DODGE NEON 1999 Service Repair Manual

CAUTION: Use only MoparTbrake fluid or an
equivalent from a tightly sealed container. Brake
fluid must conform to DOT 3 specifications. Do not
use petroleum-based fluid because seal damage in
the brake system will result.
If necessary, add specified brake fluid bringing
level to theFULLmark on the side of the master
cylinder brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 34).
BRAKE BLEEDING
NOTE: For bleeding the ABS hydraulic system, see
Bleeding Teves Mark 20 Hydraulic System in the
Service Procedures Section of the ABS Brake Sec-
tion in this group of the service manual.
CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
cover, wipe it clean to prevent dirt and other foreign
matter from dropping into the master cylinder.
PRESSURE BLEEDING
CAUTION: Use bleeder tank Special Tool C-3496-B
with required adapter for the master cylinder reser-
voir to pressurize the hydraulic system for bleed-
ing.
NOTE: Follow pressure bleeder manufacturer's
instructions for use of pressure bleeding equip-
ment.
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. 35).
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 following wheel sequence for bleeding the
brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure
adequate removal of all trapped air from the hydrau-
lic system.
²Left rear wheel
²Right front wheel
²Right rear wheel
²Left front wheel
(1) Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw
starting at the right rear wheel and feed the hose
into a clear jar containing enough fresh brake fluid
to submerge the end of the hose (Fig. 36).
(2) Open the bleeder screw at leastone full turn
or more to obtain an steady stream of brake fluid
(Fig. 37).
(3) After 4 to 8 ounces of fluid has been bled
through the brake and an air-free flow is maintained
in the clear plastic hose and jar, close the bleeder
screw.
(4) Repeat the procedure at all the other remain-
ing bleeder screws. Then check the pedal for travel.
If pedal travel is excessive or has not been improved,
Fig. 34 Master Cylinder Fluid Level
Fig. 35 Trapped Air in Brake Line
Fig. 36 Proper Method for Purging Air From Brake
System (Typical)
5 - 20 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

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. It must stay at the
proper level so air will not be allowed to reenter the
brake system through the master cylinder reservoir.
BLEEDING WITHOUT A PRESSURE BLEEDER
NOTE: Correct bleeding of the brakes hydraulic
system without the use of pressure bleeding equip-
ment will require the aid of a helper.
The following wheel sequence for bleeding the
brake hydraulic system should be used to ensure
adequate removal of all trapped air from the hydrau-
lic system.
²Left rear wheel
²Right front wheel
²Right rear wheel
²Left front wheel
(1) Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw
starting at the right rear wheel and feed the hose
into a clear jar containing enough fresh brake fluid
to submerge the end of the hose (Fig. 36).
(2) Pump the brake pedal three or four times and
hold it down before the bleeder screw is opened.
(3) Open the bleeder screw at least 1 full turn.
When the bleeder screw opens the brake pedal will
drop.
(4) Close the bleeder screw. Release the brake
pedal onlyafterthe bleeder screw is closed.
(5) Repeat steps 1 through 3, four or five times at
each bleeder screw. Then check the pedal for 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 master cylinder reservoir. It must stay at
the proper level so air will not be allowed to re-enter
the brake system.(6) Test drive vehicle to be sure brakes are operat-
ing correctly and that pedal is solid.
MASTER CYLINDER BLEEDING
(1) Clamp the master cylinder in a vise. Attach
Bleeding Tubes, Special Tool 6802 to the master cyl-
inder (Fig. 38) and (Fig. 39). Position so outlets of
Bleeding Tubes will be below surface of brake fluid
when reservoir is filled to its proper level.
(2) Fill brake fluid reservoir with brake fluid con-
forming to DOT 3 specifications such as Mopar or an
Equivalent.
(3) Using a wooden dowel per (Fig. 40). Depress
push rod slowly, and then allow pistons to return to
released position. Repeat several times until all air
bubbles are expelled.
(4) Remove bleeding tubes from master cylinder
outlet ports, plug outlet ports and install fill cap on
reservoir.
Fig. 37 Open Bleeder Screw at Least One Full Turn
Fig. 38 Bleeding Tubes Attached to ABS Master
Cylinder
Fig. 39 Bleeding Tubes Attached To Non-ABS
Master Cylinder
PLBRAKES 5 - 21
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(5) Remove master cylinder from vise.
NOTE: Note: It is not necessary to bleed the entire
hydraulic system after replacing the master cylin-
der. But the master cylinder must have been bled
and filled upon installation.
BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING
BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING PROCEDURES
Any servicing of the rotor requires extreme care to
maintain the rotor to within service tolerances to
ensure proper brake action.
If the rotor surface is deeply scored or warped, or
there is a complaint of brake roughness or pulsation,
the rotor should be resurfaced, refaced (Fig. 41) or
(Fig. 42) or replaced.
The following chart shows the location of measure-
ments and specifications when servicing the rotor.
NOTE: All rotors have markings for minimum
allowable thickness cast on an un-machined sur-
face of the rotor (Fig. 43).
This marking includes 0.76 mm (0.030 inch) allow-
able rotor wear beyond the recommended 0.76 mm
(0.030 inch) of rotor refacing.
The collets, shafts and adapters used on the brake
lathe and the bearing cups in the rotor MUST be
clean and free from any chips or contamination.
When mounting the rotor on the brake lathe, strict
attention to the brake lathe manufacturer's operating
instructions is required.
If the rotor is not mounted properly, the lateral
runout will be worse after refacing or resurfacing
than before.REFACING BRAKE ROTOR
Refacing of the rotor is not required each time the
brake pads are replaced.
When refacing a rotor the required 0.8 mm (0.003
inch) TIR (Total Indicator Reading) and 0.013 mm
(0.0005 inch) thickness variation limits MUST BE
MAINTAINED.Extreme carein the operation of
rotor turning equipment is required.
Fig. 40 Bleeding Master Cylinder
Fig. 41 Refacing Brake Rotor
Fig. 42 Resurfacing Brake Rotor (Final Finish)
5 - 22 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

