brakes CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2002 User Guide

CAUTION: If the vehicle being serviced is equipped
with eccentric strut assembly attaching bolts, the
eccentric bolt must be installed in the bottom (slot-
ted) hole on the strut clevis bracket (Fig. 10).
(7) Install steering knuckle in clevis bracket of
strut damper assembly. Install the strut damper to
steering knuckle attaching bolts. Tighten both bolts
to a torque of 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) plus an additional
1/4 turn.
(8) Install braking disc on hub and bearing assem-
bly.(9) Install disc brake caliper assembly on steering
knuckle. Caliper is installed by first sliding bottom of
caliper assembly under abutment on steering
knuckle, and then rotating top of caliper against top
abutment.
(10) Install disc brake caliper adapter to steering
knuckle attaching bolts (Fig. 4). Tighten the disc
brake caliper adapter attaching bolts to a torque of
169 N´m (125 ft. lbs.).
(11) Clean all foreign matter from the threads of
the outer CV joint. Install the washer and half shaft
to hub/bearing assembly nut on half shaft and
securely tighten nut.
(12) Install front wheel and tire assembly. Install
and tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper
sequence until all nuts are torqued to half the
required specification. Then repeat the tightening
sequence to the full specified torque of 135 N´m (100
ft. lbs.).
(13) Lower vehicle.
(14) With the vehicle's brakes applied to keep hub
from turning, tighten the hub nut to a torque of 244
N´m (180 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 11).
(15) Install the spring wave washer on the end of
the half shaft.
(16) Install the hub nut lock, and anewcotter pin
(Fig. 2). Wrap cotter pin prongs tightly around the
hub nut lock as shown in (Fig. 2).
(17) Check for correct fluid level in transaxle
assembly. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANS-
AXLE/AUTOMATIC - 41TE/FLUID - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
Fig. 9 Outer CV Joint Inspection
1 - OUTER C/V JOINT
2 - THIS AREA OF OUTER C/V JOINT MUST BE FREE OF ALL
DEBRIS AND MOISTURE, BEFORE INSTALLATION INTO
STEERING KNUCKLE.
Fig. 10 Correctly Installed Eccentric Attaching Bolt
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - FLANGED BOLT IN TOP HOLE
3 - CAM BOLT IN BOTTOM HOLE
4 - STRUT CLEVIS BRACKET
Fig. 11 Torquing Front Half Shaft To Hub Nut
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSHALF SHAFT - FRONT3-5
HALF SHAFT - FRONT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

HALF SHAFT - REAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HALF SHAFT - REAR
DESCRIPTION.........................14
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT....14
REMOVAL.............................15
INSTALLATION.........................15SPECIFICATIONS - HALF SHAFT - FRONT . . . 16
CV BOOT - INNER/OUTER
REMOVAL.............................17
INSTALLATION.........................18
HALF SHAFT - REAR
DESCRIPTION
The inner and outer joints of both half shaft
assemblies are tripod joints. The tripod joints are
true constant velocity (CV) joint assemblies, which
allow for the changes in half shaft length through
the jounce and rebound travel of the rear suspension.
On vehicles equipped with ABS brakes, the outer
CV joint is equipped with a tone wheel used to deter-
mine vehicle speed for ABS brake operation.
The inner tripod joint of both half shafts is bolted
rear differential assembly's output flanges. The outer
CV joint has a stub shaft that is splined into the
wheel hub and retained by a steel hub nut.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HALF SHAFT
VEHICLE INSPECTION
(1) Check for grease in the vicinity of the inboard
tripod joint and outboard CV joint; this is a sign of
inner or outer joint seal boot or seal boot clamp dam-
age.
NOISE AND/OR VIBRATION IN TURNS
A clicking noise and/or a vibration in turns could
be caused by one of the following conditions:
²Damaged outer CV or inner tripod joint seal
boot or seal boot clamps. This will result in the loss
and/or contamination of the joint grease, resulting in
inadequate lubrication of the joint.²Noise may also be caused by another component
of the vehicle coming in contact with the half shafts.
CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION
This noise may be a result of one of the following
conditions:
²A torn seal boot on the inner or outer joint of the
half shaft assembly.
²A loose or missing clamp on the inner or outer
joint of the half shaft assembly.
²A damaged or worn half shaft CV joint.
SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION
This problem could be a result of:
²A worn or damaged half shaft inner tripod joint.
²A sticking tripod joint spider assembly (inner tri-
pod joint only).
²Improper wheel alignment. (Refer to 2 - SUS-
PENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD
PROCEDURE)
VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS
This problem could be a result of:
²Foreign material (mud, etc.) packed on the back-
side of the wheel(s).
²Out of balance tires or wheels. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
²Improper tire and/or wheel runout. (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
3 - 14 HALF SHAFT - REARRS
ProCarManuals.com

BRAKES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BRAKES - BASE........................... 1BRAKES - ABS........................... 85
BRAKES - BASE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BRAKES - BASE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - BASE BRAKES...........3
DESCRIPTION - BASE BRAKES (EXPORT) . . . 3
OPERATION - BASE BRAKES..............3
WARNING.............................4
CAUTION..............................4
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BASE BRAKE
SYSTEM.............................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BASE BRAKE
BLEEDING............................7
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FASTENER TORQUE.............9
SPECIAL TOOLS
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM..................9
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................10
OPERATION...........................10
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................10
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SWITCH
DESCRIPTION.........................11
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ADJUSTABLE
PEDAL SWITCH.......................11
REMOVAL.............................11
INSTALLATION.........................12
PEDAL POSITION SENSOR
DESCRIPTION.........................12
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PEDAL
POSITION SENSOR....................13
REMOVAL.............................13
INSTALLATION.........................13
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (FRONT) . . . 14
DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)....15
DESCRIPTION - DISC BRAKES (EXPORT) . . 15DESCRIPTION - DRUM BRAKES (REAR) . . . 16
OPERATION
OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (FRONT).....16
OPERATION - DISC BRAKES (REAR)......16
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRUM BRAKE
AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER................16
BRAKE LINES
DESCRIPTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES . 17
OPERATION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES . . . 17
INSPECTION - BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES . . . 17
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)..................17
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
(DISC/DRUM BRAKES).................18
CLEANING - DISC BRAKE SHOES..........18
INSPECTION - DISC BRAKE SHOES........18
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE
SHOES.............................19
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE
SHOES (DISC/DRUM BRAKES)...........19
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR DISC
REMOVAL - REAR DISC BRAKE SHOES.....19
CLEANING - DISC BRAKE SHOES..........21
INSPECTION - DISC BRAKE SHOES........21
INSTALLATION - REAR DISC BRAKE SHOES . . 21
BRAKE PADS/SHOES - REAR DRUM
REMOVAL - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOES....22
INSPECTION - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOE
LINING..............................25
INSTALLATION - REAR DRUM BRAKE SHOES . 25
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - REAR DRUM BRAKE
SHOES.............................26
RSBRAKES5-1
ProCarManuals.com

DISC BRAKE CALIPER - FRONT
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
(DISC/DISC BRAKES)..................26
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
(DISC/DRUM BRAKES).................26
DISASSEMBLY
DISASSEMBLY - CALIPER GUIDE PIN
BUSHINGS (DISC/DISC BRAKES).........27
DISASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND
SEAL...............................27
CLEANING - CALIPER...................28
INSPECTION - CALIPER..................28
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER GUIDE PIN
BUSHINGS (DISC/DISC BRAKES).........28
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL . . 28
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE
CALIPER (DISC/DISC BRAKES)...........29
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE
CALIPER (DISC/DRUM BRAKES)..........30
DISC BRAKE CALIPER - REAR
REMOVAL - REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER....30
DISASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL . 31
CLEANING - CALIPER...................32
INSPECTION - CALIPER..................32
ASSEMBLY - CALIPER PISTON AND SEAL . . . 32
INSTALLATION - REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER . 33
DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER
REMOVAL - FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
ADAPTER...........................34
INSTALLATION - FRONT DISC BRAKE
CALIPER ADAPTER....................34
DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE PINS
REMOVAL - DISC BRAKE CALIPER GUIDE
