Front Brake Pad replacement on Dodge Caravan 2002-2007, With Rear Drum Brakes

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for replacing the front brake pads on a 2002-2007 Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan equipped with rear drum brakes. Proper maintenance of your vehicle's brake system is crucial for safety and performance. Following these steps will help you complete the replacement efficiently and safely.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before starting the replacement, ensure you have all necessary tools and parts on hand:

• Tools Needed:

  • Lug wrench
  • Jack and jack stands
  • C-clamp or brake caliper tool
  • Socket set
  • Screwdriver
  • Brake cleaner
  • Torque wrench

• Materials Needed:

  • New brake pads
  • Brake grease

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Safety First:

   • Park the vehicle on a flat surface.
   • Engage the parking brake.

2. Loosen the Lug Nuts:

   • Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels, but do not remove them completely.

3. Lift the Vehicle:

   • Place the jack under the vehicle’s jacking points and raise the front end.
   • Secure the vehicle with jack stands.

4. Remove the Wheels:

   • Finish removing the lug nuts and take off the front wheels to access the brake assembly.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brake Pads

1. Locate the Brake Caliper:

   • Identify the brake caliper that holds the brake pads.

2. Unbolt the Caliper:

   • Use a socket to remove the bolts securing the caliper to the bracket.

3. Remove the Caliper:

   • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. Support it with a bungee cord or a piece of wire to avoid straining the brake line.

4. Take Out the Old Brake Pads:

   • Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note how they are positioned for reference when installing the new ones.

Step 4: Prepare for New Brake Pads

1. Compress the Caliper Piston:

   • Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper housing. This will make space for the new pads.

2. Clean the Bracket:

   • Use brake cleaner to clean the caliper bracket and remove any dust or debris.

Step 5: Install New Brake Pads

1. Apply Brake Grease:

   • Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the new brake pads to prevent noise.

2. Position the New Pads:

   • Place the new brake pads into the caliper bracket in the same orientation as the old ones.

3. Reattach the Caliper:

   • Carefully slide the caliper back over the new pads and secure it with bolts. Tighten to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

Step 6: Reassemble the Vehicle

1. Reinstall the Wheels:

   • Place the wheels back onto the hubs and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

2. Lower the Vehicle:

   • Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground.

3. Tighten the Lug Nuts:

   • Once the vehicle is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Conclusion

You have now successfully replaced the front brake pads on your 2002-2007 Dodge Caravan. Make sure to test the brakes gently before driving at higher speeds. Regular maintenance of your brake system will ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. If you encounter any issues during the process, consider consulting a professional mechanic.