How to Change Rear Brake Pads on a Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan (front-wheel drive models) rarely come equipped with rear disc brake pads, but use drum brakes and brake shoes. However, all-wheel drive models (mostly in the Grand Caravan series) often come with rear disc brakes. Earlier versions of the rear disc brakes used a different parking brake mechanism. The newer version required a different procedure to compress the rear caliper piston in order to make room for the replacement of the new, thicker pads without causing damage to the pistons. In either case, the same special tool set can be used for either application.

Instructions

1

Place a wheel block in front of one (or both, if two are available) of the front tire treads. Kick the block inward against the tread.

2

Loosen the lug nuts of the rear tires with the lug wrench, but only crack them loose from the hubs.

3

Lift one rear corner of the Caravan with the vehicle jack and then support that corner onto a jack stand placed in a safe and secure location. Repeat for the other rear corner to elevate the entire rear axle.

4

Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

5

Locate the guide pins on the inside of the caliper housing. The rear calipers sit up on top of the rear knuckle and rotor on the Caravan. Use the ratchet and 7 mm socket bit to remove the two guide pins holding the caliper to the bracket and knuckle assembly.

6

Pry off the front of the caliper gently using the angled pry tool or screwdriver and then pry off the rear of the caliper. Hang the caliper to the rear suspension using a small bungee cord to prevent damage to the brake hose (attached to the caliper).

7

Pry the outer pad wing clips off of the caliper housing using the pry tool or screwdriver to remove the outer pad. Pull the inner pad and retaining clip out of the caliper piston (older version) or remove the inner brake pad from the caliper bracket still seated behind the rotor (newer version).

8

Compress the hollow piston caliper using the caliper piston retracting tool kit like a C-clamp. Use an old brake pad to sit against the hollow piston and set the retracting tool into the caliper housing and tighten the tool (by turning the knob) until the piston is fully seated. For newer style caliper pistons, the piston will not be hollow but will have crossed slots on its face. Find a suitable sized adapter in the tool kit to fit into the notches of the slots and again set the tool up with the adapter on the end. Tighten the tool to turn the piston clockwise and screw the piston inward until it is fully seated.

9

Clean the bracket, knuckle and caliper mating surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and brake dust. Apply a level coating of silicone brake grease to the mating areas.

10

Insert the inner pad first (on the bracket for newer version or push the retaining clips into the hollow caliper piston for older version). Clip the wing clips of the outer pad onto the outer caliper housing.

11

Place the caliper over the rotor and align the caliper so the guide pins can be hand threaded in at first. Tighten the guide pins with the ratchet and socket bit once threaded properly.

12

Replace the wheels after both sides of the brake pads of have been replaced. Replace the lug nuts and tighten them secure to the hubs.

13

Lower the rear corners of the Caravan (one side at a time) slowly after removing the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with the torque ratchet (set at 100 foot-pounds) and a socket (19 mm or 3/4-inch).

14

Pump the brake pedal several times to reset the caliper pistons. The brake pedal will feel firm (normal height) when the pistons have reset and the pads are properly seated. Remove the wheel block and test drive the Caravan.