How to Replace Rear Disc Brakes in a Mercury Cougar

The Mercury Cougar comes equipped with either disc or drum brakes in the rear. If your Cougar has disc brakes you will need to purchase tool T87P-2588 from the Mercury dealership in order to replace them. Read further to learn how to perform this simple brake job with this specialized tool.

Difficulty: EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Syringe
Car jack
Torque wrench
Needle nose pliers
New inner and outer brake pads
Tool T87P-2588
Lint free cloth
Thread locking agent
Brake caliper slide grease

Step 1
Drain half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir. Use a syringe and insert it in the reservoir to siphon the brake fluid. Set the brake fluid aside so you can replace it later.
Step 2
Lift the vehicle from the ground using a car jack. Verify that the vehicle is stable on all sides. Keep children and animals away from the car while it is off the ground to prevent injury or death.
Step 3
Remove the wheels from the Cougar. Use a torque wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Take off the wheels and set them aside, facing up to prevent damage.
Step 4
Take out the cotter and guide pin. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the pins.
Step 5
Disconnect the caliper locating pin cover. Remove the caliper locating pin using needle nose pliers.
Step 6
Rotate the rear disc brake caliper so that it doesn't block the brake rotor and anchor plate. Leave the brake hose intact. Take out the inner and outer disc brake pads.
Step 1
Install the new disc brake pads using the rear caliper piston adjuster, tool T87P-2588, to turn the rear disc brake piston clockwise. This will make the necessary room to insert the pads.
Step 2
Insert the inner and outer disc brake pads. Reposition the brake caliper over the pads.
Step 3
Wipe the locating pin threads with a lint free cloth to remove grease. Apply a drop of thread locking agent.
Step 4
Grease the locating pin using disc brake caliper slide grease. Install the pin and tighten it to 30 foot pounds using a torque wrench. Insert the guide and cotter pins.
Step 5
Replace the wheels. Tighten the lug nuts to 62 foot pounds using a torque wrench. Pull the parking brake and pump the brake pedal several times to adjust the brakes. Lower the vehicle and replace the brake fluid.