2000 DODGE NEON ESP

(16) Reconnect the steering column lower coupling
to the steering column upper coupling (Fig. 38).
Install the coupling pinch bolt an tighten the pinch
bolt nut to a torque of 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.). Install
the pinch bolt retainer pin.
(17) Remove the steering wheel holder (Fig. 37).
(18) While looking under the instrument panel at
the lower coupling, rotate the steering wheel back-
and-forth to verify that the lower coupling does not
squeak against the dash-to-coupling seal.
(19) Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
(20) Check the stop lamps to verify they are oper-
ating properly and not staying on when the pedal is
in the released position.
(21) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the brakes.
WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the instrument panel. Refer to the
INSTRUMENT PANELS AND SYSTEMS group in
this service manual for the required procedure.
(2) Depress and hold the brake pedal while rotat-
ing the brake lamp switch (Fig. 39) in a counterclock-
wise direction approximately 30 degrees.
(3) Pull the switch rearward and remove it from
its mounting bracket.
(4) Disconnect the clutch cable from the clutch
pedal spacer (Fig. 41).(5) Disconnect the wiring harness connector going
to the clutch pedal switches (Fig. 42).
(6) Remove the clip securing the power brake
booster input rod to the brake pedal (Fig. 39).
Remove the input rod from the brake pedal.
(7) Remove the four nuts fastening the brake pedal
bracket to the power brake booster (Fig. 40).
(8) Remove the two nuts fastening the brake pedal
bracket to the instrument panel support (Fig. 40).
(9) Remove the brake pedal assembly.
(10) The pedal can be removed from it's bracket by
grinding off the peened end of the shaft, removing
the shaft, pedal and bushings. A service parts pack-
age is available to replace these items.
INSTALLATION
(1) If the pedal has been removed from it's
bracket, install the pedal, bushings and bolt-in-shaft
on the bracket using the available service parts pack-
age.
(2) Install the brake pedal assembly onto the studs
extending down from the instrument panel support
and power brake booster (Fig. 40).
(3) Install the two nuts fastening the brake pedal
bracket to the instrument panel support (Fig. 40).
Install the nuts all the way, but do not tighten them
at this time.
Fig. 41 Clutch Cable Connection
1 ± SNAP RING
2 ± CLUTCH PEDAL SPACER
3 ± CLUTCH PEDAL
4 ± CLUTCH CABLE
Fig. 42 Wiring Harness Connector
1 ± UPSTOP SWITCH
2 ± CLUTCH PEDAL
3 ± INTERLOCK SWITCH
4 ± CONNECTOR
5 - 26 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Gently pull back on the brake pedal until the
pedal stops moving. This will ratchet the switch
plunger backward to the correct adjustment position.
(5) Check the stop lamps to verify they are operat-
ing properly and not staying on when the pedal is in
the released position.
MASTER CYLINDER
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The vacuum in the power brake booster
must be pumped down before removing the master
cylinder to prevent the booster from sucking in any
contamination. This can be done by pumping the
brake pedal while the engine is not running until a
firm brake pedal is achieved.
(1) With the engine not running, pump the brake
pedal 4-5 strokes until the pedal feel is firm.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery and isolate the cable.
(3) Disconnect the positive cable from the battery,
then remove the battery from the battery tray. There
is one nut securing the clamp on the backside of the
battery holding it in place.
(4) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from brake fluid level switch in master cylinder
brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 44).(5) Disconnect the two brake tubes from the mas-
ter cylinder, and two brake tubes from the propor-
tioning valves (Fig. 45). Install plugs at all of the
open brake tube outlets on the master cylinder.
(6) Clean the area around where the master cylin-
der attaches to the power brake booster using a suit-
able brake cleaner such as MopartBrake Parts
Cleaner or an equivalent.
(7) Remove the two nuts attaching the master cyl-
inder to the power brake booster.
(8) Slide the master cylinder straight out of the
power brake booster.
(9) To remove the proportioning valves, unthread
each from the master cylinder.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The master cylinder must be bled before
installing it on the vehicle.
(1) If removed, install the proportioning valves in
their master cylinder ports. The valves are identical,
so they can be installed in either master cylinder
port going to the rear brakes. Make sure the O-rings
on the proportioning valves are new.
(2) Bleed the master cylinder before installing it
on the vehicle. Refer to MASTER CYLINDER
BLEEDING in SERVICE PROCEDURES within this
section of this service manual group.
(3) Wipe the face of the power brake booster clean
where the master cylinder seal comes in contact
when it's installed. Do not get any cleaner or debris
inside the booster.
