2005 CHRYSLER CARAVAN brake fluid

WARNING
WARNING: DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATING ON
BRAKE PARTS DURING NORMAL USE MAY CON-
TAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS FROM PRODUCTION OR
AFTERMARKET BRAKE LININGS. BREATHING
EXCESSIVE CONCENTRATIONS OF ASBESTOS
FIBERS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM.
EXERCISE CARE WHEN SERVICING BRAKE
PARTS. DO NOT SAND OR GRIND BRAKE LINING
UNLESS EQUIPMENT USED IS DESIGNED TO CON-
TAIN THE DUST RESIDUE. DO NOT CLEAN BRAKE
PARTS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR BY DRY
BRUSHING. CLEANING SHOULD BE DONE BY
DAMPENING THE BRAKE COMPONENTS WITH A
FINE MIST OF WATER, THEN WIPING THE BRAKE
COMPONENTS CLEAN WITH A DAMPENED CLOTH.
DISPOSE OF CLOTH AND ALL RESIDUE CONTAIN-
ING ASBESTOS FIBERS IN AN IMPERMEABLE
CONTAINER WITH THE APPROPRIATE LABEL. FOL-
LOW PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY THE OCCUPA-
TIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
(OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA) FOR THE HANDLING, PROCESSING,
AND DISPOSING OF DUST OR DEBRIS THAT MAY
CONTAIN ASBESTOS FIBERS.
CAUTION
CAUTION: During service procedures, grease or
any other foreign material must be kept off brake
shoes and braking surfaces of brake rotor or drum,
and external surfaces of hub and bearing assembly.
CAUTION: Brake rotor and caliper handling must be
done in such a way as to avoid damage to the rotor,
especially the machined surfaces, and scratching or
nicking of the brake linings.
CAUTION: Only the recommended jacking or hoist-
ing procedures for this vehicle are to be used
whenever it is necessary to lift a vehicle. Failure to
raise a vehicle utilizing the recommended lift points
can result in damage to the vehicle. (Refer to
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM
NOTE: There are three diagnosis charts following
that cover the RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR
LAMP, BRAKE NOISE and OTHER BRAKE CONDI-
TIONS.
RED BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR LAMP
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
RED BRAKE WARNING
LAMP ON1. Parking brake lever not fully
released.1. Release parking brake lever.
2. Parking brake warning lamp
switch on parking brake lever.2. Inspect and replace switch as necessary.
3. Brake fluid level low in reservoir. 3. Fill reservoir. Check entire system for
leaks. Repair or replace as required.
4. Brake fluid level switch. 4. Disconnect switch wiring connector. If
lamp goes out, replace switch.
5. Mechanical instrument cluster
(MIC) problem.5. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic
information.
6. Amber ABS Warning Indicator
Lamp also illuminated.6. Refer to appropriate Diagnostic
information.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

