2003 CHRYSLER CARAVAN brake fluid

line in the master cylinder fluid reservoir, the
entire brake hydraulic system should be
checked for evidence of a leak.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wiring harness connector from brake
fluid reservoir level switch (Fig. 4).
(2) Using fingers, compress the retaining tabs on
the opposite end of brake fluid level switch.
(3) With retaining tabs compressed, grasp the con-
nector end of brake fluid level switch and pull it out
of master cylinder brake fluid reservoir.
INSTALLATION
(1) Insert brake fluid level switch into left side of
brake fluid reservoir. Be sure switch is pushed in
until retaining tabs lock it to brake fluid reservoir.
(2) Connect vehicle wiring harness connector to
brake fluid level switch (Fig. 4).
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (FRONT)
Each front disc brake consists of the following com-
ponents:
²Brake Rotor
²Brake Caliper
²Brake Caliper Adapter
²Shoes (Pads)There are two non-interchangeable front disc brake
systems depending on whether the vehicle is
equipped with rear drum or rear disc brakes. Vehi-
cles with the front disc/rear drum brake combination
utilize a system manufactured by TRW. Vehicles with
front disc/rear disc brakes utilize a system manufac-
tured by Continental Teves.
CAUTION: Components used on the disc/drum
combination brakes are not interchangeable with
the disc/disc combination brakes. The two different
systems must not be mixed. Improper performance,
noise and increased stopping distance can occur.
The TRW front brake caliper is a one piece casting
containing a single 64 mm diameter piston bore (Fig.
5) with a phenolic piston. The caliper mounts to a
caliper adapter using two guide pin bolts that thread
into guide pins slid into the caliper adapter (Fig. 6).
The pins are lubricated and have boots that seal
them in place in the adapter.
The Continental Teves front brake caliper is a one
piece casting containing a single piston 66 mm diam-
eter bore (Fig. 5) with a phenolic piston. The caliper
mounts to a caliper adapter using two guide pin bolts
that thread into the caliper adapter and slide on
bushings mounted in the caliper.
Fig. 4 MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER
1 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 - BOOSTER IDENTIFICATION LABEL
3 - FLUID LEVEL SWITCH CONNECTOR
4 - PRIMARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
5 - SECONDARY BRAKE TUBE NUT
6 - MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 5 FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
1 - CONTINENTAL TEVES CALIPER (66 mm bore)
2 - TRW CALIPER (64 mm bore)
3 - GUIDE PIN BOLT
4 - GUIDE PIN AND BOOT
5 - CALIPER ADAPTER
6 - GUIDE PIN BOLT
7 - GUIDE PIN BUSHING
8 - CALIPER ADAPTER
RSBRAKES - BASE5-11
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (Continued)
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The outboard rear disc brake shoes (pads) are side-
oriented. The shoes are marked indicating which side
they belong on.
DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (EXPORT)
All vehicles are equipped with Four-Wheel-Disc
brakes. Both 15º (BRE) and 16º (BR3) disc/disc brake
systems are available. The disc brakes are manufac-
tured by Continental Teves. The BR3 system is stan-
dard equipment on all-wheel drive and all right-hand
drive models. It is optional on other models.
The BR3 system features larger, externally vented
front brake rotors.
Although there are different disc/disc systems, they
are serviced using the same service procedures. Some
specifications differ.
DESCRIPTION - DRUM BRAKES (REAR)
This vehicle's rear wheel drum brakes are a two-
shoe, internal-expanding type with an automatic
adjuster screw. The automatic adjuster screw is
located directly below the wheel cylinder that is
mounted near the top of the brake assembly (Fig.
10). These and two brake shoes (and attaching parts)
are mounted to a support plate at each rear wheel. A
brake drum covers each brake assembly.
OPERATION
OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (FRONT)
When the brakes are applied, fluid pressure is sent
to each brake caliper. The pressure at the caliper is
exerted equally against the caliper piston. The pres-sure applied to the piston is transmitted directly to
the inboard brake shoe. This forces the shoe lining
against the inner surface of the brake rotor. At the
same time, fluid pressure within the caliper piston
bore forces the caliper to slide inward on its guide
pins. This action brings the outboard shoe lining into
contact with the outer surface of the brake rotor.
