brake fluid DODGE NEON 1999 Service Owner's Manual

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 the caliper piston back into
the piston bore of the caliper assembly. This is
required for caliper installation when new brake pad
assemblies are installed on caliper.
(2) Lubricate both adapter abutments with a lib-
eral amount of MopartMultipurpose Lubricant, or
equivalent.
(3) Install rear rotor on the hub making sure it is
squarely seated on face of hub (Fig. 77).
(4) Remove protective paper from noise suppres-
sion gasket on both inner and outer brake pad
assemblies (if equipped).
(5) Install new inboard brake shoe assembly into
caliper piston by firmly pressing into piston bore
with thumbs (Fig. 79).Be sure inboard brake
shoe assembly is positioned squarely against
face of caliper piston.
(6) Slide new outboard brake pad assembly onto
the caliper assembly (Fig. 78). Be sure retaining clip
is squarely seated in the depressed areas on the cal-
iper.
CAUTION: Use care when installing caliper assem-
bly onto adapter, so the guide pin bushings andsleeves do not get damaged by the mounting
bosses on adapter.
(7) Carefully lower caliper and brake shoe assem-
blies over braking disc (rotor) reversing the required
removal procedure (Fig. 75). Make sure that caliper
guide pin bolts, bushings and sleeves are clear of the
adapter bosses.
CAUTION: Extreme caution should be taken not to
cross thread the caliper guide pin bolts when they
are installed.
(8) Install caliper assembly guide pin bolts into
adapter and tighten (Fig. 74). Then torque both guide
pin bolts to 22 N´m (192 in. lbs.).
(9) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
(10) 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.).
(11) Remove jackstands or lower hoist.Before
moving vehicle, pump the brake pedal several
times to insure the vehicle has a firm brake
pedal.
(12) Road test the vehicle and make several stops
to wear off any foreign material on the brakes and to
seat the brake pads.
REAR BRAKE DRUM
REMOVE
Further clearance can be obtained by backing off
the brake automatic adjuster screw. Remove rubber
plug from top of brake support plate. Rotate auto-
matic adjuster screw assembly with an upward
motion, using a medium size screwdriver.
See adjusting rear service brakes in the Service
Adjustments section in this group of the service man-
ual for the specific adjustment procedure.
(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 rear wheel and tire assemblies
from the vehicle.
(3) Remove rear brake drum to hub retaining clips
(if equipped).
(4) Remove rear brake drum from rear hub/bear-
ing assembly (Fig. 80).
(5) Inspect brake linings for wear, shoe alignment
and contamination.
INSTALL
(1) Install rear brake drum assembly on rear hub
and bearing assembly.
(2) Install the wheel and tire assembly.
Fig. 79 Removing Inboard Brake Shoe
5 - 34 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the
vehicle.
(3) Remove rear brake drum.
(4) Remove rear brake shoe assemblies from the
brake support plate. Refer to Rear Brake Shoes in
the Removal And Installation Section in this group of
the service manual for the proper brake shoe assem-
bly removal procedure.
(5) If brake shoes are wet with grease or brake
fluid, remove and replace.
(6) Disconnect the rear brake flex hose from the
wheel cylinder (Fig. 96).
(7) Remove rear wheel cylinder attaching bolts
(Fig. 96).
(8) Remove rear wheel cylinder assembly from
brake support plate (Fig. 97).INSTALL
(1) Apply a small bead of silicone sealer around
the mating surface of the wheel cylinder to brake
support plate.
NOTE: When installing wheel cylinder on brake
support plate, be sure it is positioned squarely (hor-
izontal) to the brake shoe assemblies.
(2) Install wheel cylinder onto brake support plate.
Tighten the attaching bolts to 13 N´m (115 in. lbs.).
(3) Hand start hydraulic brake hose tube fitting to
wheel cylinder. Torque tube nut to 17 N´m (145 in.
lbs.).
(4) Install rear brake shoe assemblies on the brake
support plate. Refer to Rear Brake Shoes in the
Removal And Installation Section in this group of the
service manual for the proper brake shoe assembly
installation procedure.
(5) Install rear brake drum onto rear hub.
(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly. 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.).
(7) Adjust the rear brakes. See Rear Drum Brake
Shoe Adjustment in the Adjustments section in this
group of the service manual.
(8) Bleed the entire brake system. See Bleeding
Brake System in Service Adjustments section in this
group of the service manual.
REAR HUB/BEARING
REMOVE
(1) Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a
frame contact type hoist. See Hoisting in the Lubri-
cation and Maintenance section of this manual for
the required lifting procedure to be used for this
vehicle.
