air bleeding DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

BRAKES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM...................... 1ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM................. 65
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION...........2
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS.........2
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHARTS....9
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER.................11
DRUM BRAKE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER........12
BRAKE ROTOR..........................12
BRAKE DRUM...........................15
PROPORTIONING VALVE..................15
BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION.............17
SERVICE PROCEDURES
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING............17
BASE BRAKE BLEEDING...................17
MASTER CYLINDER BLEEDING.............19
BRAKE TUBE REPAIR.....................19
BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING................21
BRAKE DRUM MACHINING.................22
PARKING BRAKE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER
LOCK OUT............................22
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS........23
BRAKE PEDAL...........................24
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH....................27
MASTER CYLINDER......................28
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR.................29
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH..............30
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER.................30
PROPORTIONING VALVE..................32
BRAKES TUBES AND HOSES...............33
DISC BRAKE CALIPER (FRONT).............33
DISC BRAKE SHOES (FRONT)..............35BRAKE ROTOR (FRONT)...................37
DISC BRAKE CALIPER (REAR)..............38
DISC BRAKE SHOES (REAR)...............39
BRAKE ROTOR (REAR)....................41
DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER (REAR).....41
DRUM BRAKE SHOES (REAR)..............43
BRAKE DRUM (REAR).....................45
DRUM BRAKE SHOE SUPPORT PLATE
(REAR)...............................46
PARKING BRAKE LEVER...................48
PARKING BRAKE CABLE (REAR)............49
PARKING BRAKE SHOES (REAR DISC
BRAKE)...............................53
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
DISC BRAKE CALIPER (FRONT AND REAR)....55
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES................59
DISC BRAKES (FRONT)....................59
DISC BRAKES (REAR).....................60
DRUM BRAKES (REAR)....................60
ADJUSTMENTS
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH....................61
DRUM BRAKE SHOES.....................61
PARKING BRAKE SHOES (REAR DISC
BRAKES).............................62
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID...........................63
BRAKE ACTUATION SYSTEM...............63
BRAKE FASTENER TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS.......................63
SPECIAL TOOLS
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM....................64
PLBRAKES 5 - 1

CAUTION: Before removing the master cylinder
cap, wipe it clean to prevent dirt and other foreign
matter from dropping into the master cylinder res-
ervoir.
CAUTION: Use only MoparTbrake fluid or an equiv-
alent from a fresh, tightly sealed container. Brake
fluid must conform to DOT 3 specifications.
Do not pump the brake pedal at any time while
having a bleeder screw open during the bleeding pro-
cess. This will only increase the amount of air in the
system and make additional bleeding necessary.
Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run
out of brake fluid while bleeding the system. An
empty reservoir will allow additional air into the
brake system. Check the fluid level frequently and
add fluid as needed.
The following wheel circuit 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
MANUAL BLEEDING
NOTE: To bleed the brakes manually, the aid of a
helper will be required.
(1) Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw
and feed the hose into a clear jar containing enough
fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose
(Fig. 26).
(2) Have a helper pump the brake pedal three or
four times and hold it in the down position.
(3) With the pedal in the down position, open the
bleeder screw at least 1 full turn.
(4) Once the brake pedal has dropped, close the
bleeder screw. After the bleeder screw is closed,
release the brake pedal.
(5) Repeat the above steps until all trapped air is
removed from that wheel circuit (usually four or five
times).
(6) Bleed the remaining wheel circuits in the same
manner until all air is removed from the brake sys-
tem. Monitor the fluid level in the master cylinder
reservoir to make sure it does not go dry.
(7) Check the brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is
excessive or has not been improved, some air may
still be trapped in the system. Rebleed the brakes as
necessary.
(8) Test drive the vehicle to verify the brakes are
operating properly and pedal feel is correct.
PRESSURE BLEEDING
NOTE: Follow pressure bleeder manufacturer's
instructions for use of pressure bleeding equip-
ment.
Following the same wheel circuit sequence as pre-
scribed for manual bleeding.
(1) Attach Adapter, Special Tool 6921, to the mas-
ter cylinder reservoir (Fig. 27).
