Instructions for the Rear Brakes in the 01 Chrysler 300

Chrysler released the first 300 in the 1955 model year. The initial 300 lasted through the 1971 model year and did not reappear as a model of Chrysler for 27 years. In 1999 Chrysler released a new 300, dubbed the 300M. The 2001 Chrysler 300M came fitted with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produced 253 horsepower and 255 foot-pounds of torque. The new 300M also came standard with four-wheel disc brakes. Chrysler recommends replacing the rear brake pads on the 2001 300M when the brake pad lining is less than 0.276 inches thick.

Instructions

1

Check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. If the level is above half-full, use a turkey baster to remove the fluid until the master cylinder is only half-full and transfer the fluid to a small container. Leave the lid off of the master cylinder.

2

Loosen the 300M's rear lug nuts, but leave them loosely attached to the rear wheels.

3

Raise the rear of the Chrysler with a floor jack, and support it with jack stands. Remove the rear lug nuts and pull the wheels off of the vehicle.

4

Remove the two guide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper with a ratchet and socket. Pull the caliper up and off of the rear brake system. Hang the caliper from a nearby suspension component using a bungee strap.

5

Remove the outer brake pad from the caliper by prying up on the metal retaining spring on the rear of the pad with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling the pad off of the caliper.

6

Position an 8-inch C-clamp over the caliper so the screw part touches the inner brake pad and the fixed part touches the rear of the caliper. Tighten the C-clamp until the inner pad stops moving. This presses the caliper piston into the caliper, making room for new pads.

7

Pry up on the inner brake pad until you can grab it with your fingers, then pull the pad from the caliper. Notice that metal clips on the rear of the pad insert into the cavity in the caliper piston.

8

Pull the rotor from the rear of the 300M.

9

Close the micrometer's jaws and calibrate it by pressing the "Reset" button. Measure the thickness of the rotor's disc in four areas using the micrometer. Make note of the thinnest measurement.

10

Check the rotor for any defects, such as: hot spots, gouging or a mirror-like shine. If the rotor has defects, replace it or have it resurfaced by a professional. The rotor must measure at least 0.409 inches after resurfacing, or it needs replaced. If no defects exist and the rotor is thicker than 0.409 inches, place the old rotor back on the vehicle.

11

Replace the rotor if it is thinner than 0.409 inches, regardless of its condition.

12

Place the new or resurfaced rotor on the 300M, if applicable.

13

Apply a thin coat of disc brake grease on the rear of the new brake pads, on the guide pin bolts and on the mating surfaces of the caliper and caliper bracket.

14

Position the inner brake pad on the caliper piston and guide the metal clips on the rear of the pad into the piston. Press the pad until it fully seats against the caliper.

15

Install the outer brake pad on the caliper by prying up on the metal clip on the rear with a flat-head screwdriver, and pressing the pad onto the caliper until the clip seats into place on the caliper body.

16

Place the caliper on the caliper bracket and tighten the guide pin bolts to 17 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a socket.

17

Repeat Steps 4 through 16 for the pads on the other side of the 300M.

18

Reinstall the rear wheels on the 300M and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the vehicle with a floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the 300M to the ground and torque the lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a socket.

19

Press and release the brake pedal until it feels firm.

20

Check the brake fluid in the master cylinder and add new DOT 3 brake fluid until it reaches the "Max" level in the reservoir.

21

Take the old brake fluid in the container to a local used automotive fluid recycling center. Many auto parts stores perform this task free of charge.