We have a 98 Taurus that has a couple of problems. One is pulsing sensations and and pounding noises on braking. I've read that this is rotor related and is a continual problem with this car. We've gotten this fixed twice and it shows back up a couple of weeks later. I travel from Flagstaff to Phoenix weekly on the Inerstate 17, Flagstaff is at 7000 feet and Phoenix at 1000 so the road is mountaineous curves and I use the brakes a bit ( I don't ride them). Does anyone know of a solution or resolution to this problem? I don't really understand the problem really. The other is the car seems to 'drop into gear' with a thud and a lurch forward.' For example; after decelerating around corners if I accelerate to quickly - it happens. If I pause and let the idle drop I can avoid this. Descending steep hills right after reaching the summit causes this to happen too. Any input would be appreciated! TIA

Sally

The first problem is definately with the brake rotors and to a lesser extent the pads. When you say you have had this problem "fixed" twice do you mean they turned or refaced the rotors or did they replace them??
If all they did was resurface them, then they are possibly at their minimal thickness or less and will warp very easy upon heating.
I would replace both rotors and I would pay the extra to get a quality rotor. Shop around and ask questions about the Brand, material, design ect. and try to get a quality set. Also tell the autoparts guys the type of driving you do and they should match your driving with a certain type and quality of pads.
As far as the tranny problems have you had it in for a flush, fill, band adjustment and filter change lately? It also may be a low fluid problem or a need to look at a trans cooler if the previous doesn't help.

medicTA thank you ever so much for replying, It was to my understanding the rotors were replaced. I didn't know/think to ask about better quality rotors. I do now! Thanks!

I have no idea when the transmission was last serviced, this was my father in laws car and DH is not a car guy. I will see to the servicing in the near future. Thanks again!

Sally

Taurus brakes seem be a common area of frustration. I agree that quality parts make a difference. But I have also found that once the original brakes have worn down and pads need replacement, it is nearly essential to either rebuild or replace the calipers. I have 2 98's and until I did the calipers, I had squeeks and shoosh's and grinding. Also I have had no luck with turning the rotors.....afterwards they always sounded like they were grinding. Only new rotors helped. Brakes really shouldn't be that hard to fix. Its an aggravation.

The harsh transmission shift should not be happening. She should be smooth as silk. I have a possible fix for that. Tell me, is this an Overdrive transmission (it will have 2 D's on the gear selection indicator. One of the D's will be within an O - the one nearest the Neutral). If your transmission is an overdrive trans, does it actually go into overdrive? How many RPM's is the engine turning when the car is going 60 on a flat road?

I'm not sure about 98 taurus's but on my 96 taurus I have drum brakes in the rear (not discs), and I had the same problem as you, first I replaced the pads multiple times and still had the problem, then with the help of a friend, we sanded down the rough parts of the drum and also made it more circular, after awhile the brakes had become ovalish thats what caused the sound for me.