PINS (DISC/DRUM BRAKES).............34
INSTALLATION - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
GUIDE PINS (DISC/DRUM BRAKES).......34
DRUM
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................35
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION.....................35
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL CHECKING.....................35
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID........................35
JUNCTION BLOCK
DESCRIPTION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK . 36
OPERATION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK . . 36
REMOVAL - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK....36
INSTALLATION - NON-ABS JUNCTION BLOCK . 36
MASTER CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................37DESCRIPTION - RHD..................38
OPERATION...........................38
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MASTER
CYLINDER BLEEDING..................38
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LHD......................39
REMOVAL - RHD......................40
DISASSEMBLY - MASTER CYLINDER (FLUID
RESERVOIR).........................40
ASSEMBLY - MASTER CYLINDER (FLUID
RESERVOIR).........................41
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LHD..................41
INSTALLATION - RHD..................42
PEDAL - ADJUSTABLE
DESCRIPTION.........................42
OPERATION...........................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - ADJUSTABLE
PEDAL SYSTEM......................43
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................45
PEDAL TORQUE SHAFT - RHD
REMOVAL.............................47
INSTALLATION.........................47
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
DESCRIPTION.........................48
OPERATION...........................49
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER BRAKE
BOOSTER...........................49
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - LHD......................50
REMOVAL - RHD......................52
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - LHD..................53
INSTALLATION - RHD..................55
PROPORTIONING VALVE
DESCRIPTION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)....................56
OPERATION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)....................57
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
PROPORTIONING VALVE (HEIGHT
SENSING)...........................57
REMOVAL - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)....................58
INSTALLATION - PROPORTIONING VALVE
(HEIGHT SENSING)....................59
ROTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE ROTOR . . 59
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE ROTOR
MACHINING..........................61
REMOVAL - FRONT BRAKE ROTOR........62
INSTALLATION - FRONT BRAKE ROTOR.....62
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE ROTOR.......................63
BRAKE ROTOR - EXPORT..............63
5 - 2 BRAKES - BASERS
ProCarManuals.com

SUPPORT PLATE - DRUM BRAKE
REMOVAL.............................64
INSTALLATION.........................64
WHEEL CYLINDERS
REMOVAL.............................65
INSPECTION..........................65
INSTALLATION.........................65
PARKING BRAKE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION........................65
DESCRIPTION - EXPORT...............66
OPERATION...........................66
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PARKING
BRAKE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER TENSION
RELEASE...........................66
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PARKING
BRAKE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER TENSION
RESET.............................67
CABLES - PARKING BRAKE
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(FRONT)............................67
REMOVAL - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(INTERMEDIATE)......................68
REMOVAL - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(RIGHT REAR)........................69
REMOVAL - PARKING BRAKE CABLE (LEFT
REAR)..............................70INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(FRONT)............................71
INSTALLATION - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(INTERMEDIATE)......................71
INSTALLATION - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(RIGHT REAR)........................72
INSTALLATION - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
(LEFT REAR).........................72
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - PARKING BRAKE CABLES . 72
CABLES - PARKING BRAKE (EXPORT)
REMOVAL - FRONT CABLE...............72
INSTALLATION - FRONT CABLE............72
LEVER - PARKING BRAKE
REMOVAL.............................72
INSTALLATION.........................73
LEVER - PARKING BRAKE (EXPORT)
REMOVAL - PARKING BRAKE LEVER AND
FRONT CABLE.......................74
INSTALLATION - PARKING BRAKE LEVER
AND FRONT CABLE...................75
SHOES - PARKING BRAKE
REMOVAL.............................75
INSTALLATION.........................81
ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENT - PARKING BRAKE SHOES . . 83
BRAKES - BASE
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - BASE BRAKES
The base brake system consists of the following
components:
²Brake pedal
²Power brake booster
²Master cylinder
²Brake tubes and hoses
²Proportioning valve (non-ABS vehicles only)
²Disc brakes
²Drum brakes
²Brake lamp switch
²Brake fluid level switch
²Parking brakes
Front disc brakes control the braking of the front
wheels; rear braking is controlled by rear drum
brakes or rear disc brakes depending on options.