This pressure on both sides of the brake rotor causes
friction, bringing the vehicle to a stop.
When the brake pedal is released, so is the fluid
pressure. The piston seal inside the caliper is
designed to pull the piston back into the bore of the
caliper when the brake pedal is released (Fig. 11).
This action helps maintain the proper brake shoe-to-
rotor clearance.
As disc brake shoe linings wear, master cylinder
reservoir brake fluid level will drop. Adjust as neces-
sary. Fluid level should always be checked after
replacing shoes.
OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)
The rear disc brakes operate similarly to front disc
brakes, however, there are some features that require
different service procedures.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRUM BRAKE
AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER
The rear drum brakes on this vehicle automatically
adjust when required during the normal operation of
the vehicle every time the brakes are applied. Use
the following procedure to test the operation of the
automatic adjuster.
Place the vehicle on a hoist with a helper in the
driver's seat to apply the brakes. Remove the access
Fig. 9 Rear Disc Brakes
1 - CALIPER
2 - COTTER PIN
3 - ROTOR
4 - NUT RETAINER
5 - OUTER C/V JOINT
Fig. 10 Drum Brake Assembly (Right Shown)
1 - WHEEL CYLINDER
2 - BRAKE SHOE UPPER RETURN SPRING
3 - AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER LEVER
4 - TENSION CLIP
5 - AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY
RSBRAKES - BASE5-13
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL (Continued)
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plug from the adjustment hole in each brake support
plate to provide visual access of the brake adjuster
star wheel.
To eliminate the condition where maximum adjust-
ment of the rear brake shoes does not allow the auto-
matic adjuster to operate when tested, back the star
wheel off approximately 30 notches. It will be neces-
sary to hold the adjuster lever away from the star
wheel to permit this adjustment.
Have the helper apply the brakes. Upon applica-
tion of the brake pedal, the adjuster lever should
move down, turning the adjuster star wheel. Thus, a
definite rotation of the adjuster star wheel can be
observed if the automatic adjuster is working prop-
erly. If one or more adjusters do not function prop-
erly, the respective drum must be removed for
adjuster servicing.
BRAKE LINES
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
The brake tubes are steel with a corrosion-resis-
tant nylon coating applied to the external surfaces.
The flex hoses are made of reinforced rubber with fit-
tings at each end.
The primary and secondary brake tubes leading
from the master cylinder to the ABS ICU Hydraulic
Control Unit (HCU) or the non-ABS junction block
have a special flexible section. This flexible section is
required due to cradle movement while the vehicle is
in motion (The ICU and non-ABS junction block are
mounted to the cradle).If replacement of these
lines is necessary, only the original factory
brake line containing the flexible section must
be used.
OPERATION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
The purpose of the chassis brake tubes and flex
hoses is to transfer the pressurized brake fluid devel-
oped by the master cylinder to the wheel brakes of
the vehicle. The flex hoses are made of rubber to
allow for the movement of the vehicle's suspension.
INSPECTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front brakes
and at the rear axle. Inspection of brake hoses
should be performed whenever the brake system is
serviced and every 7,500 miles or 12 months, which-
ever comes first (every engine oil change). Inspect
hydraulic brake hoses for surface cracking, scuffing,
or worn spots. If the fabric casing of the rubber hose
becomes exposed due to cracks or abrasions in the
rubber hose cover, the hose should be replaced imme-
diately. Eventual deterioration of the hose can take
place with possible burst failure. Faulty installation
can cause twisting, resulting in wheel, tire, or chassis
interference.
The brake tubing should be inspected periodically
for evidence of physical damage or contact with mov-
ing or hot components.
The flexible brake tube sections used on this vehi-
cle in the primary and secondary tubes from the
master cylinder to the ABS hydraulic control unit
connections must also be inspected. This flexible tub-
ing must be inspected for kinks, fraying and contact
with other components or with the body of the vehi-
cle.
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)
(1) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove both front wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Begin on one side of the vehicle.
