How to Replace the Rear Drum Brakes on a 2000 Town & Country

The 2000 Chrysler Town & Country has rear drum brakes. Drum brakes are more complicated to replace than disc brakes, but the process can still be completed in about half an hour. The brakes should be inspected every 15,000 miles or whenever a problem is suspected, such as excessive squeal or delayed braking. If the pads on the shoes are thinner than .281 inches, they should be replaced.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Raise the rear wheel with a jack and remove the wheel and brake drum.

2

Pull the parking brake cable down and towards the back of the van to add slack to the line. Clamp the cable behind the mounting bracket with a pair of locking pliers.

3

Remove the spring from the automatic adjustment lever with a pair of needle-nose pliers. This lever is attached to the front brake shoe. Remove the lever.

4

Remove the lower spring that connects the two brake shoes.

5

Remove the clip that connects the upper spring to the adjuster assembly. Remove the upper spring.

6

Twist the pin that connects the hold-down spring to the rear shoe to remove the pin and spring.

7

Remove the rear brake shoe and the attached parking brake components.

8

Pull the automatic adjuster off the front brake shoe to remove it.

9

Twist the front pin to remove the pin, hold-down spring and front shoe.

10

Separate the parking brake strut from the front shoe.

11

Install the brake pads. The process is the reverse of removal. Clean the brakes with brake cleaner according to the instructions on the can before replacing the drum.

12

Unclamp the parking brake line, reattach the wheel then lower the van. Tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft.-lbs. of torque.

13

Replace the brake shoes on the other side of the vehicle by following the same procedure.

14

Stop the van at a low speed, while traveling in forward and reverse several times, to allow the brakes to readjust. Once the brakes seem to react normally, it is safe to take the van out on the road.