1999 DODGE NEON boot

All the front brake forces generated during braking
of the vehicle is taken up directly by the steering
knuckles of the vehicle.
The caliper is a one piece casting with the inboard
side containing a single piston cylinder bore.
The front disc brake caliper piston (Fig. 2), is man-
ufactured from a phenolic compound. The outside
diameter of the caliper piston is 54 mm.
A square cut rubber piston seal is located in a
machined groove in the caliper cylinder bore. This
provides a hydraulic seal between the piston and the
cylinder wall (Fig. 4).
A rubber dust boot is installed in the cylinder bore
opening and in a groove in the piston (Fig. 4). This
prevents contamination in the bore area.As front disc brake linings wear, master cylinder
reservoir brake fluid level will drop. Fluid level
should be checked after replacing linings.
Front disc brakes are equipped with an audible
wear indicator (Fig. 2) on the outboard brake pad.
This sensor emits a sound when the brake lining
may need inspection and/or replacement.
Fig. 1 Front Disc Brake Caliper Assembly
Fig. 2 Front Disc Brake Caliper (Exploded View)
Fig. 3 Front Disc Brake Caliper Mounting
PLBRAKES 5 - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

(6) Remove brake rotor from hub by pulling it
straight off the wheel mounting studs (Fig. 63).
(7) Remove outboard brake shoe by prying the
shoe retaining clip over raised area on caliper. Then
slide the brake shoe down and off the caliper (Fig.
64).
(8) Pull the inboard brake shoe away from the cal-
iper piston until the retaining clip is out of the cavity
in the piston. (Fig. 65).
CALIPER INSPECTION
Check caliper for piston seal leaks (brake fluid in
and around boot area and inboard lining) and for any
ruptures of the piston dust boot. If boot is damaged,
or fluid leak is visible, disassemble caliper and
install a new seal and boot, (and piston if scored).
Refer to Caliper Disassembly And Re-Assembly Pro-
cedures in Disc Brake Caliper Service in this section
of the service manual.
Check the caliper dust boot and caliper pin bush-
ings to determine if they are in good condition.Replace if they are damaged, dry, or found to be brit-
tle. Refer to Guide Pin Bushing Service in Disc
Brake Caliper Service in this section of the service
manual.
INSTALL
(1) Completely retract caliper piston back into pis-
ton bore of caliper. This is required for caliper instal-
lation with new brake shoe assemblies.
(2) Lubricate both steering knuckle abutments
with a liberal amount of MopartMultipurpose Lubri-
cant, or equivalent.
(3) Install the front rotor on the hub, making sure
it is squarely seated on face of hub (Fig. 63).
(4) Remove the protective paper from the noise
suppression gasket on both the inner and outer brake
shoes (if equipped).
NOTE: Note: The inboard and outboard brake
shoes are not common (Fig. 66).
Fig. 62 Storing Caliper
Fig. 63 Removing/Installing Brake Rotor
Fig. 64 Removing Outboard Brake Shoe
Fig. 65 Removing Inboard Brake Shoe
PLBRAKES 5 - 29
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

from adapter, and then lifting caliper assembly off
lower machined abutment on adapter (Fig. 75).
(5) Support caliper assembly firmly from rear strut
to prevent weight of caliper from damaging the flex-
ible brake hose (Fig. 76).
(6) Remove rear rotor from hub/bearing assembly
(Fig. 77). Then inspect drum-in-hat parking brake
shoes and parking brake braking surface on rotor for
any signs of excessive wear or damage. Replace park-
ing brake shoes if required.
(7) Remove outboard brake pad from caliper by
prying brake pad retaining clip over raised area oncaliper. Then slide brake pad down and off the cali-
per (Fig. 78).
(8) Pull inboard brake pad away from caliper pis-
ton, until retaining clip is free from cavity in piston.
(Fig. 79).
