularly"? Sounds pretty much like two terms for the same thing. Myabe you are defining "tending to" as planned maintenance while "high maintenance" is breakdowns?
 
Anyhow, Porsche will never be in our driveway unless I have a rich relative visit that I don't know about!

#1218 of 2996 Squeaky brakes by oxx93

Apr 02, 2004 (10:03 am)

2001 SES with 29k miles--front brakes are starting to squeak badly. Any ideas? I ned to take it in but I would like to hear some advice so I know what I am talking about. Thanks

#1219 of 2996 oxx93 by snowman

Apr 02, 2004 (7:27 pm)

There might be two reasons. Pads may be worn, this is well possible for 29K milage if you live in city or calipers are sticking causing drag on pads then overheating disk-pad and wheel. You should be able to tauch your wheels by bare hand after driving if calipers are OK.

#1220 of 2996 snowman by oxx93

Apr 05, 2004 (8:09 am)

Thanks for the advice. When you say touch your wheels, where do you mean?

#1221 of 2996 oxx93 by badgerfan

Apr 05, 2004 (10:39 am)

Touching wheels, rotors, and calipers after driving would seem pretty unscientific. If you come to any kind of stop using your brakes you will generate heat, so for sure your rotors will get warm. That is how brakes work. The friction that stops your car also generates heat.
 
Maybe if you took the car out for a high speed run and then were able to coast down to a stop without using your brakes, and then the disks were hot you could then assume you were getting excess drag of the pads on the rotors. Otherwise, just having hot rotors or calipers could be misleading.
 
Your tires will also be warm after a high speed run as tires generate heat when flexing. Nothing to be concerned about, however.

#1223 of 2996 oxx93 by snowman

Apr 05, 2004 (7:29 pm)

I am sure you are smart guy to read and interpret my advise correctly and not to touch your pads or calipers.
If you have alloys, just feel any spoke, your wheels should be warm/hot enough for you to be able to touch no matter how fast or how long you have driven (don't intentionally apply brakes and make your wheels extremely hot) just do your regular driving. If system drags, the wheel will be extremely hot even under normal driving.
 
But I think your brakes are due. 29K replacement is normal for city driving, that's what I believe. One last thing, if dealer comes up with a brake job offer, don't take it. Stock rotors and pads are not good and way over priced...

#1224 of 2996 Losss of power steering, radio at reverse gear by hoon

Apr 06, 2004 (11:41 am)

Hello,
 
There was a similar problem and did not see response to it.
 
My Taraus (96) will loss power steering, and radio (no sound, but the lights are still on). When at drive gear, radio comes back. It will goes off after 20 minunes' drive.
 
Any clues?
 
Thanks a lot

Messages Page 123 of 301

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