The use of a double straddle cutter (Fig. 41) that
machines both sides of the rotor at the same time is
highly recommended.
RESURFACNG BRAKE ROTOR
This operation can be used when rotor surface is
rusty, has lining deposits or excessive lateral runout
or thickness variation is evident.
A sanding rotor attachment will remove surface
contamination without removing much rotor mate-
rial.
It will generally follow variations in thickness that
are in the rotor.
BRAKE DRUM MACHINING
Measure drum runout and diameter. If not to spec-
ification, reface drum. (Runout should not exceed
0.1524 mm or 0.006 inch). The diameter variation
(oval shape) of the drum braking surface must not
exceed either 0.0635 mm (0.0025 inch) in 30É or
0.0889 mm (0.0035 inch) in 360É.All brake drums are marked with the maximum
allowable brake drum diameter (Fig. 44).
PARK BRAKE LEVER AUTO ADJUSTER
MECHANISM
WARNING: THE AUTO ADJUSTING FEATURE OF
THIS PARKING BRAKE LEVER CONTAINS A CLOCK
SPRING LOADED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 POUNDS.
DO NOT RELEASE THE AUTO ADJUSTER LOCK-
OUT DEVICE BEFORE INSTALLING CABLES INTO
THE EQUALIZER. KEEP HANDS OUT OF AUTO
ADJUSTER SECTOR AND PAWL AREA. FAILURE TO
OBSERVE CAUTION IN HANDLING THIS MECHA-
NISM COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY.
WARNING: WHEN REPAIRS TO THE PARK BRAKE
LEVER OR CABLES IS REQUIRED, THE AUTO
ADJUSTER MUST BE RELOADED AND LOCKED
OUT.
Fig. 43 Minimum Brake Rotor Thickness Markings
(Typical)
BRAKE ROTOR REFINISHING LIMITS
Braking RotorRotor
ThicknessMinimum
Rotor
ThicknessRotor
Thickness
VariationRotor Run
Out*Rotor Micro
Finish
All Front Disc Brakes 20.13-19.87
mm
.792 -.782
in.18.4 mm
.724 in.0.013 mm
0.0005 in.0.13 mm
0.005 in.15-80 RMS
All Rear Disc Brakes 9.25-8.75
mm.364
-.344 in.7.25 mm
.285 in.0.013 mm
0.0005 in.0.13 mm
0.005 in.15-80 RMS
*
TIR Total Indicator Reading (Measured On Vehicle)
Fig. 44 Brake Drum Maximum Diameter
Identification
PLBRAKES 5 - 23
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(1) Remove screws attaching rear of center console
assembly to console bracket (Fig. 45) or (Fig. 46).
(2) Remove the 2 screws located in cup holders
(Fig. 47), attaching front of center console assembly
to console bracket.
(3) Raise park brake hand lever assembly as high
as it will go for required clearance to remove center
console.
(4) Remove center console assembly from vehicle.
(5) Lower park brake lever handle.
(6) Grasp park brake lever output cable by hand
and pull upward (Fig. 48). Continue pulling on cable
until a 3/16 in. drill bit can be inserted into handle
and sector gear of park brake mechanism (Fig. 48).
This will lock the park brake mechanism and take
tension off park brake cables.
RELEASING PARK BRAKE AUTO ADJUSTER
NOTE: The park brake lever can be in any position
when releasing the auto adjuster. To ease installa-
tion of center console, it is advisable to pull park
brake lever handle all the way up before removing
lockout pin
(1) Be sure rear park brake cables are properly
installed in the equalizer (Fig. 49).
(2) Pull park brake lever handle all the way up.
(3) Firmly grasp park brake lever locking pin (Fig.
50), and quickly remove it from the park brake lever
mechanism. This will allow the park brake lever
mechanism to correctly adjust the park brake cables.
(4) Install center console.
(5) Install the 4 console assembly attaching screws
(Fig. 45) or (Fig. 46).
(6) Cycle park brake lever once to position park
brake cables. Then return the park brake lever its
Fig. 45 Attaching Screws At Rear Of Center Console
W/O Arm Rest
Fig. 46 Attaching Screws At Rear Of Center Console
With Arm Rest
Fig. 47 Attaching Screws At Front Of Center
Console
Fig. 48 Locking Pin Installed In Park Brake
Mechanism
5 - 24 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

