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

Replacing front brake pads on the 2002-2007 Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan with rear drum brakes.
Disclaimer:
This video only contains tips and recommendations that could be helpful when carrying out car repairs or replacing parts. DIY Benz garage is not liable for any harm, injury or property damage incurred while carrying out repairs or replacements. This video is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee achievement of a specific result. The user is personally liable for incorrect use of repair equipment, tools or car parts, in particular, when this use poses the risk of injury. DIY Benz garage strongly recommends being careful and adhering to the safety rules when doing any repair or replacement.

[@KenGrunke]

This is the video I needed to see after viewing several others which weren't quite right for my 06 Chrysler Town & Country. All the others had the spring retainer clips, but mine doesn't and it's identical to your Caravan. I was stressed about that, having a 300 mile road trip ahead of me tomorrow. Hooray, I got 'er done!

[@emilyencinias1090]

Holy cow, thank you so much. Great video. It took about one hour to change both front pads but I saved a ton on labor fees. Thanks again

[@onlyme8870]

I don't add grease to the slider shims on the bracket they are stainless and any grease will hold sand or dirt and that acts to build up and will cause failure over time. But yes to the pads rear shim to the cylinder contact. Doing 50 jobs a week for 20 yrs ive seen pretty much every style and tried most tips and tricks. I like your demeanor, which is pleasing to listen to your tutorial.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Thanks for the advice & thanks for the compliment! Feedback is always welcome at DIY Benz Garage!

[@onlyme8870]

@DIYBenzGarage same team but not all videos have every detail known to man and allows for us to interact.

[@Roma-rusk]

For those struggling. You don't actually need the piston tool. I use a flat head screwdriver and compress it slightly to be able to move it

[@BrEaKiNg_Brad]

It's like even though I've done this 4 times I still look up a tutorial per model vehicle. lol

[@fields1336]

Me 2👌

[@JohnJames.]

Same done my ranger , kia , now watching this for wife's van

[@dougfredricks2017]

Welp, I can't afford a $50k 🔋🚗 🔋 nor a $5000 battery therefore i shall work on my 05 Van to fix brakes to save 💵 😆

[@yeshua4U]

i re-watch this video EVERY TIME. thanks for posting

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@diakimm6829]

2002 Caravan =14mm bolt that hold caliber on mine. 45 min. job.

[@jl5442]

Good video but a few things confused me - Why are we suspending the caliper vs just setting it down gently? Will the break line not have enough length to do so? And what is the purpose of compressing the old pads in the caliper once they're removed? You mentioned the compressor to compress the caliper piston, but I'm not understanding the purpose of this step.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

You never suspend the caliper by it's hydraulic line as the weight can damage it. The caliper pistons are extended due to the old pads wearing out. The new pads won't fit if you don't push it back.

[@bradfordeaton6558]

Thank you. Keep it simple!

[@3613jeremy]

What's the difference between the 4 disc system and the rear drum set up when it comes to the fronts

[@DIYBenzGarage]

Fronts are completely different pad on 4 disc & install differently.

[@clarkbausch2064]

Did I miss the part where you use the C -clam?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

To use the C-clamp I remove the caliper from the bracket, put one of the old brake pads against the piston, hold the base of the c-clamp against the back of the caliper and SLOWLY turn the c-clamp through the front of the caliper pressing down on the old brake pad. Sorry I didn't show that method, but I haven't done it that way for years.

[@jl5442]

​@@DIYBenzGarage I'm not understanding the purpose of these compression step.

[@tripsrossi7038]

​@jl5442 to be able to put the caliper back on . See when the old brake pads are so worn down the caliper is more extended and needs to be compressed to be able to fit around the new brake pads . As your brake pads wear out the caliper extends into the brake so the brakes don't come loose

[@view2be]

Do I bleed before or after replacing brakes? Do you have a video on bleeding process? Thank you

[@DIYBenzGarage]

After. You don't have to bleed them if there isn't air in them. I haven't made a video of that, but I'm sure there are a few posted here on youtube.

[@457dodgecaravan2]

Is this the same for a Caravan ? I noticed you said Grand Caravan.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

It's the same for both so long as you have drum brakes in the rear. wheel disc are different.

[@457dodgecaravan2]

Thanks

[@ianmcgrigg8970]

How do I find your video on changing the front disc brakes if the Caravan has rear disc brakes? Can you give me the link?

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I accidentally deleted that video. Here is one from someone else for your model: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3vGo56rba-HqKc Just don't pry around the piston with a screwdriver like this guy did.

[@CodyEwok]

i was wondering the same thing!! rock on!

[@evianrave7683]

The pads i got dont fit too fat on the tabs :(

[@DIYBenzGarage]

I remember having to file the tabs one time, I can't remember if it was too much paint or poorly made.

[@evianrave7683]

@@DIYBenzGarage just a bad fit. Probably would have fit a newer model or different calipers better. It was a good excuse to finally go pick up a vise and a grinder. But the vise and grinder were both missing pieces. However, the grinder was usable and I have one side done and I'll let the neighbors rest for the night 😀

[@DIYBenzGarage]

@@evianrave7683 Wow, yours were way off. I only had to tweek mine with a dremel.

[@evianrave7683]

@@DIYBenzGarage man I finished the other side this morning in like 30 minutes with no grinding. It helps to remove the spring when installing the new pads. My setup is different from the one in the video.

[@DIYBenzGarage]

@@evianrave7683 Ahhh, I bet you have the model with rear disc brakes. They are a pain in the ass, completely different caliper & pads. I hope they sold you the correct parts!

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

I hope you stopped smoking dope.

[@tripsrossi7038]

Wtf !? 😂 every dopefiend in my town is a "mechanic" lmfao

[@renegonzales6376]

Thank u for the helpful video