Front Brake Pad Replacement in a 1993 Dodge Caravan
In the mid-1970s, Chrysler began working on a new vehicle that would revolutionize people moving: the minivan. The release of Chrysler's...
In the mid-1970s, Chrysler began working on a new vehicle that would revolutionize people moving: the minivan. The release of Chrysler's newest creations -- the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager -- was supposed to occur in 1981, but financial problems delayed release until the 1984 model year. Chrysler equipped the 1984 Caravan with a 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that produced only 86 horsepower. In 1993, the Caravan had three engine options, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 3.0-liter V-6 and a 3.3-liter V-6, producing 100, 142 and 150 horsepower, respectively. The 1993 Caravan also came fitted with front disc brakes and its brake pads require periodic replacement.
Location
The front brake calipers and caliper brackets hold the brake pads in place while the Caravan is moving.
Disassembly
Removing the 1993 Caravan's brake pads is relatively easy. Jack up the van and place it on jack stands, detach the front wheels and remove the two bolts on the rear of the caliper, remove the brake caliper and pull the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Hang the caliper from a suspension component with a bungee strap, as hanging it from the brake hose can cause damage to the hose.
Cleaning and Lubricating
The bolts that secure the caliper act as guide pins, allowing it to slide back and forth. This sliding prevents excessive pad wear on one side. Always clean these pins and lubricate them with antiseize or disc brake grease.
Rotor
The rotor is the metal disc the brake pads press against to stop the 1993 Caravan. Measure the thickness of the rotor's disc with a micrometer in four different areas and note the measurements down on a piece of paper. Compare the difference between the thickest and thinnest measurement, known as the run out. If the run out is 0.005 inches or more, resurface or replace the rotor. Check the rotor for any grooves or irregularities, replace or resurface the rotor if any imperfections exist. If the rotor measures less than 0.88 inches thick, it does not qualify for resurfacing and replacement is required.
Installation
Make clearance for the new brake pads by pressing the piston inside the Caravan's caliper inward until it bottoms out inside the caliper. A special tool is available for this, or you can simply use an 8-inch C-clamp. Place the pads in the caliper bracket, with the squeal indicator facing upward, put the caliper over the pads and hand-tighten the caliper bolts.
Torque
Proper torque on all bolts on the 1993 Caravan is important, but it is especially important on the braking system. The caliper bolts require 25 to 35 foot-pounds of torque. The lug nuts on the wheels require 95 foot-pounds of torque.