(4) Remove the anti-rattle clip from the outboard
side of the caliper and adapter.
(5) Remove the two caliper guide pin bolts.
(6) Remove caliper from caliper adapter and brake
rotor.
CAUTION: Supporting weight of caliper by the flex-
ible brake fluid hose can damage the hose.
(7) Using wire or cord, hang the caliper from the
front strut assembly (Fig. 12). Support the caliper
Fig. 11 Caliper Piston Seal Function For Automatic
Adjustment
1 - PISTON
2 - CYLINDER BORE
3 - PISTON SEAL BRAKE PRESSURE OFF
4 - CALIPER HOUSING
5 - DUST BOOT
6 - PISTON SEAL BRAKE PRESSURE ON
5 - 14 BRAKES - BASERS
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL (Continued)
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firmly to prevent weight of caliper from being sup-
ported by the brake fluid hose.
(8) Remove the outboard brake shoe from the cali-
per adapter.
(9) Pull the inboard brake shoe away from the cal-
iper piston until the retaining clip on shoe is free
from the cavity in the caliper piston (Fig. 13).
(10) Repeat the above procedure on other side of
the vehicle.REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DRUM BRAKES)
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE.
NOTE: Perform Step 2 through Step 5 on each side
of the vehicle.
(2) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the two brake caliper guide pin bolts
(Fig. 14).
(4) Remove the disc brake caliper from the disc
brake adapter and hang out of the way using wire or
a bungee cord. Use care not to overextend the brake
hose when doing this.
(5) Remove the brake shoes from the disc brake
caliper adapter.
Fig. 12 Stored Front Disc Brake Caliper
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - BRAKE FLEX HOSE
3 - CALIPER ASSEMBLY
4 - WIRE HANGER
5 - STRUT ASSEMBLY
Fig. 13 Removing Inboard Shoe
1 - INBOARD BRAKE SHOE
2 - HANGER WIRE
3 - CALIPER ASSEMBLY
4 - RETAINING CLIP
5 - PISTON
Fig. 14 Brake Caliper Mounting (Typical)
1 - BRAKE HOSE
2 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - BANJO BOLT
4 - CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS
RSBRAKES - BASE5-15
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - FRONT (Continued)
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tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 135
N´m (100 ft. lbs.).
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) Pump the brake pedal several times. This will
set the shoes to the brake rotor.
(15) Check and adjust brake fluid level as neces-
sary.
(16) Road test the vehicle and make several stops
to wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake shoes.
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DRUM BRAKES)
NOTE: Perform steps Step 1 through Step 5on each
side of the vehicle.
(1) Place the brake shoes in the adapter anti-rattle
clips.
(2) Completely retract the caliper piston back into
the bore of the caliper.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the caliper onto
the disc brake adapter to avoid damaging the boots
on the caliper guide pins.
(3) Install the disc brake caliper over the brake
shoes on the brake caliper adapter.
(4) Align the caliper guide pin bolt holes with the
guide pins. Install the caliper guide pin bolts and
tighten them to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.) (Fig.
14).
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten
the wheel mounting nuts to a torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
(7) Pump the brake pedal several times. This will
set the shoes to the brake rotor.
(8) Check and adjust the brake fluid level as nec-
essary.
(9) Road test the vehicle and make several stops to
wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake shoes.
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR
DISC
REMOVAL - REAR DISC BRAKE SHOES
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove rear wheel and tire assemblies from
vehicle.
(3) Remove the caliper to adapter guide pin bolts
(Fig. 15).(4) Remove rear caliper from adapter using the fol-
lowing procedure. First rotate front of caliper up
from the adapter. Then pull the rear of the caliper
and the outboard brake shoe anti-rattle clip out from
under the rear abutment on the adapter (Fig. 16).
(5) Support caliper to prevent the weight of the
caliper from damaging the flexible brake hose (Fig.
17).
(6) If the brake rotor needs to be removed it can be
removed by removing the retainer clips and then
pulling the rotor straight off the wheel mounting
studs.