Fig. 26 Proper Method for Purging Air From Brake
System (Typical)
1 ± CLEAR HOSE
2 ± BRAKE CALIPER
3 ± BLEEDER SCREW
4 ± CLEAN BRAKE FLUID
Fig. 27 Special Tool 6921
1 ± MASTER CYLINDER
5 - 18 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(2) Attach Bleeder Tank, Special Tool C-3496-B, or
an equivalent, to the adapter on the master cylinder.
(3) Attach a clear plastic hose to the bleeder screw
and feed the hose into a clear jar containing enough
fresh brake fluid to submerge the end of the hose
(Fig. 26).
(4) Open the bleeder screw at least one full turn or
more to obtain a steady stream of brake fluid.
(5) After approximately 4±8 ounces of fluid have
been bled through the brake circuit and an air-free
flow is maintained in the clear plastic hose and jar,
close the bleeder screw.
(6) Repeat this procedure at all the remaining
bleeder screws.
(7) Check the brake pedal travel. If pedal travel is
excessive or has not been improved, some air may
still be trapped in the system. Rebleed the brakes as
necessary.
(8) Test drive the vehicle to verify the brakes are
operating properly and pedal feel is correct.
MASTER CYLINDER BLEEDING
(1) Clamp the master cylinder in a vise.
(2) Attach four Master Cylinder Bleed Tubes, Spe-
cial Tool 8358-1, to the four ports of the master cyl-
inder and tighten each in place (Fig. 28). The bleed
tubes for the ports pertaining to the rear brakes are
made to attach to the proportioning valves screwed
into the master cylinder. Position the other end of
the tubes into the master cylinder reservoir so their
outlets are below the surface of the brake fluid in the
reservoir when filled.
(3) Fill the brake fluid reservoir with Mopart
brake fluid, or an equivalent conforming to DOT 3
specifications.
(4) Using a wooden dowel as a pushrod (Fig. 28),
press the pistons inward slowly applying brake pres-
sure, then release the pressure, allowing the pistons
to return to the released position. Repeat this several
times until all air bubbles are expelled out of the
tubes and master cylinder bore.
(5) Remove the bleed tubes from the master cylin-
der and plug the outlet ports.
(6) Install the fill cap on the reservoir.
(7) Remove the master cylinder from the vise.
NOTE: It is not necessary to bleed the entire
hydraulic system after replacing just the master cyl-
inder unless the brake system has been open to air
for an excessive amount of time or air is present in
the lines. Only the master cylinder must be bled
and filled.
BRAKE TUBE REPAIR
Use only double wall 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) steel tub-
ing with Nygal coating for hydraulic brake tube
replacement. Nygal is nylon coated galvanized steel
tubing.
Care must be taken when repairing brake tubing
to avoid kinking the tube. Use the proper bending
and flaring tools. Do not route the tubes against
sharp edges, moving components, or into hot areas.
All tubes should be attached with the recommended
retaining clips.
PREPARING THE BRAKE TUBE FOR FLARING
(1) Use Tubing Cutter, Special Tool C-3478-A, or
an equivalent to cut off the damaged flare or tubing
(Fig. 29).
(2) Make the ends of the tubing to be repaired
square (Fig. 30) to ensure better seating of the flared
end tubing.
(3) Ream out any burrs or rough edges showing on
the inside of the tubing to be flared (Fig. 30).
(4) Strip back enough of the nylon coating at the
end of the length of tubing that will flared so it will
not be in the flare itself. At least 5 mm should be
removed.
NOTE: Place a tube nut on the tubing before flaring
it. It cannot be done after the tube is flared.
Fig. 28 Bleeding Master Cylinder
1 ± WOODEN DOWEL
2 ± MASTER CYLINDER
PLBRAKES 5 - 19
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

SERVICE PROCEDURES
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL CHECKING
CAUTION: Use only Mopar brake fluid or an equiv-
alent 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.
Refer to SERVICE PROCEDURES in the BASE
BRAKE SYSTEM section in this group for the proper
procedure to check and adjust the brake fluid level in
the master cylinder fluid reservoir.