OTHER BRAKE CONDITIONS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
BRAKES CHATTER 1. Rear brake drum out of round or
disc brake rotor has excessive
thickness variation.1. Isolate condition as rear or front.
Reface or replace brake drums or
rotors as necessary.
BRAKES DRAG (FRONT
OR ALL)1. Contaminated brake fluid. 1. Check for swollen seals. Replace all
system components containing rubber.
2. Binding caliper pins or bushings. 2. Replace pins and bushings.
3. Binding master cylinder. 3. Replace master cylinder.
4. Binding brake pedal. 4. Replace brake pedal.
5. Brake lamp switch not adjusted
properly and mounting bracket is
bent.5. Straighten mounting bracket and
replace brake lamp switch.
BRAKES DRAG (REAR
ONLY)1. Parking brake cables binding or
froze up.1. Check cable routing. Replace cables
as necessary.
2. Parking brake cable return spring
not returning shoes.2. Replace cables as necessary.
3. Service brakes not adjusted
properly (rear drum brakes only).3. Follow the procedure listed in the
adjustment section.
4. Rear disc brake parking brake not
properly adjusted.Adjust parking brake shoes.
BRAKES GRAB 1. Contaminated brake shoe linings. 1. Inspect and clean, or replace shoes.
Repair source of contamination.
2. Improper power brake booster
assist.2. Refer to power brake booster
diagnosis and testing.
EXCESSIVE PEDAL
EFFORT1. Obstruction of brake pedal. 1. Inspect, remove or move obstruction.
2. Low power brake booster assist
(vacuum leak).2. Refer to power brake booster
diagnosis and testing.
3. Glazed brake linings. 3. Reface or replace brake rotors as
necessary. Replace brake shoes.
4. Brake shoe lining transfer to brake
rotor.4. Reface or replace brake rotors as
necessary. Replace brake shoes.
EXCESSIVE PEDAL
TRAVEL (VEHICLE STOPS
OK)1. Air in brake lines. 1. Bleed brakes.
2. Rear drum brake auto-adjuster
malfunctioning.2. Inspect and replace drum brake
components as necessary. Adjust rear
brakes.
EXCESSIVE PEDAL
TRAVEL (ONE FRONT
WHEEL LOCKS UP
DURING HARD BRAKING)1. One of the two hydraulic circuits
to the front brakes is malfunctioning.1. Inspect system for leaks. Check
master cylinder for internal malfunction.
5 - 6 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - BASE BRAKE
BLEEDING
NOTE: This bleeding procedure is only for the vehi-
cle's base brakes hydraulic system. For bleeding
the antilock brakes hydraulic system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - ABS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
cover, thoroughly clean the cover and master cylin-
der fluid reservoir to prevent dirt and other foreign
matter from dropping into the master cylinder fluid
reservoir.
NOTE: The following wheel sequence should be
used when bleeding the brake hydraulic system.
The use of this wheel sequence will ensure ade-
quate removal of all trapped air from the brake
hydraulic system.
²Left Rear Wheel
²Right Front Wheel
²Right Rear Wheel
²Left Front Wheel
NOTE: When bleeding the brake system, some air
may be trapped in the brake lines or valves far
upstream, as much as ten feet from the bleeder
screw (Fig. 1). Therefore, it is essential to have a
fast flow of a large volume of brake fluid when
bleeding the brakes to ensure all the air gets out.
The brakes may be manually bled or pressure bled.
Refer to the appropriate following procedure.
MANUAL BLEEDING PROCEDURE
NOTE: Correct manual bleeding of the brakes
hydraulic system will require the aid of a helper.
NOTE: To adequately bleed the brakes using the
manual bleeding procedure the rear brakes must be
correctly adjusted. Prior to the manual bleeding of
the brake hydraulic system, correctly adjust the
rear brakes.
(1) Pump the brake pedal three or four times and
hold it down before the bleeder screw is opened.
(2) Push the brake pedal toward the floor and hold
it down. Then open the left rear bleeder screw at
least 1 full turn. When the bleeder screw opens the
brake pedal will drop all the way to the floor.
CAUTION: ªJust crackingº the bleeder screw often
restricts fluid flow, allowing only a slow, weak fluid
discharge of fluid. This practice will NOT get all the
air out. Make sure the bleeder is opened at least 1
full turn when bleeding.
(3) Release the brake pedal onlyafterthe bleeder
screw is closed.
(4) Repeat steps 1 through 3, four or five times, at
each bleeder screw in the proper sequence. This
should pass a sufficient amount of fluid to expel all
the trapped air from the brake system. Be sure to
monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder, so it
stays at a proper level so air will not enter the brake
system through the master cylinder.
(5) Check pedal travel. If pedal travel is excessive
or has not been improved, enough fluid has not
passed through the system to expel all the trapped
air. Continue to bleed system as necessary.
(6) Perform a final adjustment of the rear brake
shoes (when applicable), then test drive vehicle to be
sure brakes are operating correctly and that pedal is
solid.
PRESSURE BLEEDING PROCEDURE
CAUTION: Use bleeder tank Special Tool C-3496-B
or equivalent with Adapter, Special Tool 6921, to
pressurize the hydraulic system for bleeding.
Fig. 1 Trapped Air In Brake Fluid Line
1 - TRAPPED AIR
5 - 8 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

Follow pressure bleeder manufacturer's instruc-
tions for use of pressure bleeding equipment.
(1) Install the Adapter Master Cylinder Pressure
Bleed Cap, Special Tool 6921 on the fluid reservoir of
the master cylinder (Fig. 2). Attach the fluid hose
from the pressure bleeder to the fitting on Special
Tool 6921.
(2) Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw
at one wheel and feed the hose into a clear jar con-
taining fresh brake fluid.
(3) Open the left rear wheel bleeder screw at least
one full turnor more to obtain an adequate flow of
brake fluid.
CAUTION: ªJust crackingº the bleeder screw often
restricts fluid flow, allowing only a slow, weak fluid
discharge of fluid. This practice will NOT get all the
air out. Make sure the bleeder is opened at least 1
full turn when bleeding.
(4) After 4 to 8 ounces of brake fluid has been bled
through the hydraulic system, and an air-free flow is
maintained in the hose and jar, this will indicate a
good bleed of the hydraulic system has been
obtained.
(5) Repeat the procedure at all the other remain-
ing bleeder screws.
(6) Check pedal travel. If pedal travel is excessive
or has not been improved, enough fluid has not
passed through the system to expel all the trapped
air. Be sure to monitor the fluid level in the pressure
bleeder, so it stays at a proper level so air will not
enter the brake system through the master cylinder.
(7) Perform a final adjustment of the rear brake
shoes (when applicable), then test drive vehicle to be
sure brakes are operating correctly and that pedal is
solid.SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FASTENER TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
ABS ICU Mounting Bolts To
Bracket11 Ð 9 7
ABS ICU Mounting
Bracket-To-Cradle Bolts28 21 250
ABS CAB-To-HCU Mounting
Screws2Ð17
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
Head Mounting Bolt - Front13 Ð 115
ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
Head Mounting Bolt - Rear10 Ð 90
Adjustable Pedal Position
Sensor Mounting Screws7.5 66 Ð
Adjustable Pedal Module
Mounting Screws2.0 15 Ð
Brake Tube Nuts 17 Ð 145
Brake Hose Intermediate
Bracket Bolt12 Ð 105
Brake Hose-To-Caliper
Mounting Bolt47 35 Ð
Disc Brake Caliper Guide
Pin Bolts35 26 Ð
Disc Brake Caliper Bleeder
Screw15 Ð 125
Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder
Mounting Bolts8Ð75
Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder
Mounting Bleeder screw10 Ð 80
Drum Brake Support Plate
Mounting Bolts130 95 Ð
Junction Block (Non-ABS
Brakes) Mounting Bolts28 21 250
Master Cylinder Mounting
Nuts25 19 225
Power Brake Booster
Mounting Nuts28 21 250
Proportioning Valve
Mounting Bolts54 40 Ð
Proportioning Valve Axle
Bracket Mounting Bolt20 Ð 175
Parking Brake Lever (Pedal)
Mounting Bolts And Nut28 21 250
Wheel Mounting (Lug) Nuts 135 100 Ð
Fig. 2 Tool 6921 Installed On Master Cylinder
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 6921
2 - FLUID RESERVOIR
RSBRAKES - BASE5-9
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