Fig. 44 Master Cylinder
1 ± POWER BRAKE BOOSTER PARTS IDENTIFICATION TAG
2 ± POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
3 ± BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE SWITCH
4 ± MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 45 Brake Tubes At Master Cylinder
1 ± RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE
2 ± LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE
3 ± LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE
4 ± REAR PROPORTIONING VALVES
5 ± RIGHT REAR BRAKE TUBE
5 - 28 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Fill the reservoir with fresh clean DOT 3 brake
fluid. Refer to BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
in the SERVICE PROCEDURES section in this sec-
tion of this service manual group.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the vehicle wiring harness connector
from brake fluid level switch in master cylinder
brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 44).
(2) Push together the retaining tabs holding the
brake fluid level switch in place in the brake fluid
reservoir (Fig. 46).
(3) Pull the brake fluid level switch out the other
side of the reservoir.
INSTALLATION
(1) Align the brake fluid level switch with its
mounting hole on the left side of the master cylinder
brake fluid reservoir. Push the switch into the fluid
reservoir until the switch retaining tabs are
expanded on the other side of the reservoir, locking it
in place (Fig. 46).
(2) Connect the brake fluid level switch wiring
connector (Fig. 44).
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate the cable.
(2) Disconnect the positive cable from the battery,
then remove the battery from the battery tray. There
is one nut securing the clamp on the backside of the
battery holding it in place.
(3) Remove the one nut and one bolt securing the
air cleaner box in place, then disconnect the wiring
harness connector at the air inlet sensor.
(4) Lift the air cleaner box upward enough to clear
its grommeted alignment post (Fig. 48), then move
the air cleaner box forward just enough to access the
battery tray mounting bolts.(5) Remove the 2 bolts, then the 2 nuts mounting
the battery tray to its bracket (Fig. 48). Remove the
battery tray.
CAUTION: The vacuum in the power brake booster
must be pumped down before removing the master
cylinder to prevent the booster from sucking in any
contamination. This can be done by pumping the
brake pedal 4-5 times while the engine is not run-
ning until a firm brake pedal is achieved.
(6) Remove the master cylinder. For the master
cylinder without ABS removal and installation proce-
dure, refer to MASTER CYLINDER in this section of
this service manual group. For the master cylinder
with ABS removal and installation procedure, refer
to MASTER CYLINDER in the ANTILOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM section of this service manual group.
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, remove the
integrated control unit (ICU). Refer to INTEGRATED
CONTROL UNIT in REMOVAL AND INSTALLA-
TION within the ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM sec-
tion of this service manual group for the procedure.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, remove the
three bolts securing the ICU mounting bracket to the
frame rail.
(9) Disconnect the vacuum hoses from the check
valve on the power brake booster (Fig. 49), but do not
remove the check valve from power brake booster.
(10) Locate the brake pedal-to-power brake booster
input rod attachment under the instrument panel.
Position a small screwdriver (Fig. 50) under the cen-
ter tang of the retaining clip. Rotate the screwdriver
enough to allow the retaining clip tang to pass over
the end of the brake pedal pin. Remove the clip.
Fig. 48 Battery Tray Mounting
1 ± BATTERY TRAY MOUNTING NUTS
2 ± BATTERY TRAY MOUNTING BOLTS
3 ± AIR CLEANER BOX POST
5 - 30 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CAUTION: Use only a new brake booster input rod-
to-brake pedal retaining clip to ensure proper
retainment.
(4) Connect the power brake booster input rod-to-
brake pedal pin. Install a new retaining clip. Do not
use the old clip.
(5) Connect all previously removed vacuum hoses
to the vacuum check valve (Fig. 49).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, install the
ICU mounting bracket on the frame rail using its
three bolts. Tighten the nuts to a torque of 23 N´m
(200 in. lbs.).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, reinstall
the ICU. Refer to INTEGRATED CONTROL UNIT in
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION within the
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM section of this service
manual group for the procedure.
(8) Install the master cylinder. For the master cyl-
inder without ABS removal and installation proce-
dure, refer to MASTER CYLINDER in this section of
this service manual group. For the master cylinder
with ABS removal and installation procedure, refer
to MASTER CYLINDER in the ANTILOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM section of this service manual group.
(9) Position the battery tray back in place. Install
the two bolts, then the two nuts mounting the bat-
tery tray to its bracket (Fig. 48). Tighten the two
bolts and nuts to a torque of 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.).
(10) Reinstall the air cleaner box onto its grom-
meted alignment post (Fig. 48).