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM BLEEDING
The base brake's hydraulic system must be bled
anytime air enters the hydraulic system. The ABS
though, particularly the ICU (HCU), should only be
bled when the HCU is replaced or removed from the
vehicle. The ABS must always be bled anytime it is
suspected that the HCU has ingested air. Under
most circumstances that require the bleeding of the
brakes hydraulic system, only the base brake
hydraulic system needs to be bled.
It is important to note that excessive air in the
brake system will cause a soft or spongy feeling
brake pedal.
During the brake bleeding procedure, be sure the
brake fluid level remains close to the FULL level in
the master cylinder fluid reservoir. Check the fluid
level periodically during the bleeding procedure and
add DOT 3 brake fluid as required.
The ABS must be bled as two independent braking
systems. The non-ABS portion of the brake system
with ABS is to be bled the same as any non-ABS sys-
tem.
The ABS portion of the brake system must be bled
separately. Use the following procedure to properly
bleed the brake hydraulic system including the ABS.
BLEEDING
When bleeding the ABS system, the following
bleeding sequence must be followed to insure com-
plete and adequate bleeding.
(1) Make sure all hydraulic fluid lines are installed
and properly torqued.
(2) Connect the DRB scan tool to the diagnostics
connector. The diagnostic connector is located under
the lower steering column cover to the left of the
steering column.
(3) Using the DRB, check to make sure the CAB
does not have any fault codes stored. If it does, clear
them using the DRB.WARNING: WHEN BLEEDING THE BRAKE SYSTEM
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. A CLEAR BLEED TUBE
MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE BLEEDER SCREWS
AND SUBMERGED IN A CLEAR CONTAINER FILLED
PART WAY WITH CLEAN BRAKE FLUID. DIRECT
THE FLOW OF BRAKE FLUID AWAY FROM YOUR-
SELF AND THE PAINTED SURFACES OF THE VEHI-
CLE. BRAKE FLUID AT HIGH PRESSURE MAY
COME OUT OF THE BLEEDER SCREWS WHEN
OPENED.
(4) Bleed the base brake system using the stan-
dard pressure or manual bleeding procedure as out-
lined in SERVICE PROCEDURES in the BASE
BRAKE SYSTEM section at the beginning of this
group.
(5) Using the DRB, select ANTILOCK BRAKES,
followed by MISCELLANEOUS, then BLEED
BRAKES. Follow the instructions displayed. When
the scan tool displays TEST COMPLETED, discon-
nect the scan tool and proceed.
(6) Bleed the base brake system a second time.
Check brake fluid level in the reservoir periodically
to prevent emptying, causing air to enter the hydrau-
lic system.
(7) Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the full
level.
(8) Test drive the vehicle to be sure the brakes are
operating correctly and that the brake pedal does not
feel spongy.
MASTER CYLINDER BLEEDING
(1) Clamp the master cylinder in a vise.
(2) Attach Master Cylinder Bleed Tube, Special
Tool 8358-1, to the primary port of the master cylin-
der and tighten in place (Fig. 11). Attach Master Cyl-
inder Bleed Tube, Special Tool 8358-2, to the
secondary port of the master cylinder and tighten in
place. Position the other end of the tubes into the
master cylinder reservoir so their outlets are below
the surface of the brake fluid in the reservoir when
filled.
(3) Fill the brake fluid reservoir with Mopart
brake fluid, or an equivalent conforming to DOT 3
specifications.
(4) Using a wooden dowel as a pushrod (Fig. 11),
press the pistons inward slowly applying brake pres-
sure, then release the pressure, allowing the pistons
to return to the released position. Repeat this several
times until all air bubbles are expelled out of the
tubes and master cylinder bore.
(5) Remove the bleed tubes from the master cylin-
der and plug the outlet ports.
(6) Install the fill cap on the reservoir.
(7) Remove the master cylinder from the vise.
PLBRAKES 5 - 77

NOTE: It is not necessary to bleed the entire
hydraulic system after replacing just the master cyl-
inder unless the brake system has been open to air
for an excessive amount of time or air is present in
the lines. Only the master cylinder must be bled
and filled.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
Review this entire section prior to performing any
mechanical work on a vehicle equipped with ABS.