The hydraulic brake system is diagonally split on
both the non-antilock braking systems and antilock
braking systems. That means the left front and right
rear brakes are on one hydraulic circuit and the right
front and left rear are on the other.For information on the brake lamp switch, (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERI-
OR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - DESCRIPTION)
Vehicles equipped with the optional antilock brake
system (ABS) use a system designated Mark 20e. It
is available with or without traction control. This
system shares most base brake hardware used on
vehicles without ABS. ABS components are described
in detail in ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM.
DESCRIPTION - BASE BRAKES (EXPORT)
Four-Wheel Disc Antilock Brakes are standard on
all models.
OPERATION - BASE BRAKES
When a vehicle needs to be stopped, the driver
applies the brake pedal. The brake pedal pushes the
input rod of the power brake booster into the booster.
The booster uses vacuum to ease pedal effort as force
is transferred through the booster to the master cyl-
inder. The booster's output rod pushes in the master
cylinder's primary and secondary pistons applying
hydraulic pressure through the chassis brake tubes
to the brakes at each tire and wheel assembly.
The parking brakes are foot-operated. When
applied, the parking brake lever pulls on cables that
actuate brake shoes at each rear wheel. These shoes
RSBRAKES - BASE5-3
ProCarManuals.com

come in contact with a hub mounted drum (drum for
disc/drum brakes or drum-in-hat for disc/disc brakes)
and hold it in place.
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
shoe assemblies, and braking surfaces of brake
rotor or drum, and external surfaces of hub and
bearing assembly.
CAUTION: Handling of brake rotors and calipers
must be done in such a way as to avoid damage to
the rotor and scratching or nicking of brake lining
on the brake shoes.
CAUTION: At no time when servicing a vehicle, can
a sheet metal screw, bolt or other metal fastener be
installed in the shock tower to take the place of an
original plastic clip. Also, NO holes can be drilled
into the front shock tower in the area shown in (Fig.1), for the installation of any metal fasteners into
the shock tower. Because of the minimum clear-
ance in this area (Fig. 1), installation of metal fas-
teners could damage the coil spring coating and
lead to a corrosion failure of the spring. If a plastic
clip is missing, or is lost or broken during servicing
a vehicle, replace only with the equivalent part
listed in the Mopar parts catalog.
CAUTION: Only the recommended jacking or hoist-
ing positions for this vehicle are to be used when-
ever it is necessary to lift a vehicle. Failure to raise
a vehicle from the recommended locations could
result in lifting a vehicle by the hydraulic control
unit mounting bracket. Lifting a vehicle by the
hydraulic control unit mounting bracket will result
in damage to the mounting bracket and the hydrau-
lic control unit.
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.
Fig. 1 Shock Tower To Spring Minimum Clearance
Area
1 - SHOCK TOWER
2 - COIL SPRING
3 - NO SHEET METAL SCREWS, BOLTS, OR ANY OTHER
METAL FASTENERS ARE TO BE INSTALLED INTO SHOCK
TOWER IN THIS AREA. ALSO, NO HOLES ARE TO BE DRILLED
INTO SHOCK TOWER IN THIS SAME AREA.
5 - 4 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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.
BRAKE NOISE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
CLICK OR SQUAWK ON
PEDAL APPLICATION1. Brake lamp switch. 1. Replace switch.
2. Brake Transmission Shift Interlock
Linkage.2. Lubricate BTSI linkage.
3. Pedal pivot bushings 3. Lubricate pivot bushings. Replace if
necessary.
