QuestionHow do I replace the brakes on a 2006 Dodge Stratus SXT 4 cyl. The rears are drum brakes.
AnswerREMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - WARNING)(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - CAUTION).
Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Remove rear tire and wheel assembly.
Slide brake drum off mounted wheel studs of hub and remove from vehicle (Drum Brakes). If drum does not come off, further brake clearance can be obtained by backing off brake adjuster screw using following steps:
Fabricate pawl release tool like one shown using a coat hanger or heavy mechanics wire (Fabricated Tool).
Remove plug from rear of support plate below wheel cylinder.
Insert fabricated tool through access hole in support plate, under adjuster, against lever pawl (Fabricated Tool Inserted Against Pawl). Pawl is attached to and pivots from leading shoe. When inserting tool through hole, directing tool somewhat forward (toward leading shoe) assures better contact with pawl.
While pushing on pawl with fabricated tool to disengage it from adjuster star-wheel teeth (Fabricated Tool Inserted Against Pawl), rotate star-wheel downward to back off adjustment using a small screwdriver or brake adjuster tool.
Once adjuster screw is backed off a sufficient amount, drum should slide off wheel studs.
Remove tools and reinstall plug in support plate.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES - WARNING)(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - CAUTION).
NOTE: Make sure parking brake is in “released” position before raising vehicle.
Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Remove both rear tire and wheel assemblies from vehicle.
Remove brake drums from both sides of vehicle (Drum Brakes). (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DRUM - REMOVAL)
NOTE: Perform Step 4 through Step 12 on each side of the vehicle to complete shoe set removal. It may be easier to install the new components on the first side of the vehicle before disassembling the opposite side, so it may be used as a reference guide for proper installation. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR DRUM - INSTALLATION)
Remove hub and bearing dust cap (Drum Brakes).
Remove hub and bearing retaining nut, then slide hub and bearing off spindle (Drum Brakes).
Compress cable return spring, then remove parking brake cable from parking brake lever (Cable Removal From Lever).
Compress and remove shoe hold-down springs (Hold-Down And Lower Return Springs).
Remove lower return spring (Hold-Down And Lower Return Springs).
Remove both shoes and remaining parts as an assembly from support plate.
Remove adjuster spring from leading shoe and lever pawl (Bench Assembled Brake Shoes (Right Side Shown)).
Remove lever pawl from pivot on leading shoe and slide out from under adjuster.
Remove adjuster and upper spring (Bench Assembled Brake Shoes (Right Side Shown)).
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
Remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
NOTE: Using this procedure, begin on one side of the vehicle.
Remove the anti-rattle spring from the outboard side of the caliper and adapter (FRONT DISC BRAKES).
Remove the two caps in place over the caliper guide pin bolts (CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLT CAPS).
Remove the two caliper guide pin bolts (CALIPER MOUNTING).
Remove caliper from caliper adapter and brake rotor. The outboard shoe will probably stay with the caliper adapter while the inboard shoe will come off with the caliper as the caliper is removed.
CAUTION: Supporting weight of caliper by the flexible brake fluid hose can damage the hose.
Using wire or cord, hang the caliper from the front strut assembly (Stored Front Disc Brake Caliper). Support the caliper firmly to prevent weight of caliper from being supported by the brake fluid hose.
Remove the outboard brake shoe from the caliper adapter.
Pull the inboard brake shoe away from the caliper piston until the retaining clip on shoe is free from the cavity in the caliper piston (Removing Inboard Shoe).
Repeat the above procedure on other side of the vehicle.
