How to Change the Brake Pads on the 2007 Grand Caravan

The Dodge Caravan was introduced in 1983. The 2007 Dodge Caravan came equipped with a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine in the base model. Two versions of the Chrysler 3.3-liter V-6 (Flex-Fuel, and OHV) were available as upgraded engines. The brake pads on the 2007 Caravan are part of a standard front disc brake system. The pads are enclosed in the brake caliper, which squeezes the pads onto the rotor. The squeezing causes friction between the pads and rotors, which is what stops the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Loosen the front wheel lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the front of the Caravan with a jack. Place jack stands beneath both front frame rails, just inward from the lower control arms. Do not rest the jack stands beneath the lower control arms. Lower the Caravan onto the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts, then remove the front wheels from the minivan.

2

Insert a pry bar into the access hole in the center of the caliper housing. Gently pry the inboard (rear) brake pad toward the center of the vehicle, with a pry bar. Remove the caliper bolts with a ratchet and a socket. Remove the caliper from the brake assembly, using the pry bar if needed.

3

Remove the old brake pads from the caliper-mounting bracket. Insert the inboard brake pad against the caliper piston on the inside of the caliper housing. Compress the caliper piston into the caliper, using a C-clamp wrapped around the brake pad and the rear of the caliper. Turn the C-clamp slowly so as not to disrupt the caliper piston seals, and introduce air into the brake system.

4

Insert new brake pads onto the caliper bracket, while holding the caliper in your free hand. Install the caliper over the pads, onto the brake assembly. Apply a thin layer of caliper grease onto the outboard brake pad shim plate.

5

Apply grease to the caliper bolts, then install them into the caliper. Tighten the bolts to 35 foot-pounds of torque, with a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and socket.

6

Repeat steps 1 through 5 to complete the brake pad replacement on the second side of the Caravan. Install the front wheels onto the van after you have double-checked the torque on all of the caliper bolts. Tighten the front wheel lug nuts onto the wheel with a tire iron. Raise the Caravan off of the jack stands and remove the stands from beneath the van.

7

Tighten the front lug nuts to 105 foot-pounds with the 1/2-inch torque wrench and a socket. Immediately proceed to the driver's seat of the van. Pump the brake pedal 10 to 15 times to set the new brake pads.