How to Replace Rear Brake Calipers 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of replacing the rear brake calipers on a 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. A worn or seized brake caliper can lead to serious safety issues, including overheating and brake failure. This step-by-step guide will equip you with the necessary instructions to perform the replacement effectively.

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel using a 19 mm socket.
• Lift the vehicle with a floor jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel to access the brake components.

Step 2: Disconnect the Parking Brake Cable

• Identify the parking brake cable and the lever on the caliper.
• If the spring is missing, you may need to hold the lever in the engaged position manually.
• Use one hand to pull the cable outward while using the other to pry the clips or tabs to unlock the cable.
• Carefully slide the cable out of its slot.

Step 3: Remove the Old Caliper

• Use a 15 mm wrench or socket to break free the banjo bolt. Snug it back gently to prevent fluid leakage.
• Use a 13 mm socket to remove the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket.
• Carefully pull the caliper off and set it aside, ensuring it does not pull on the brake hose or ABS wire.

Step 4: Remove Brake Pads and Caliper Bracket

• Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
• Use an 18 mm socket to remove the two bolts holding the caliper bracket onto the knuckle.
• Set aside both the caliper and bracket.

Step 5: Prepare the New Caliper

• Apply a thin layer of brake grease or silicone paste (rated for brakes) to the areas where the anti-rattle clips will sit.
• Install the anti-rattle clips on the new caliper, ensuring the spring faces outward.

Step 6: Install the Caliper Bracket and New Caliper

• Reattach the caliper bracket by lining it up and inserting the top bolt first, followed by the bottom.
• Torque both bolts to 74 ft-lb.
• Insert the slider pins and add grease to the boot and slider, ensuring it moves freely.

Step 7: Install Brake Pads

• Insert the inner brake pad by angling it and sliding it into place.
• Perform the same for the outer brake pad, ensuring both pads have their wear indicators facing down.

Step 8: Attach the New Caliper

• Slide the new caliper over the brake pads, aligning it with the slider pins.
• Start threading in the bolts and torque them to 26 ft-lb.

Step 9: Reconnect the Parking Brake Cable

• Reattach the parking brake cable to the lever, ensuring it lines up with the bracket.

Step 10: Install the Banjo Bolt

• Using a 15 mm socket, remove the banjo bolt you previously loosened, and let the old caliper drain.
• Remove the old washers from the banjo bolt and replace them with new copper washers.
• Insert the banjo bolt through the brake hose and torque it to 18 ft-lb.

Step 11: Bleed the Brakes

• Open the bleeder screw with an 11 mm wrench to allow gravity to pull brake fluid through and push any air out.
• Once a steady trickle of fluid appears with no air bubbles, close the bleeder screw and replace the cap.

Step 12: Reattach the Wheel

• Place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lb in a cross pattern.

Conclusion

You have successfully replaced the rear brake calipers on your Dodge Grand Caravan. Always pump the brakes a few times to ensure proper functionality before taking the vehicle for a test drive. Regular maintenance of your brake system can enhance safety and performance. If you have any further questions or concerns, consult a professional mechanic.