How to Remove Front Brakes on a 2000 Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan was first introduced in 1983. The 2000 version was the last model year for the third-generation Caravan, and it was offered with a choice of four different engines. The front brakes on the 2000 Dodge Caravan consist of the rotors, pads, calipers and caliper brackets. There are also two small rubber connection lines on the front brakes that reach from the frame to the rear of the calipers. This a straightforward job that requires only basic tolls to complete.

Instructions

1

Remove the initial torque from the wheels by loosening the lug nuts with a tire iron. Place wheel chocks behind both rear wheels on the Caravan. Raise the front of the Caravan underneath the front sub-frame, using a 2-ton floor jack or a jack with greater capacity. Place jack stands beneath the sub-frame, just inside the inner ends of the lower control arms. Remove the lug nuts, then remove the wheels from the front of the Caravan.

2

Remove the caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the brake assembly on one side of the Caravan. Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket to turn the bolts counterclockwise until you can remove them from the brake assembly by hand.

3

Slide the caliper and mounting bracket up and forward to remove the caliper from the brake rotor. Use a pry bar if necessary to work the caliper loose from the rotor. Set the caliper directly behind the brake assembly on the lower control arm. You can also use a wire coat hanger to hang the caliper from the upper suspension. Do not let the caliper hang freely, or you will damage the rubber brake hose between the frame and the back of the caliper.

4

Remove the rotor from the front of the Caravan by hand.

5

Place a brake hose clamp or needle-nose vice grips on the brake line, directly or as close to the rear of the caliper as you can get. Squeezing the brake line off will allow for minimal brake loss, as well as minimal bleeding during the reinstall process.

6

Break the banjo bolt free from the back of the caliper, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket. The banjo bolt holds the break line to the rear of the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt from the rear of the caliper. Remove the caliper completely from the Caravan.

7

Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to remove the brakes from the other front wheel of the Caravan.