How to Install Front Brakes on a 2000 Dodge Dakota 4X4
The 2000 Dodge Dakota 4X4 features disc brakes on the front wheels. The brakes should be inspected for wear and tear and serviced regularly...
The 2000 Dodge Dakota 4X4 features disc brakes on the front wheels. The brakes should be inspected for wear and tear and serviced regularly. Signs of wear include a grinding or screeching noise during braking. If the brakes are not replaced in time, it could affect your Dakota's braking performance and potentially damage some braking components. The steps used to install the front brakes on the Dakota can be used on most other vehicles made by Dodge.
Instructions
Removing the Old Brakes
- 1
Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electric shock. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with a lug wrench. Use a floor jack to lift the vehicle high enough so that the front wheels are off the ground. Stabilize the Dakota by placing jack stands underneath the frame.
2Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with the lug wrench. Grasp the wheel and pull it off the axle. The brake caliper and rotor will be exposed.
3Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet with a T-45 Torx socket to remove the two caliper mounting bolts. Pull the bolts out of the caliper and slide the caliper off the rotor. Use mechanic's wire to suspend the caliper on a coil spring or other suspension component.
4Pry the old brake pads out of the caliper with a flat-head screwdriver and remove the retaining clips from the pads. Place one of the old pads against the caliper piston and use a C-clamp to press the piston into the caliper housing.
Installing the New Brakes
- 5
Attach the retaining clips to the new brake pads and place the brake pads inside the caliper housing. Remove the mechanic's wire from the caliper and slide it back over the rotor.
6Reinsert the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet and T-45 Torx socket. Remount the wheels onto the axle and reattach the lug nuts to their studs by hand.
7Remove the jack stands and lower the Dakota. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Reconnect the negative terminal cable to the battery and close the hood.
