How to Change the Rear Brakes on a 2000 Dodge Caravan

Replace the brakes on your 2000 Dodge Caravan as often as the owner's manual advises, based on the number of miles you drive and the type of driving you do. If you don't change your brakes regularly, they will let you know they need to be changed by emitting an ear-piercing, fingernails-run-down-the-chalkboard squeal.

Instructions

1

Park the Dodge on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. Put two wedges of wood in front of your front wheels and two behind them.

2

Put the jack under the back frame of the car and lift it up until the wheels are off the ground. Slide the two jack stands underneath the car right under the axels, one next to each wheel. Use the jack to lower the car onto the two jack stands.

3

Loosen the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench, and remove the lug nuts and the two back wheels.

4

Look for two bolts that are attached to the caliper. Remove them with the adjustable wrench. Lift up the caliper and set it on the axle, taking care not to let it fall and break.

5

Compress the brake pads which, in turn, will compress the underlying piston. If they won't budge, use a C-clamp to compress them.

6

Open the spring clips by prying with a screwdriver and take off the pads. And if the pads are stuck you can pry them off with the screwdriver as well.

7

Rub a little bit of silicone grease onto the back of each new pad and put the pads in the correct position. Put the spring clips back in place to hold the pads in place.

8

Put the caliper back in place and tighten the bolts.

9

Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Lift up the car a little with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the Dodge all the way to the ground. Retighten the lug nuts.

10

Lift up the hood and look for the master cylinder's brake fluid container on the driver's side of the car, closest to the driver. Top off the brake fluid, if needed.