This section contains information on precautions per-
taining to potential component damage, vehicle dam-
age and personal injury which could result when
servicing an ABS equipped vehicle.
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.
CAUTION: An attempt to remove or disconnect cer-
tain system components may result in improper
system operation. Only those components with
approved removal and installation procedures in
this manual should be serviced.CAUTION: Brake fluid will damage painted sur-
faces. If brake fluid is spilled on any painted sur-
faces, wash off with water immediately.
CAUTION: When performing any service procedure
on a vehicle equipped with ABS do not apply a
12-volt power source to the ground circuit of the
pump motor in the HCU. Doing this will damage the
pump motor and will require replacement of the
entire HCU.
CAUTION: If welding work is to be performed on
the vehicle, using an electric arc welder, the CAB
connector should be disconnected during the weld-
ing operation.
CAUTION: The CAB 25-way connector should never
be connected or disconnected with the ignition
switch in the ON position.
Many components of the ABS System are not ser-
viceable and must be replaced as an assembly. Do not
disassemble any component which is not designed to
be serviced.
MASTER CYLINDER
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: The vacuum in the power brake booster
must be pumped down before removing the master
cylinder to prevent the booster from sucking in any
contamination. This can be done by pumping the
brake pedal while the engine is not running until a
firm brake pedal is achieved.
(1) With the engine not running, pump the brake
pedal 4-5 strokes until the pedal feel is firm.
(2) Disconnect the negative (ground) cable from
the battery and isolate the cable.
(3) Disconnect the positive cable from the battery,
then remove the battery from the battery tray. There
is one nut securing the clamp on the backside of the
battery holding it in place.
(4) Disconnect the wiring harness connector from
the brake fluid level switch on the master cylinder
reservoir (Fig. 12).
Fig. 11 Bleeding Master Cylinder
1 ± WOODEN DOWEL
2 ± MASTER CYLINDER
5 - 78 BRAKESPL
SERVICE PROCEDURES (Continued)

(5) Disconnect the primary and secondary brake
tubes from master cylinder (Fig. 12). Install plugs in
the master cylinder outlet ports.
(6) Clean the area around where the master cylin-
der attaches to the power brake booster using a suit-
able brake cleaner such as MopartBrake Parts
Cleaner or an equivalent.
(7) Remove the 2 nuts attaching master cylinder to
power brake booster (Fig. 12).
(8) Slide the master cylinder straight out of the
power brake booster.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The master cylinder must be bled before
installing it on the vehicle.
(1) Bleed the master cylinder before installing it
on the vehicle. Refer to MASTER CYLINDER
BLEEDING in SERVICE PROCEDURES within this
section of this service manual group.
(2) Wipe the face of the power brake booster clean
where the master cylinder seal comes in contact
when it's installed. Do not get any cleaner or debris
inside the booster.(3) Position the master cylinder on the studs of
power brake vacuum booster aligning the booster
push rod with the master cylinder push rod. Care-
fully push the master cylinder onto the studs until it
contacts the face of the booster.
(4) Install the two master cylinder mounting nuts
(Fig. 12). Tighten the mounting nuts to a torque of
28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).
(5) Connect the primary and secondary brake
tubes to the master cylinder primary and secondary
ports (Fig. 12). Tighten the nuts to a torque of 17
N´m (145 in. lbs.).
(6) Install the wiring harness connector on the
master cylinder reservoir fluid level switch.
(7) Install the battery and clamp in place.
(8) Connect the positive, then the negative
(ground) cable on the battery.
(9) Fill the master cylinder to the proper fill level.
(10) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the base and antilock brake systems.
INTEGRATED CONTROL UNIT
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a brake pedal holder, depress the brake
pedal past its first one inch of travel and hold it in
this position (Fig. 13). This will isolate the master
cylinder from the brake hydraulic system and will
not allow the brake fluid to drain out of the master
cylinder reservoir.
(2) Disconnect negative (ground) cable from the
battery and isolate the cable.