Fig. 15 Caliper Guide Pin Bolts
1 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
2 - ADAPTER
3 - AXLE
4 - GUIDE PIN BOLTS
5 - DRIVESHAFT (AWD MODELS ONLY)
Fig. 16 Removing/Installing Caliper
1 - LIFT THIS END OF CALIPER AWAY FROM ADAPTER FIRST
2 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
3 - ADAPTER ABUTMENT
4 - OUTBOARD BRAKE SHOE HOLD DOWN CLIP
5 - OUTBOARD BRAKE SHOE
6 - ROTOR
7 - ADAPTER
RSBRAKES - BASE5-17
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - FRONT (Continued)
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If the brake shoe assemblies do not require
replacement, be sure to reinstall the brake shoes in
the original position they were removed from.
INSTALLATION - REAR DISC BRAKE SHOES
(1) Completely retract caliper piston back into pis-
ton bore of caliper assembly.
(2) Lubricate both adapter abutments where the
shoes contact with a liberal amount of MopartMul-
tipurpose Lubricant, or equivalent.
(3) If removed, install the brake rotor on the hub,
making sure it is squarely seated on the face of the
hub.
(4) Install the inboard brake shoe into the caliper
piston by firmly pressing it into the piston bore using
your thumbs. Be sure inboard brake shoe is posi-
tioned squarely against the face of the caliper piston.
NOTE: The outboard shoes are different left to
right. They can be identified by a L or R stamped on
the clip.
(5) Install the outboard brake shoe on the disc
brake caliper. Be sure the outboard shoe is positioned
squarely against the outboard fingers of the caliper.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the caliper
assembly onto the adapter, so the caliper guide pin
bushings do not get damaged by the mounting
bosses.
(6) Carefully lower caliper and brake shoes over
rotor and onto adapter, reversing the removal proce-
dure (Fig. 16).
CAUTION: When installing the caliper guide pin
bolts extreme caution should be taken not to
crossthread the guide pin bolts.
(7) Install the caliper guide pin bolts. Tighten the
guide pin bolts to a torque of 35 N´m (26 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten
the wheel mounting 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.).
(9) Lower vehicle.
CAUTION: Before moving vehicle, pump the brake
pedal several times to insure the vehicle has a firm
brake pedal to adequately stop the vehicle.
(10) Pump brake pedal several times to set brake
shoes to rotors.(11) Check fluid level in reservoir.
(12) Road test the vehicle and make several stops
to wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake shoe linings.BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR
DRUM
REMOVAL - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOES
(1) Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(2) Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove rear brake drum to hub retaining clips
(if equipped), then remove rear brake drums. (Refer
to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DRUM
- REMOVAL)
NOTE: When creating slack in the park brake cables
by locking out the automatic adjuster, (Fig. 19) be
sure that the park brake pedal is in the released
(most upward) position.
(4) Create slack in the rear park brake cables.
Slack is created by grabbing exposed section of front
park brake cable and pulling it down and rearward.
Slack is maintained in the park brake cable by
installing a pair of locking pliers on the park brake
cable just rearward ofonly the rearbody outrigger
bracket. (Fig. 19)
Fig. 19 Locked Out Park Brake Automatic Adjuster
1 - PARK BRAKE CABLE
2 - REAR BODY OUTRIGGER BRACKET
3 - LOCKING PLIERS
RSBRAKES - BASE5-19
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR DISC (Continued)
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(12) Remove the leading brake shoe assembly to
brake support plate hold down spring and pin (Fig.
28) from the brake shoe. Remove the leading brake
shoe from the brake support plate.
(13) Remove the park brake actuator (Fig. 29)
from the leading brake shoe and transfer to the
replacement brake shoe.INSPECTION - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOE
LINING
(1) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle
(2) Remove the rear brake adjusting hole plug
found in the brake support.
(3) Insert a thin screwdriver into brake adjusting
hole to hold the adjusting lever away from the
notches on the adjusting screw star wheel.
(4) Insert Tool C-3784 into brake adjusting hole
and engage notches of brake adjusting screw star
wheel. Release brake by prying down with adjusting
tool.
(5) Remove the rear brake drum from the rear hub
and bearing assembly. (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DRUM - REMOVAL)
(6) Inspect brake lining for wear, shoe alignment,
and or contamination from grease or brake fluid.