released position. Check the rear wheels of the vehi-
cle, they should rotate freely without dragging.
BRAKE TUBE REPAIR
Only double wall 4.75mm (3/16 in.) steel tubing
with Al-rich/ZN-AL alloy coating and the correct tube
nuts are to be used for replacement of a hydraulic
brake tube.
Care should be taken when repairing brake tubing,
to be sure the proper bending and flaring tools and
procedures are used, to avoid kinking. Do not route
the tubes against sharp edges, moving components or
into hot areas. All tubes should be properly attached
with recommended retaining clips.
Using Tubing Cutter, Special Tool C-3478-A or
equivalent, cut off damaged seat or tubing (Fig. 51).
Ream out any burrs or rough edges showing on
inside of tubing (Fig. 52). This will make the ends of
tubing square (Fig. 52) and ensure better seating offlared end tubing.PLACE TUBE NUT ON TUB-
ING BEFORE FLARING THE TUBING.
DOUBLE INVERTED TUBING FLARES
To make a double inverted tubing flare (Fig. 53)
and (Fig. 54). Open handles of Flaring Tool, Special
Tool C-4047 or equivalent. Then rotate jaws of tool
until the mating jaws of tubing size are centered
between vertical posts on tool. Slowly close handles
with tubing inserted in jaws but do not apply heavy
pressure to handle as this will lock tubing in place.
Fig. 49 Park Brake Cables Properly Installed In
Equalizer
Fig. 50 Removing Lockout Pin From Park Brake
Lever
Fig. 51 Cutting And Flaring Of Brake Fluid Tubing
Fig. 52 Brake Fluid Tube Preparation For Flaring
PLBRAKES 5 - 25
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

Place gauge (Form A) on edge over end of brake
tubing. Push tubing through jaws until end of tubing
contacts the recessed notch in gauge matching the
tubing size. Squeeze handles of flaring tool and lock
tubing in place. Place 3/16 inch plug of gauge (A)
down in end of tubing. Swing compression disc over
gauge and center tapered flaring screw in recess of
disc. Screw in until plug gauge has seated on jaws of
flaring tool. This action has started to invert the
extended end of the tubing. Remove gauge and con-
tinue to screw down until tool is firmly seated in tub-
ing. Remove tubing from flaring tool and inspect
seat. Refer to tube routing diagrams for proper brake
tube routing and clip locations. Replace any damaged
tube routing clips.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
WHEEL AND TIRE ASSEMBLY
To install the wheel and tire assembly, first posi-
tion it properly on the mounting surface using the
hub pilot as a guide. Then progressively tighten the
lug nuts in the proper sequence (Fig. 55) to half of
the required torque. Finally tighten the lug nuts in
the proper sequence (Fig. 55) to 129 N´m (95 ft. lbs.).
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts.
FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER
REMOVE
During service procedures, grease or any other for-
eign material must be kept off caliper assembly, sur-
faces of braking rotor and external surfaces of hub.
Handling of the braking rotor and caliper should
be done in such a way as to avoid deformation of the
rotor and scratching or nicking of the brake linings.
During removal and installation of a wheel and
tire assembly, use care not to strike the caliper.
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubrication and Mainte-
nance section of this service manual for the required
lifting procedure for this vehicle.
(2) Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies
from this vehicle.
(3) Remove the 2 brake caliper to steering knuckle
guide pin bolts (Fig. 56).
(4) Remove caliper from steering knuckle, by first
rotating free end of caliper away from steering
Fig. 53 Double Inverted Brake Line Tubing Flare
Fig. 54 Double Wall Inverted Flare Connection
Fig. 55 Wheel Nut Tightening Sequence
Fig. 56 Caliper Guide Pin Bolts
5 - 26 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