(11) Install the one nut and one bolt securing the
air cleaner box in place, then connect the wiring har-
ness connector at the air inlet sensor.
(12) Install the battery and clamp it in place.
(13) Connect the positive, then the negative
(ground) cable on the battery.
(14) Adjust the stop lamp switch as necessary.
Refer to STOP LAMP SWITCH in the ADJUST-
MENTS section of this group.
(15) Bleed the base brake system.
(16) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the brakes.
PROPORTIONING VALVE
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a brake pedal holder, depress the brake
pedal past its first one inch of travel and hold it in
this position (Fig. 53). This will isolate the master
cylinder from the brake hydraulic system and willnot allow the brake fluid to drain out of the master
cylinder reservoir.
(2) Disconnect the brake tube from the proportion-
ing valve requiring removal (Fig. 54).
(3) Unscrew the Proportioning valve from the mas-
ter cylinder.
Fig. 53 Brake Pedal Holder
1 ± CLUTCH PEDAL (IF EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
2 ± THROTTLE PEDAL
3 ± BRAKE PEDAL HOLDING TOOL
4 ± STEERING WHEEL
5 ± DRIVER'S SEAT
6 ± BRAKE PEDAL
Fig. 54 Proportioning Valves On Master Cylinder
1 ± RIGHT FRONT BRAKE TUBE
2 ± LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE
3 ± LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBE
4 ± REAR PROPORTIONING VALVES
5 ± RIGHT REAR BRAKE TUBE
5 - 32 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(4) Remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake
hose to the brake caliper (Fig. 56). There are two
washers (one on each side of the flex hose fitting)
that will come off with the banjo bolt. Inspect and
discard these if they are worn or damaged.
(5) Remove the two brake caliper to steering
knuckle guide pin bolts (Fig. 57).
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper from the steer-
ing knuckle. The caliper is removed by first tipping
either the top (right side caliper) or bottom (left side
caliper) of the caliper away from the brake rotor,then pulling the caliper off the opposite end's caliper
slide abutment (on the knuckle) and brake rotor.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Step 1 below is only required when install-
ing a caliper after new brake shoes have been
installed.
(1) Completely retract the caliper piston back into
the bore of the caliper.
(2) Lubricate both steering knuckle caliper slide
abutments with a liberal amount of MopartMulti-
purpose Lubricant, or an equivalent.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the caliper
assembly onto the steering knuckle so the seals on
the caliper guide pin bushings do not get damaged
by the steering knuckle bosses.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper (with pads) on the
brake rotor and steering knuckle. The left side cali-
per is installed by first sliding the top of the caliper
past the top caliper slide abutment on the steering
knuckle to hook the top edge of the caliper, then
pushing the lower end of the caliper into place
against the knuckle (Fig. 58). The right side caliper
is installed by first sliding the bottom edge of the cal-
iper past the lower caliper slide abutment on the
steering knuckle to hook the lower edge of the cali-
per, then pushing the top of the caliper into place
against the steering knuckle.
Fig. 56 Brake Hose Connection
1 ± CALIPER
2 ± HOSE
3 ± BOLT
Fig. 57 Caliper Mounting
1 ± RETAINER CLIP
2 ± BRAKE ROTOR
3 ± HUB
4 ± GUIDE PIN BOLTS
5 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
Fig. 58 Installing Left Caliper
1 ± SLIDE TOP OF BRAKE CALIPER UNDER TOP ABUTMENT
OF STEERING KNUCKLE AS SHOWN
2 ± BRAKING DISC
3 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
4 ± STEERING KNUCKLE BRAKE ABUTMENT
5 - 34 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(7) Remove the outboard brake shoe from the cali-
per by prying the shoe retaining clip over the raised
area on the caliper. Slide the brake shoe down and
off of the caliper (Fig. 61).
(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. 62) and remove the shoe.(9) Repeat the above procedure to the front brakes
on the other side of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Begin on one side of the vehicle.
(2) Completely retract the caliper piston back into
the bore of the caliper. This is required to gain the
necessary shoe-to-rotor clearance for the caliper
installation onto the steering knuckle.
(3) Remove any protective paper from the noise
suppression gasket on both the inner and outer brake
shoes (if equipped).
(4) Install the inboard brake shoe into the caliper
piston by firmly pressing the shoe in with the
thumbs (Fig. 63). Be sure the inboard brake shoe is
positioned squarely against the face of the caliper
piston.
(5) Slide the new outboard brake shoe onto the cal-
iper (Fig. 64).