DISC BRAKE CHIRP 1. Excessive brake rotor runout. 1. Follow brake rotor diagnosis and testing.
Correct as necessary.
2. Lack of lubricant on brake caliper
slides.2. Lubricate brake caliper slides.
3. Caliper/shoes not fully seated. 3. Reseat caliper/shoes.
DISC BRAKE RATTLE OR
CLUNK1. Broken or missing anti-rattle
spring clips on shoes.1. Replace brake shoes.
2. Caliper guide pins/bolts loose. 2. Tighten guide pins/bolts.
DISC BRAKE SQUEAK AT
LOW SPEED (WHILE
APPLYING LIGHT BRAKE
PEDAL EFFORT)1. Brake shoe linings. 1. Replace brake shoes.
DRUM BRAKE CHIRP 1. Lack of lubricant on brake shoe
support plate where shoes ride.1. Lubricate shoe contact areas on brake
shoe support plates.
DRUM BRAKE CLUNK 1. Drum(s) have threaded machined
braking surface.1. Replace brake drums as necessary.
DRUM BRAKE HOWL OR
MOAN1. Lack of lubricant on brake shoe
support plate where shoes ride and
at the anchor.1. Lubricate shoe contact areas on brake
shoe support plates and at the anchor.
2. Rear brake shoes. 2. Replace rear brake shoes.
DRUM BRAKE SCRAPING
OR WHIRRING1. ABS wheel speed sensor or tone
wheel.1. Inspect, correct or replace faulty
component(s).
RSBRAKES - BASE5-5
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SCRAPING (METAL-TO-
METAL).1. Foreign object interference with
brakes.1. Inspect brakes and remove foreign
object.
2. Brake shoes worn out. 2. Replace brake shoes. Inspect rotors and
drums. Reface or replace as necessary.
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.
5 - 6 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
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.
PEDAL PULSATES/
SURGES DURING
BRAKING1. 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.
PEDAL IS SPONGY 1. Air in brake lines. 1. Bleed brakes.
2. Power brake booster runout
(vacuum assist).2. Check booster vacuum hose and
engine tune for adequate vacuum
supply. Refer to power brake booster
diagnosis and testing.
PREMATURE REAR
WHEEL LOCKUP1. Contaminated brake shoe linings. 1. Inspect and clean, or replace shoes.
Repair source of contamination.
2. Inoperative proportioning valve
(non-ABS vehicles).2. Refer to proportioning valve
diagnosis and testing. Replace valve as
necessary.
3. Improper power brake booster
assist.3. Refer to power brake booster in the
diagnosis and testing section.
STOP/BRAKE LAMPS
S TAY O N1. Brake lamp switch out of
adjustment.1. Replace brake lamp switch.
2. Brake pedal binding. 2. Inspect and replace as necessary.
3. Obstruction in pedal linkage. 3. Remove obstruction.
4. Power Brake Booster not allowing
pedal to return completely.4. Replace power brake booster.
VEHICLE PULLS TO
RIGHT OR LEFT ON
BRAKING1. Frozen brake caliper piston. 1. Replace frozen piston or caliper.
Bleed brakes.
2. Contaminated brake shoe lining. 2. Inspect and clean, or replace shoes.
Repair source of contamination.
3. Pinched brake lines. 3. Replace pinched line.
4. Leaking piston seal. 4. Replace piston seal or brake caliper.
5. Suspension problem. 5. Refer to the Suspension group.
PARKING BRAKE -
EXCESSIVE HANDLE
TRAVEL1. Rear drum brakes or rear disc
brake parking brake shoes out of
adjustment.1. Adjust rear drum brake shoes, or
rear parking brake shoes on vehicles
with rear disc brakes.
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.
RSBRAKES - BASE5-7
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

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. 2). 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.
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. 3). 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.
Fig. 2 Trapped Air In Brake Fluid Line
1 - TRAPPED AIR
5 - 8 BRAKES - BASERS
BRAKES - BASE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com