knuckle. Then slide opposite end of caliper out from
under machined abutment on steering knuckle (Fig.
57).
(5) Support the disc brake caliper firmly using a
wire hanger (Fig. 58). This is required to prevent the
weight of the caliper from damaging the flexible
brake hose.
INSTALL
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 abutments
with a liberal amount of MopartMultipurpose Lubri-
cant, or equivalent.
(3) If removed, install the front rotor on the hub,
making sure it is squarely seated on face of hub.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.
(4) Carefully position the brake caliper and brake
shoes on the steering knuckle by first hooking the
end of the caliper under the edge of the steering
knuckle as shown in (Fig. 59). Then rotate caliper
into position on the steering knuckle.
(5) Install the caliper guide pin bolts and tighten
to 18 to 20 N´m (192 in. lbs.) (Fig. 56).Extreme
caution should be taken not to cross thread the
caliper guide pin bolts.
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(7) 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.).
(8) Remove jackstands or lower hoist.Before
moving vehicle, pump the brake pedal several
times to insure the vehicle has a firm brake
pedal.
(9) Road test the vehicle and make several stops to
wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake pads.
Fig. 57 Removing Caliper Assembly From Steering
Knuckle
Fig. 58 Storing Disc Brake Caliper
Fig. 59 Installing Caliper Assembly On Steering
Knuckle
PLBRAKES 5 - 27
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

FRONT DISC BRAKE SHOES
WARNING: ALTHOUGH FACTORY INSTALLED
BRAKELININGS ARE MADE FROM ASBESTOS
FREE MATERIALS, SOME AFTER MARKET BRAKE-
LINING MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS. THIS SHOULD
BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN SERVICING A
VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEN AFTERMARKET
BRAKELININGS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON
THE VEHICLE. ALWAYS WEAR A RESPIRATOR
WHEN CLEANING BRAKE COMPONENTS AS
ASBESTOS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM
SUCH AS ASBESTOSIS AND OR CANCER. NEVER
CLEAN BRAKE COMPONENTS BY USING COM-
PRESSED AIR, USE ONLY A VACUUM CLEANER
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE REMOVAL OF
BRAKE DUST. IF A VACUUM CLEANER IS NOT
AVAILABLE, CLEAN BRAKE PARTS USING ONLY
WATER DAMPENED SHOP TOWELS. DO NOT CRE-
ATE BRAKELINING DUST BY SANDING BRAKE LIN-
INGS WHEN SERVICING A VEHICLE. DISPOSE OF
ALL DUST AND DIRT SUSPECTED OF CONTAINING
ASBESTOS FIBERS USING ONLY SEALED AIR-
TIGHT BAGS OR CONTAINERS. FOLLOW ALL REC-
OMMENDED SAFETY PRACTICES PRESCRIBED BY
THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMIN-
ISTRATION (OSHA) AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA), FOR HANDLING AND
DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASBES-
TOS.
During service procedures, grease or any other for-
eign material must be kept off caliper assembly, sur-
faces of braking rotor and external surfaces of hub.
Handling of the brake rotor and caliper should be
done in such a way as to avoid deformation of the
rotor and scratching or nicking of the brake linings.
If inspection reveals that the square sectioned cal-
iper piston seal is worn or damaged, it should be
replaced immediately.
During removal and installation of a wheel and
tire, use care not to strike the caliper.
NOTE: Before vehicle is moved after any brake
service work, pump the brake pedal several times
to insure the vehicle has a firm brake pedal.
NOTE: Starting with the 1998 model year, different
lining material is used on the disc brake shoes
depending on the type of brake system the vehicle
is equipped with. Vehicles equipped with standard
front disc and rear drum brakes use a new lining
material on the front disc brake shoes. Vehicles that
are equipped with optional 4 wheel disc brakes use
a new lining material on both the front and rear disc
brake shoes. When new brake shoes are installed,be sure brake shoes for the correct model year and
type of brake system the vehicle is equipped with
are used.
REMOVE
(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 front wheel and tire assemblies
from vehicle.
(3) Remove the 2 guide pin bolts (Fig. 60) mount-
ing the caliper to the steering knuckle.
(4) Remove brake caliper from steering knuckle, by
first rotating free end of caliper away from steering
knuckle. Then slide opposite end of caliper out from
under machined abutment on steering knuckle (Fig.
61).
(5) Support caliper firmly to prevent weight of cal-
iper from damaging the flexible brake hose (Fig. 62).
Fig. 60 Caliper Guide Pin Bolts
Fig. 61 Removing Caliper From Steering Knuckle
5 - 28 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (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)