INSTALLATION - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOES
(1) Lubricate the eight shoe contact areas on the
support plate and anchor, (Fig. 30) using the
required special MopartBrake Lubricant or equiva-
lent.
(2) Install leading brake shoe on brake support
plate. Install the leading brake shoe hold down
spring and pin (Fig. 28) on the brake shoe.
(3) Install the park brake actuator strut (Fig. 31)
on the leading brake shoe. Then install the park
brake actuator lever on the strut (Fig. 31).
Fig. 28 Leading Brake Shoe Hold Down Spring And
Pin
1 - PARK BRAKE ACTUATING LEVER
2 - BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE
3 - LEADING BRAKE SHOE
4 - HOLD DOWN SPRING AND PIN
Fig. 29 Park Brake Actuator Plate
1 - RETAINING CLIP
2 - BRAKE SHOE ASSEMBLY
3 - ACTUATOR PLATE
Fig. 30 Brake Support Plate Contact Areas
1 - REAR BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE
5 - 22 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR DRUM (Continued)
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DISC BRAKE CALIPER -
FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)
(1) Depress the brake pedal past its first inch of
travel and hold it in this position using a brake pedal
depressor (holding) tool. This is done to isolate the
master cylinder from the brake hydraulic system dis-
allowing the brake fluid to completely drain out of
the brake fluid reservoir.
(2) Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION &
MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(3) Remove front wheel and tire assembly.
(4) Remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake
hose to the brake caliper. There are two washers (one
on each side of the brake hose fitting) that will come
off with the banjo bolt. Discard these washers.
(5) Remove the 2 caliper guide pin bolts.
(6) Remove the brake caliper from the adapter.
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
(DISC/DRUM BRAKES)
(1) Using a brake pedal holding tool, depress the
brake pedal past its first one inch of travel and hold
it in this position. This will isolate the master cylin-
der from the brake hydraulic system and will not
allow the brake fluid to drain out of the master cyl-
inder reservoir when the lines are opened.
(2) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE.
(3) Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
(4) Remove the banjo bolt connecting the brake
hose to the brake caliper (Fig. 32). There are two
washers (one on each side of the flex hose fitting)
that will come off with the banjo bolt. Discard the
washers.
(5) Remove the two brake caliper guide pin bolts
(Fig. 32).
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper from the disc
brake adapter.
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY - CALIPER GUIDE PIN
BUSHINGS (DISC/DISC BRAKES)
Before disassembling the brake caliper, clean and
inspect it. Refer to CLEANING or INSPECTION in
this section.(1) Using your fingers, collapse one side of the rub-
ber guide pin bushing. Pull the guide pin bushing out
the other side of the brake caliper mounting boss.
(2) Repeat this procedure on the remaining bush-
ing.
DISASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL
WARNING: UNDER NO CONDITION SHOULD HIGH
PRESSURE AIR EVER BE USED TO REMOVE A PIS-
TON FROM A CALIPER BORE. PERSONAL INJURY
COULD RESULT FROM SUCH A PRACTICE.
NOTE: Before disassembling the brake caliper,
clean and inspect it. Refer to CLEANING AND
INSPECTION in this section.
NOTE: The safest way to remove the piston from
the caliper bore is to use the hydraulic pressure of
the vehicle's brake system.
(1) Following the removal procedure in DISC
BRAKE SHOES found in this section, remove the
caliper from the brake rotor and hang the assembly
on a wire hook away from rotor and body of the vehi-
cle so brake fluid cannot get on these components.
Remove the brake shoes, and place a small piece of
wood between the piston and caliper fingers.
(2) Carefully depress the brake pedal to hydrauli-
cally push piston out of its bore. Once completed,
apply and hold down the brake pedal to any position
beyond the first inch of pedal travel using a brake
pedal holding tool. This will prevent the fluid in the
Fig. 32 Brake Caliper Mounting (Typical)
1 - BRAKE HOSE
2 - ADAPTER MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - BANJO BOLT
4 - CALIPER GUIDE PIN BOLTS
5 - 24 BRAKES - BASERS
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