(2) Remove rear wheel and tire assembly.
(3) On vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes,
remove brake drum (Fig. 98) from rear hub/bearing
assembly. On vehicles equipped with rear disc
brakes, remove disc brake caliper from disc brake
adapter, and then remove rotor (Fig. 99) from hub/
bearing assembly.
(4) Remove the dust cap (Fig. 100) from the rear
hub/bearing.
(5) Remove the retaining nut (Fig. 101) mounting
the hub/bearing to the rear spindle.
(6) Remove the hub/bearing from the rear spindle
by pulling it off the end of spindle by hand.
Fig. 96 Brake Flex Hose At Wheel Cylinder
Fig. 97 Remove/Install Wheel Cylinder
PLBRAKES 5 - 39
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

MASTER CYLINDER
REMOVE
CAUTION: On ABS equipped vehicles, vacuum in
power booster must be pumped down before
removing master cylinder to prevent booster from
sucking in any contamination. This can be done
simply by pumping the brake pedal until a firm
pedal is achieved, with the ignition off.
(1) On ABS equipped vehicles, be sure engine is
not running, and pump the brake pedal until a firm
pedal is achieved (4-5 strokes).
(2) Remove vehicle wiring harness connector, from
brake fluid level sensor, in master cylinder brake
fluid reservoir (Fig. 103).
(3) Disconnect the primary and secondary brake
tubes from the master cylinder (Fig. 104) and (Fig.
105). Install plugs at all open brake tube outlets on
master cylinder assembly.(4) On vehicles equipped with ABS, clean area
where master cylinder attaches to booster using a
suitable brake cleaner product such as Mopar Brake
Parts Cleaner or an equivalent.
(5) Remove the 2 nuts (Fig. 106) attaching master
cylinder housing to power brake vacuum booster.
(6) Slide master cylinder assembly straight out of
the power brake vacuum booster.
CAUTION: On vehicles equipped with ABS, the
master cylinder is used to create the seal for hold-
ing vacuum in the power brake vacuum booster.
The vacuum seal in the front of the power brake
vacuum booster (Fig. 107) MUST be replaced when-
ever the master cylinder is removed from the power
brake vacuum booster.
(7) If vehicle is equipped with ABS, remove vac-
uum seal (Fig. 107) located in the front of the power
brake vacuum booster. Vacuum seal is removed by
Fig. 102 Caliper Guide Pin Bolts
Fig. 103 Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
Fig. 104 Primary And Secondary Brake Tubes W/O
ABS Brakes
Fig. 105 Primary And Secondary Brake Tubes With
ABS Brakes
PLBRAKES 5 - 41
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

carefullyinserting a small screw driver between the
push rod of the power brake vacuum booster and vac-
uum seal (Fig. 107) and pry seal out of power brake
vacuum booster.Do not attempt to pry seal out of
master cylinder by inserting a tool between
seal and power brake vacuum booster.
BLEEDING MASTER CYLINDER
(1) Clamp the master cylinder in a vise. Attach
Bleeding Tubes, Special Tool 6802 to the master cyl-
inder (Fig. 108) and (Fig. 109). Position tubes so out-
lets of Bleeding Tubes will be below surface of brake
fluid when reservoir is filled to 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. 110), depress
push rod slowly and then allow pistons to return to
released position. Repeat several times until all air
bubbles are expelled.
Fig. 106 Master Cylinder Mounting To Vacuum
Booster
Fig. 107 Removing Seal From Vacuum Booster
Fig. 108 Bleeding Tubes Attached to ABS Master
Cylinder
Fig. 109 Bleeding Tubes Attached To Non-ABS
Master Cylinder
Fig. 110 Bleeding Master Cylinder
5 - 42 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

VACUUM BOOSTER
REMOVE
CAUTION: On ABS equipped vehicles, vacuum in
power booster must be pumped down before
removing master cylinder to prevent booster from
sucking in any contamination. This can be done
simply by pumping the brake pedal until a firm
pedal is achieved, with the ignition off.
(1) On ABS equipped vehicles, with engine not
running, pump the brake pedal until a firm pedal is
achieved (4-5 strokes).
(2) Remove vehicle wiring harness connector from
brake fluid level sensor located in master cylinder
brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 114).
(3) Disconnect the primary and secondary brake
tubes from the master cylinder (Fig. 115) and (Fig.
116). Install plugs at all open brake tube outlets on
master cylinder assembly.(4) On vehicles equipped with ABS, clean area
where master cylinder attaches to booster using a
suitable brake cleaner such as Mopar Brake Parts
Cleaner or an equivalent.