CALIPER INSPECTION
Check caliper for piston seal leaks (brake fluid in
and around boot area and inboard lining) and for any
ruptures of the piston dust boot. If boot is damaged,
Fig. 75 Removing/Installing Caliper Assembly From
Adapter
Fig. 76 Storing Caliper
Fig. 77 Rear Brake Rotor
Fig. 78 Outboard Brake Shoe
PLBRAKES 5 - 33
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

or fluid leak is visible, disassemble caliper and
install a new seal and boot, (and piston if scored).
Refer to Caliper Disassembly And Re-Assembly Pro-
cedures in Disc Brake Caliper Service in this section
of the service manual.
Check the caliper dust boot and caliper pin bush-
ings to determine if they are in good condition.
Replace if they are damaged, dry, or found to be brit-
tle. Refer to Guide Pin Bushing Service in Disc
Brake Caliper Service in this section of the service
manual.
INSTALL
(1) Completely retract the caliper piston back into
the piston bore of the caliper assembly. This is
required for caliper installation when new brake pad
assemblies are installed on caliper.
(2) Lubricate both adapter abutments with a lib-
eral amount of MopartMultipurpose Lubricant, or
equivalent.
(3) Install rear rotor on the hub making sure it is
squarely seated on face of hub (Fig. 77).
(4) Remove protective paper from noise suppres-
sion gasket on both inner and outer brake pad
assemblies (if equipped).
(5) Install new inboard brake shoe assembly into
caliper piston by firmly pressing into piston bore
with thumbs (Fig. 79).Be sure inboard brake
shoe assembly is positioned squarely against
face of caliper piston.
(6) Slide new outboard brake pad assembly onto
the caliper assembly (Fig. 78). Be sure retaining clip
is squarely seated in the depressed areas on the cal-
iper.
CAUTION: Use care when installing caliper assem-
bly onto adapter, so the guide pin bushings andsleeves do not get damaged by the mounting
bosses on adapter.
(7) Carefully lower caliper and brake shoe assem-
blies over braking disc (rotor) reversing the required
removal procedure (Fig. 75). Make sure that caliper
guide pin bolts, bushings and sleeves are clear of the
adapter bosses.
CAUTION: Extreme caution should be taken not to
cross thread the caliper guide pin bolts when they
are installed.
(8) Install caliper assembly guide pin bolts into
adapter and tighten (Fig. 74). Then torque both guide
pin bolts to 22 N´m (192 in. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(10) Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in
proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half
specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to
the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(11) Remove jackstands or lower hoist.Before
moving vehicle, pump the brake pedal several
times to insure the vehicle has a firm brake
pedal.
(12) Road test the vehicle and make several stops
to wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake pads.
REAR BRAKE DRUM
REMOVE
Further clearance can be obtained by backing off
the brake automatic adjuster screw. Remove rubber
plug from top of brake support plate. Rotate auto-
matic adjuster screw assembly with an upward
motion, using a medium size screwdriver.
See adjusting rear service brakes in the Service
Adjustments section in this group of the service man-
ual for the specific adjustment procedure.
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubrication and Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove rear brake drum to hub retaining clips
(if equipped).
(4) Remove rear brake drum from rear hub/bear-
ing assembly (Fig. 80).
(5) Inspect brake linings for wear, shoe alignment
and contamination.
INSTALL
(1) Install rear brake drum assembly on rear hub
and bearing assembly.
(2) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
Fig. 79 Removing Inboard Brake Shoe
5 - 34 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Install new master cylinder housing to brake
fluid reservoir sealing grommets (Fig. 166) in master
cylinder housing.
(6) Lubricate reservoir mounting area with fresh
clean brake fluid. Place reservoir in position over
grommets. Seat reservoir into grommets using a
rocking motion while firmly pressing down on fluid
reservoir.
(7) Be sure reservoir is positioned properly.
(8) Make sure bottom of reservoir touches top of
grommet.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
The master cylinder or brake fluid reservoir does
not have to be removed from vehicle for replacement
of the brake fluid level sensor.
(1) Remove wiring harness connector from brake
fluid reservoir level sensor (Fig. 167).