SPECIAL TOOLS
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The brake fluid level switch is located in the brake
fluid reservoir of the master cylinder (Fig. 3).
OPERATION
The purpose of the brake fluid level switch is to
provide the driver with an early warning that the
brake fluid level in the master cylinder fluid reser-
voir has dropped below a normal level. This may
indicate:
²Abnormal loss of brake fluid in the master cyl-
inder fluid reservoir resulting from a leak in the
hydraulic system.
²Brake shoe linings which have worn to a point
requiring replacement.
As the brake fluid drops below the minimum level,
the brake fluid level switch closes to complete the red
BRAKE warning indicator (lamp) circuit. This will
turn on the red BRAKE warning indicator. The mas-
ter cylinder fluid reservoir should be checked and
refilled to the Full mark with DOT 3 brake fluid.If
the brake fluid level has dropped below the add
line in the master cylinder fluid reservoir, the
entire brake hydraulic system should be
checked for evidence of a leak.
Tubes, Master Cylinder Bleed 8358
Adapter, Master Cylinder Pressure Bleed Cap 6921
Dial Indicator, C-3339
Gauge, Brake Shoe C-3919
Handle, Universal C±4171
Installer, Dust Boot C-4689 or C-4842
5 - 10 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Remove wiring harness connector from brake
fluid reservoir level switch (Fig. 3).
(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. 3).
ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
SWITCH
REMOVAL
The adjustable pedals switch is located in the
steering column lower shroud. Remove the shroud,
then remove the switch. (Refer to 19 - STEERING/
COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - REMOVAL)
INSTALLATION
The adjustable pedals switch is located in the steer-
ing column lower shroud. Install the switch in the
shroud, then install the shroud. (Refer to 19 - STEER-
ING/COLUMN/LOWER SHROUD - INSTALLATION)
Once installed, test for proper operation of the
adjustable pedals.
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. One is manufactured by TRW and the other
by Continental Teves.
CAUTION: Components used on the TRW brakes
are not interchangeable with the Continental Teves
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 66 mm diameter piston bore (Fig.
4) 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. 5).
The pins are lubricated and have boots that seal
them in place in the adapter.
Fig. 3 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. 4 Front Disc Brake Calipers
1 - CONTINENTAL TEVES CALIPER (66 mm bore)
2 - TRW CALIPER (66 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)

DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)
There are several distinctive features to the rear
disc brakes on this vehicle (Fig. 8). The single piston,
floating caliper rear disc brake system includes a hub
and bearing assembly, adapter, rotor, caliper, and
brake shoes.
This vehicle is equipped with a caliper having a 42
mm (1.65 in.) piston and uses a 15 inch solid non-
vented brake rotor. The brake rotor is described as a
drum-in-hat style because of its dual role as a brak-
ing disc and parking brake drum.
The parking brake system on vehicles equipped
with rear disc brakes consists of a small duo-servo
drum brake mounted to the caliper adapter and uses
the interior of the rear disc brake rotor as a drum
(hat section of drum-in-hat style brake rotor).
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. 9).
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. 10).
This action helps maintain the proper brake shoe-to-
rotor clearance.
Fig. 8 Rear Disc Brakes
1 - CALIPER
2 - COTTER PIN
3 - ROTOR
4 - NUT RETAINER
5 - OUTER C/V JOINT
Fig. 9 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)

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
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.
Fig. 10 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)