(5) Remove the 2 nuts (Fig. 117) attaching master
cylinder housing to power brake vacuum booster.
(6) Slide master cylinder assembly straight out of
the power brake vacuum booster.
CAUTION: On vehicles equipped with ABS, the
master cylinder is used to create the seal for hold-
ing vacuum in the power brake vacuum booster.
The vacuum seal in the front of the power brake
vacuum booster (Fig. 118) MUST be replaced when-
ever the master cylinder is removed from the power
brake vacuum booster.
(7) If vehicle is equipped with ABS, remove vac-
uum seal (Fig. 118) located in the front of the power
Fig. 114 Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
Fig. 115 Primary And Secondary Brake Tubes W/O
ABS Brakes
Fig. 116 Primary And Secondary Brake Tubes With
ABS Brakes
Fig. 117 Master Cylinder Mounting To Vacuum
Booster
5 - 44 BRAKESPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) Position master cylinder on studs of power
brake unit, aligning push rod on power brake vac-
uum booster with master cylinder push rod.
(10) Install the 2 master cylinder mounting nuts
(Fig. 117) and torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.) torque.
(11) Connect brake tubes to master cylinder pri-
mary and secondary ports (Fig. 115) and (Fig. 116).
Torque all tube nuts to 17 N´m (145 in. lbs.) torque.
(12) Reconnect wiring connector to fluid level sen-
sor.
(13) Adjust stop lamp switch as necessary.
(14) Bleed brake system.
CHASSIS TUBES AND HOSES
Always use Mopar replacement brake hose assem-
blies to ensure quality, correct length and superior
fatigue life. Care should be taken to make sure that
the tube and hose mating surfaces are clean and free
from nicks and burrs.Hose assemblies for each
brake are unique and not interchangeable.
Use new copper seal washers on all connections
using Banjo Bolts and tighten all fittings to their
specified torques.
The flexible front hydraulic brake hose should
always be installed on the vehicle by first attaching
the Banjo connector to the caliper assembly. Then
bolt the intermediate hose bracket to the strut
assembly allowing the bracket to position the hose to
prevent twisting. Attach the hose to brake tubing,
before attaching to front frame rail. Then tighten all
brake line fittings to specified torque.
On vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes,
install rear brake hoses first to wheel cylinders and
rear struts and then attach hose bracket to body. On
vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes, attach brake
hoses to calipers and struts first and then attach
brake hose bracket to body. Following this procedure
will reduce potential for twisting brake during instal-
lation procedure.
Only double wall 4.75mm (3/16 in.) steel brake line
tubing, with Al- Rich/ZN-AL alloy coating should be
used for replacement. Care must be taken when
replacing 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.
PROPORTIONING VALVE (BASE BRAKES)
CAUTION: Proportioning valves (Fig. 125) should
never be disassembled.
There are two proportioning valve assemblies used
in each vehicle. Due to different thread sizes, each
proportioning valve has a different part number. Dur-ing any service procedures identify the proportioning
valve assemblies by supplier part number and or the
color identification band (Fig. 125).
If premature rear wheel skid occurs on hard brake
application, it could be an indication that a malfunc-
tion has occurred with one of the proportioning
valves.
One proportioning valve controls the right rear
brake, and the other proportioning valve controls the
left rear brake (Fig. 126). Therefore, a road test to
determine which rear brake slides first is essential.
If a malfunctioning proportioning valve is sus-
pected on a vehicle. Refer to Brake Hydraulic System
Control Valves in the Diagnosis And Testing Section
in this group of the service manual for the required
test procedure.
REMOVE
Use the proportioning valve test procedure stated
above to determine which proportioning valve
requires replacement, then replace it using procedure
below.
(1) Disconnect brake tube from proportioning valve
requiring removal from the master cylinder (Fig.
126).
(2) Remove proportioning valve (Fig. 126) from the
master cylinder requiring replacement.
INSTALL
(1) Wet O-ring seal on new proportioning valve
using clean fresh brake fluid.
(2) Install proportioning valve in master cylinder
and hand tighten until proportioning valve and
O-ring seal is fully seated in master cylinder. Torque
proportioning valve to 40 N´m (30 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install brake tube on proportioning valve.
Tighten tube nut to 17 N´m (145 in lbs.) torque.
(4) Bleed the affected brake line. See Bleeding
Base Brake Hydraulic System in the Service Proce-
dures Section in this group of the service manual for
the proper bleeding procedure.
Fig. 125 Proportioning Valve
PLBRAKES 5 - 47
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(9) InstallA NEWhub and bearing assembly
retaining nut. Torque the hub and bearing assembly
retaining nut to 168 N´m (124 ft. lbs.).