(2) Compress retaining tabs (Fig. 168) on end of
brake fluid level switch.(3) While compressing retaining tabs, grasp oppo-
site end of brake fluid level switch and pull it out of
master cylinder brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 169).
(4) Correctly align the replacement level switch
with its mounting hole in the brake fluid reservoir.
Push switch into fluid reservoir until retaining tabs
are fully expanded on opposite side of fluid reservoir
(Fig. 168).
(5) Install the wiring harness connector onto the
brake fluid level switch.
FRONT AND REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
Check for brake fluid leaks in and around dust
boot area and inboard brake pad, and for any rup-
tures, brittleness or damage to the piston dust boot.
If the dust boot is damaged, or a fluid leak is visible,
disassemble caliper assembly and install a new pis-
ton seal and dust boot, and piston if scored. Refer to
Fig. 166 Removing Fluid Reservoir From Master
Cylinder
Fig. 167 Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
Fig. 168 Brake Fluid Level Switch Retaining Tabs
Fig. 169 Removing/Installing Fluid Reservoir Level
Switch
5 - 58 BRAKESPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

Caliper Disassembly And Re-Assembly Procedures in
Disc Brake Caliper Service in this section of the ser-
vice manual.
Check the guide pin dust boots to determine if they
are in good condition. Replace if they are damaged,
dry, or found to be brittle. Refer to Guide Pin Bush-
ing Service in Disc Brake Caliper Service in this sec-
tion of the service manual.
CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHING SERVICE
The double pin caliper uses a sealed for life bush-
ing and sleeve assembly. If required this assembly
can be serviced using the following procedure.
REMOVING CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHINGS
(1) Remove caliper from brake rotor (See Brake
Shoe Removal). Hang caliper assembly on a wire
hook away from the brake rotor.
(2) Push out and then pull the steel sleeve from
the inside of the bushing using your fingers as shown
in (Fig. 170).
(3) Using your fingers, collapse one side of the
bushing. Then pull on the opposite side to remove
the bushing from the brake caliper housing (Fig.
171).
INSTALLING CALIPER GUIDE PIN BUSHINGS
(1) Fold the bushing in half lengthwise at the solid
middle section of the bushing (Fig. 172).
(2) Insert the folded bushing into the caliper hous-
ing (Fig. 173).Do not use a sharp object to per-
form this step due to possible damage to the
bushing.(3) Unfold the bushing using your fingers or a
wooden dowel until the bushing is fully seated into
the caliper housing. Flanges should be seated evenly
on both sides of the bushing hole (Fig. 174).
(4) Lubricate the inside surfaces of the bushing
using Mopar, Silicone Dielectric Compound or an
equivalent.
(5) Install guide pin sleeve into one end of bushing
until seal area of bushing is past seal groove in
sleeve (Fig. 175).
(6) Holding convoluted boot end of bushing with
one hand, push steel sleeve bushing through boot
until one end of bushing is fully seated into seal
groove on one end of sleeve (Fig. 175).
(7) Holding sleeve in place, work other end of
bushing over end of sleeve and into the seal grove on
Fig. 170 Removing Inner Sleeve From Bushing
Fig. 171 Removing Bushing From Caliper
Fig. 172 Folded Caliper Guide Pin Bushing
PLBRAKES 5 - 59
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

from rotor, so hydraulic fluid cannot get on rotor.
Place a small piece of wood between the piston and
caliper fingers.
(2)Carefullydepress brake pedal to hydraulically
push piston out of bore. Then apply and hold down
the brake pedal to any position beyond the first inch
of pedal travel. This will prevent loss of brake fluid
from the master cylinder.
(3) If both front caliper pistons are to be removed,
disconnect brake tube at flexible brake hose at frame
rail. Plug brake tube and remove piston from oppo-
site caliper using the same process as above for the
first piston removal.
(4) Disconnect the brake fluid flex hose from the
caliper assembly.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when clamp-
ing caliper in vise. Excessive vise pressure will
cause bore distortion and binding of piston.
(5) To disassemble caliper, mount in a vise
equipped with protective jaws.
