How to Replace Front Brakes on a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan

Brake pads work with the brake rotors to create friction, which slows and stops your 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The friction also wears down the brake pads. How often you must replace the brake pads is relative to the amount of use they get. The new brake pads are not expensive, and each wheel will take about 30 minutes to install the new brake pads. If you do the project yourself, you can save money on high labor costs at the repair shop.

Instructions

1

Drain about half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using the turkey baster. The master cylinder is in the engine compartment on the driver's side, in the back. Place the fluid in the drain pan, and take it for proper recycling. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the Grand Caravan with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the van near the jacking point, and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the lug wrench. Pull the wheel away from the van.

2

Loosen the caliper retaining pins with the socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper off the wheel assembly. Remove the brake pads from the caliper, and discard them. Insert the piston tool into the brake caliper, and turn it until the piston seats itself in the caliper housing.

3

Install the new brake pads into the caliper. Place it on the mounting bracket, and tighten the retaining pins with a socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the Caravan, and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the van. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.

4

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed when the project is complete. Pump the brakes several times until the pedal is firm.