(10) Install hub and bearing assembly dust cap.
(11) Install rear rotor.
(12) Install rear disc brake caliper on the adapter
(See Brake Shoe Removal).
(13) Install wheel and tire assemblies.
(14) Tighten wheel stud nuts to 129 N´m (95
ft.lbs.).
STOP LAMP SWITCH
REMOVE
(1) Depress and hold the brake pedal while rotat-
ing stop lamp switch (Fig. 165) in a counter-clockwise
direction approximately 30 degrees.
(2) Pull the switch rearward and remove from its
mounting bracket.
(3) Disconnect wiring harness connector from stop
lamp switch.
INSTALL
NOTE: Prior to installing stop lamp switch into
bracket, the plunger must be moved to its fully
extended position using procedure in Step 1.
(1) Hold stop lamp switch firmly in one hand.
Then using other hand, pull outward on the plunger
of the stop lamp switch until it has ratcheted out to
its fully extended position.
(2) Connect the wiring harness connector to the
stop lamp switch.(3) Mount the stop lamp switch into the bracket
using the following procedure. Depress the brake
pedal as far down as possible. Then install switch in
bracket by aligning index key on switch with slot at
top of square hole in mounting bracket. When switch
is fully installed in bracket, rotate switch clockwise
approximately 30É to lock switch into bracket.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when pulling
back on brake pedal to adjust the stop lamp switch.
If to much force is used, damage to the stop lamp
switch or striker (Fig. 165) can result.
(4) Gently pull back on brake pedal until the pedal
stops moving. This will cause the switch plunger to
ratchet backward to the correct position.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
NOTE: The master cylinder does not need to be
removed from the power brake vacuum booster for
replacement of the brake fluid reservoir.
(1) Clean master cylinder housing and brake fluid
reservoir.
(2) Remove the brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a
CLEANsyringe or equivalent type tool, empty as
much brake fluid as possible from the reservoir.
NOTE: Do not pry off using a tool, damage to res-
ervoir may result.
(3) Rock brake fluid reservoir from side to side
while pulling up to remove the reservoir from the
master cylinder housing (Fig. 166).
(4) Remove master cylinder housing to brake fluid
reservoir grommets.
Fig. 164 Front Hold Down Clip And Brake Shoe
Fig. 165 Stop Lamp Switch
PLBRAKES 5 - 57
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(5) Install new master cylinder housing to brake
fluid reservoir sealing grommets (Fig. 166) in master
cylinder housing.
(6) Lubricate reservoir mounting area with fresh
clean brake fluid. Place reservoir in position over
grommets. Seat reservoir into grommets using a
rocking motion while firmly pressing down on fluid
reservoir.
(7) Be sure reservoir is positioned properly.
(8) Make sure bottom of reservoir touches top of
grommet.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
The master cylinder or brake fluid reservoir does
not have to be removed from vehicle for replacement
of the brake fluid level sensor.
(1) Remove wiring harness connector from brake
fluid reservoir level sensor (Fig. 167).
(2) Compress retaining tabs (Fig. 168) on end of
brake fluid level switch.(3) While compressing retaining tabs, grasp oppo-
site end of brake fluid level switch and pull it out of
master cylinder brake fluid reservoir (Fig. 169).
(4) Correctly align the replacement level switch
with its mounting hole in the brake fluid reservoir.
Push switch into fluid reservoir until retaining tabs
are fully expanded on opposite side of fluid reservoir
(Fig. 168).
(5) Install the wiring harness connector onto the
brake fluid level switch.
FRONT AND REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
Check for brake fluid leaks in and around dust
boot area and inboard brake pad, and for any rup-
tures, brittleness or damage to the piston dust boot.
If the dust boot is damaged, or a fluid leak is visible,
disassemble caliper assembly and install a new pis-
ton seal and dust boot, and piston if scored. Refer to
Fig. 166 Removing Fluid Reservoir From Master
Cylinder
Fig. 167 Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
Fig. 168 Brake Fluid Level Switch Retaining Tabs
Fig. 169 Removing/Installing Fluid Reservoir Level
Switch
5 - 58 BRAKESPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

from rotor, so hydraulic fluid cannot get on rotor.
Place a small piece of wood between the piston and
caliper fingers.
(2)Carefullydepress brake pedal to hydraulically
push piston out of bore. Then apply and hold down
the brake pedal to any position beyond the first inch
of pedal travel. This will prevent loss of brake fluid
from the master cylinder.