(6) Remove guide pin sleeves and guide pin bush-
ings. See Removing Guide Pin Bushings in the cali-
per disassembly section of this manual.
(7) Remove the piston dust boot from the caliper
and discard (Fig. 177).
(8) Using a soft tool, such as a plastic trim stick,
work piston seal out of its groove in caliper piston
bore (Fig. 178). Discard old seal.Do not use a
screw driver or other metal tool for this opera-
tion, because of the possibility of scratching
piston bore or burring edges of seal groove.(9) Clean all parts using alcohol or a suitable sol-
vent and wipe dryusing only a lint free cloth.No
lint residue can remain in caliper bore. Clean out all
drilled passages and bores.Whenever a caliper
has been disassembled, a new boot and seal
must be installed at assembly.
(10) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth. Bores that have deep scratches or
scoring should be honed. Use Caliper Hone, Special
Tool C-4095, or equivalent providing the diameter of
the bore is not increased more than 0.0254 mm
(0.001 inch) (Fig. 179).
(11) If the bore does not clean up within this spec-
ification, a new caliper housing should be installed.
Install a new piston if the old one is pitted or scored.
NOTE: When using Caliper Honing Tool, Special
Tool C-4095, coat the stones and bore with brake
fluid. After honing the bore, carefully clean the seal
and boot grooves with a stiff non-metallic rotary
brush.
NOTE: Use extreme care in cleaning the caliper
after honing. Remove all dirt and grit by flushing
the caliper with brake fluid; wipe dry with a clean,
lint free cloth and then clean a second time.
CAUTION: When inspecting caliper piston, do not
use anything but solvents to clean piston surface. If
surface of piston cannot be cleaned using only sol-
vents, piston must be replaced.
Fig. 177 Removing Caliper/Piston Dust Boot
Fig. 178 Removing Piston Seal From Caliper
PLBRAKES 5 - 61
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(12) Inspect caliper piston for pitting, scratches, or
any physical damage. Replace piston if there is evi-
dence of scratches, pitting or physical damage.
CALIPER ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Excessive vise pressure will cause bore
distortion and binding of piston.
(1) Clamp caliper in a vise (with protective caps
installed on jaws of vise).
(2) Dip new piston seal in clean brake fluid and
install in the groove of the caliper bore. Seal should
be positioned at one area in groove and gently
worked around the groove (Fig. 180), using only your
fingers until properly seated.NEVER USE AN OLD
PISTON SEAL.Be sure that fingers are clean and
seal is not twisted or rolled (Fig. 180).
(3) Coat new piston boot with clean brake fluid
leaving a generous amount inside boot.
(4) Position dust boot over piston after coating
with brake fluid.
CAUTION: Force must be applied to the piston uni-
formly to avoid cocking and binding of the piston in
the bore of the caliper.
(5) Install piston into caliper bore pushing it past
the piston seal until it bottoms in the caliper bore
(Fig. 181).
(6) Position dust boot into the counterbore of the
caliper assembly piston bore.
(7) Using a hammer and Installer Piston Caliper
Boot, Special Tool C-4689 and Handle, Special ToolC-4171, drive boot into counterbore of the caliper
(Fig. 182).
(8) Install guide pin sleeves and bushings. See
Install Guide Pin Bushings section in the caliper dis-
assembly section of this manual.
(9) Install brake pads. See Installing Brake Pads
in the Brake Pad Service Procedures section of this
manual.
(10) Before installing caliper assembly on vehicle,
inspect brake rotor. If any conditions as described in
Checking Brake Rotor for Runout and Thickness are
present the rotor, must be replaced or refaced. If the
rotor does not require any servicing, install caliper
assembly.
(11) Install brake hose onto caliper using banjo
bolt. Torque the brake hose to caliper assembly banjo
bolt to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).New seal washers
Fig. 179 Honing Brake Caliper Piston Bore
Fig. 180 Installing New Piston Seal In Caliper
Fig. 181 Installing Piston Into Caliper Bore
5 - 62 BRAKESPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)