(3) Disconnect the positive cable from the battery,
then remove the battery from the battery tray. There
is one nut securing the clamp on the backside of the
battery holding it in place.
(4) Remove the one nut and one bolt securing the
air cleaner box in place, then disconnect the wiring
harness connector at the air inlet sensor.
(5) Lift the air cleaner box upward enough to clear
its grommeted alignment post (Fig. 14), then move
the air cleaner box forward just enough to access the
battery tray mounting bolts.
(6) Remove the 2 bolts, then the 2 nuts mounting
the battery tray to its bracket (Fig. 14). Remove the
battery tray.
Fig. 12 Master Cylinder
1 ± POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
2 ± CONNECTOR
3 ± BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
4 ± MOUNTING NUTS
5 ± SECONDARY BRAKE TUBE
6 ± PRIMARY BRAKE TUBE
PLBRAKES 5 - 79
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(14) Refer to DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY in
this section of this group for the procedure on sepa-
rating and reattaching the CAB to the HCU.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the ICU onto its mounting bracket.
(2) Install the 3 bolts attaching the ICU to the
mounting bracket (Fig. 17). Tighten the 3 mounting
bolts to a torque of 11 N´m (97 in. lbs.)
(3) Install the four brake tubes going to the brakes
into their respective outlet ports on the ICU HCU
(Fig. 15). Using a crow foot on a torque wrench,
tighten the four brake tube nuts to a torque of 17
N´m (145 in. lbs.).
NOTE: When installing the brake tubes from the
master cylinder on the HCU, the brake tube with the
small tube nut is to be installed in the forward-most
port on the HCU with the small end going toward
the master cylinder secondary port.
(4) Install the primary and secondary brake tubes
from the master cylinder onto the HCU (Fig. 15). Do
not completely tighten the primary and secondary
tubes at this time.
(5) Connect the primary and secondary brake
tubes to the master cylinder ports (Fig. 15).
(6) Using a crow foot on a torque wrench, tighten
the primary and secondary brake tube nuts at both
the master cylinder and HCU to a torque of 17 N´m
(145 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: Before installing the 25-way connector
in the CAB, be sure the seal is properly installed in
the connector.(7) Install the 25-way connector into the socket of
the CAB as follows:
²Position the 25-way connector in the socket of
the CAB and carefully push it down as far as possi-
ble (Fig. 16).
²When the connector is fully seated into the CAB
socket, push the connector lock inward. This pulls
the connector into the socket of the CAB and locks it
in the installed position.
(8) Position the battery tray back in place. Install
the two bolts, then the two nuts mounting the bat-
tery tray to its bracket (Fig. 14). Tighten the two
bolts and nuts to a torque of 15 N´m (135 in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the air cleaner box onto its grom-
meted alignment post (Fig. 14).
(10) Install the one nut and one bolt securing the
air cleaner box in place, then connect the wiring har-
ness connector at the air inlet sensor.
(11) Install the battery and clamp it in place.
Tighten the hold-down clamp bolt to a torque of 12
N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(12) Connect the positive, then the negative
(ground) cable on the battery.
(13) Bleed the base and the ABS hydraulic sys-
tems. Refer to ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
BLEEDING in this section of this service manual
group.
(14) Fill the master cylinder to the proper fill
level.
(15) Road test the vehicle to ensure proper opera-
tion of the base and antilock brake systems.
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (FRONT)
NOTE: Before proceeding with this procedure,
review SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS at the
beginning of REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in this
section.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING in the
LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE group for the
proper lifting procedure.
(2) Disconnect the wheel speed sensor cable con-
nector from the wiring harness on the inside of the
frame rail above the front suspension crossmember
(Fig. 18). The connector has a locking tab which that
must be pulled back before the connector release
tang can be depressed, releasing the connection.
(3) Remove the speed sensor cable grommet from
the retaining bracket attached to the brake hose on
the outside of the frame rail.
(4) Remove the bolt mounting the wheel speed sen-
sor head to the steering knuckle (Fig. 19).
Fig. 17 ICU Mounting Bolts
1 ± ICU
2 ± ICU MOUNTING BOLTS
PLBRAKES 5 - 81
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)