(3) If both front caliper pistons are to be removed,
disconnect brake tube at flexible brake hose at frame
rail. Plug brake tube and remove piston from oppo-
site caliper using the same process as above for the
first piston removal.
(4) Disconnect the brake fluid flex hose from the
caliper assembly.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when clamp-
ing caliper in vise. Excessive vise pressure will
cause bore distortion and binding of piston.
(5) To disassemble caliper, mount in a vise
equipped with protective jaws.
(6) Remove guide pin sleeves and guide pin bush-
ings. See Removing Guide Pin Bushings in the cali-
per disassembly section of this manual.
(7) Remove the piston dust boot from the caliper
and discard (Fig. 177).
(8) Using a soft tool, such as a plastic trim stick,
work piston seal out of its groove in caliper piston
bore (Fig. 178). Discard old seal.Do not use a
screw driver or other metal tool for this opera-
tion, because of the possibility of scratching
piston bore or burring edges of seal groove.(9) Clean all parts using alcohol or a suitable sol-
vent and wipe dryusing only a lint free cloth.No
lint residue can remain in caliper bore. Clean out all
drilled passages and bores.Whenever a caliper
has been disassembled, a new boot and seal
must be installed at assembly.
(10) Inspect the piston bore for scoring or pitting.
Bores that show light scratches or corrosion can usu-
ally be cleared of the light scratches or corrosion
using crocus cloth. Bores that have deep scratches or
scoring should be honed. Use Caliper Hone, Special
Tool C-4095, or equivalent providing the diameter of
the bore is not increased more than 0.0254 mm
(0.001 inch) (Fig. 179).
(11) If the bore does not clean up within this spec-
ification, a new caliper housing should be installed.
Install a new piston if the old one is pitted or scored.
NOTE: When using Caliper Honing Tool, Special
Tool C-4095, coat the stones and bore with brake
fluid. After honing the bore, carefully clean the seal
and boot grooves with a stiff non-metallic rotary
brush.
NOTE: Use extreme care in cleaning the caliper
after honing. Remove all dirt and grit by flushing
the caliper with brake fluid; wipe dry with a clean,
lint free cloth and then clean a second time.
CAUTION: When inspecting caliper piston, do not
use anything but solvents to clean piston surface. If
surface of piston cannot be cleaned using only sol-
vents, piston must be replaced.
Fig. 177 Removing Caliper/Piston Dust Boot
Fig. 178 Removing Piston Seal From Caliper
PLBRAKES 5 - 61
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(12) Inspect caliper piston for pitting, scratches, or
any physical damage. Replace piston if there is evi-
dence of scratches, pitting or physical damage.
CALIPER ASSEMBLY
CAUTION: Excessive vise pressure will cause bore
distortion and binding of piston.
(1) Clamp caliper in a vise (with protective caps
installed on jaws of vise).
(2) Dip new piston seal in clean brake fluid and
install in the groove of the caliper bore. Seal should
be positioned at one area in groove and gently
worked around the groove (Fig. 180), using only your
fingers until properly seated.NEVER USE AN OLD
PISTON SEAL.Be sure that fingers are clean and
seal is not twisted or rolled (Fig. 180).
(3) Coat new piston boot with clean brake fluid
leaving a generous amount inside boot.
(4) Position dust boot over piston after coating
with brake fluid.
CAUTION: Force must be applied to the piston uni-
formly to avoid cocking and binding of the piston in
the bore of the caliper.
(5) Install piston into caliper bore pushing it past
the piston seal until it bottoms in the caliper bore
(Fig. 181).
(6) Position dust boot into the counterbore of the
caliper assembly piston bore.
(7) Using a hammer and Installer Piston Caliper
Boot, Special Tool C-4689 and Handle, Special ToolC-4171, drive boot into counterbore of the caliper
(Fig. 182).
(8) Install guide pin sleeves and bushings. See
Install Guide Pin Bushings section in the caliper dis-
assembly section of this manual.
(9) Install brake pads. See Installing Brake Pads
in the Brake Pad Service Procedures section of this
manual.
(10) Before installing caliper assembly on vehicle,
inspect brake rotor. If any conditions as described in
Checking Brake Rotor for Runout and Thickness are
present the rotor, must be replaced or refaced. If the
rotor does not require any servicing, install caliper
assembly.
(11) Install brake hose onto caliper using banjo
bolt. Torque the brake hose to caliper assembly banjo
bolt to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).New seal washers
Fig. 179 Honing Brake Caliper Piston Bore
Fig. 180 Installing New Piston Seal In Caliper
Fig. 181 Installing Piston Into Caliper Bore
5 - 62 BRAKESPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)