How to Replace the Rear Brake Pads in My Dodge Avenger

Dodge Avengers have four-wheel disc brake systems that provide superior brake wear and performance over older drum-style brake systems. The rear brakes provide lateral stabilization for the Avenger when stopping. Without properly functioning rear brakes, you'll lose control of the car every time you come to a halt. The brake pads wear down over time as part of their design functionality. Once they've worn thinner than 3-mm you need to replace them. Anyone with basic auto-repair skills can replace the rear brake pads on a Dodge Avenger.

Instructions

1

Shove the wheel chocks against the front and back of the right-front tire. Loosen the Avenger's rear lug nuts with your lug wrench by turning them counterclockwise.

2

Lift the back end of the Avenger with the floor jack. Support it on jack stands. Take the rear lug nuts and wheels off the Dodge by hand.

3

Set the drip pan below the Avenger's right-rear brake assembly and wash the brake dust off the rotor and caliper with brake cleaner.

4

Remove the caliper bolts with your socket set. Lift the caliper out of the mount and remove the old rear brake pads by hand. Discard the old pads.

5

Wash the caliper pistons and slides with brake cleaner. Lube the slides with a generous amount of white lithium grease.

6

Push the pistons back into the caliper with the caliper tool. Install the new rear brake pads by hand.

7

Set the caliper into the mount and bolt it in place with your socket set. Reinstall the back tires and lug nuts.

8

Lower the Avenger off the jack stands. Tighten the rear lug nuts to 85 ft.-lbs. with your torque wrench. Move the wheel chocks before operating the car.