(6) Lubricate both steering knuckle caliper slide
abutments with a liberal amount of MopartMulti-
purpose Lubricant, or an equivalent.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the caliper
assembly onto the steering knuckle so the seals on
the caliper guide pin bushings do not get damaged
by the steering knuckle bosses.
Fig. 61 Removing Outboard Brake Shoe
1 ± CALIPER ASSEMBLY
2 ± HANGER WIRE
3 ± BRAKE FLEX HOSE
4 ± OUTBOARD BRAKE PAD
5 ± HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY
6 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
7 ± SCREWDRIVER
Fig. 62 Removing Inboard Brake Shoe
1 ± INBOARD BRAKE SHOE
2 ± HANGER WIRE
3 ± CALIPER ASSEMBLY
4 ± RETAINING CLIP
5 ± PISTON
Fig. 63 Installing Inboard Brake Shoe
1 ± PISTON
2 ± BRAKE SHOE
3 ± CALIPER ASSEMBLY
5 - 36 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DISC BRAKE CALIPER (REAR)
REMOVAL
(1) Using a brake pedal holding tool as shown (Fig.
66), depress the brake pedal past its first one inch of
travel and hold it in this position. This will isolate
the master cylinder from the brake hydraulic system
and will not allow the brake fluid to drain out of the
master cylinder reservoir while the lines are discon-
nected.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(3) Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly.
(4) Remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake
hose to the brake caliper (Fig. 67). There are two
washers (one on each side of the flex hose fitting)
that will come off with the banjo bolt. Inspect and
discard these if they are worn or damaged.
(5) Remove the two caliper guide pin bolts (Fig.
68).
(6) Remove the caliper assembly from the brake
adapter by first rotating the top of the caliper away
from the rotor, and then lifting the caliper assembly
off the machined abutment on the adapter (Fig. 69).
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Step (1) below is only required when install-
ing the disc brake caliper after new brake shoes
have been installed.
Fig. 66 Brake Pedal Holding Tool
1 ± CLUTCH PEDAL (IF EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSAXLE)
2 ± THROTTLE PEDAL
3 ± BRAKE PEDAL HOLDING TOOL
4 ± STEERING WHEEL
5 ± DRIVER'S SEAT
6 ± BRAKE PEDAL
Fig. 67 Brake Hose Mounting
1 ± BRAKE HOSE
2 ± GUIDE PIN BOLTS
3 ± CALIPER
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 68 Caliper Mounting
1 ± DISC BRAKE CALIPER
2 ± DISC BRAKE ADAPTER
3 ± GUIDE PIN BOLTS
4 ± HUB AND BEARING
5 ± BRAKE ROTOR
6 ± RETAINER CLIP
7 ± DUST CAP
8 ± NUT
5 - 38 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Remove the caliper assembly from the brake
adapter by first rotating the top of the caliper away
from the rotor, and then lifting the caliper assembly
off the machined abutment on the adapter (Fig. 71).
(6) Hang the brake caliper from rear strut using
wire or cord to prevent the weight of the caliper from
damaging the brake hose (Fig. 72).
(7) Remove the outboard brake shoe from the cali-
per by prying the brake shoe retaining clip over the
raised area on the caliper. Then slide the brake shoe
down and off of the brake caliper (Fig. 73).
(8) Pull the inboard brake shoe away from caliper
piston until the retaining clip is free from the cavity
in the piston (Fig. 74).
(9) Repeat the above procedure to the rear brakes
on the other side of the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Begin on one side of the vehicle.
(2) Completely retract the caliper piston back into
piston bore of the caliper. This is required to gain the
necessary shoe-to-rotor clearance for the caliper
installation onto the steering knuckle.
(3) Remove any protective paper from the noise
suppression gasket on both inner and outer brake
shoe assemblies (if equipped).
(4) Install the inboard brake shoe into the caliper
piston by firmly pressing the shoe in with the
thumbs (Fig. 74). Be sure the inboard brake shoe is
positioned squarely against the face of the caliper
piston.
(5) Slide the outboard brake shoe onto the caliper
assembly (Fig. 73). Be sure the retaining clip is
squarely seated in the depressed areas on the caliper.
Fig. 71 Caliper Removal/Installation
1 ± BRAKING DISC
2 ± CALIPER ADAPTER
3 ± CALIPER
4 ± LOWER MACHINED ADAPTER ABUTMENT
Fig. 72 Supporting Caliper
1 ± FLEX HOSE
2 ± STRUT
3 ± WIRE HANGER
4 ± CALIPER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 73 Outboard Brake Shoe
1 ± CALIPER FINGERS
2 ± RETAINING CLIP
5 - 40 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)