How to Replace Front Disc Brakes in a Plymouth Neon

If the brake light stays on for the entire drive on your 2001 Dodge Neon or if it pulls to one side when you apply the brake pedal then you have a problem that may be costly and possibly fatal if not addressed immediately. To resolve this problem replace the front disc brakes on your Plymouth Neon.

Instructions

1

Drain two thirds of the fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a syringe, turkey baster or similar tool. Jack the vehicle up and secure it using jackstands. Disconnect the negative battery cable from teh battery. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.

2

Remove the 2 guide pin bolts that attach the caliper and the steering knuckle. Pivot the caliper up and away from the steering knuckle and suspend it from the frame using mechanic's wire. Keep the caliper from dangling from the brake hose or this will result in damage to the brake hose.

3

Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Review the rotor for damage at this time. If there is damage then the rotor needs to be replaced. Clean all parts using a crocus cloth. Inspect the caliper pin bushings amnd replace them if they are damaged.

4

Using a large C-clamp or similar tool, compress the piston into the caliper. Using high temperature grease, lubricate the area where the caliper slides on the steering knuckle.

5

Reinstall the brake pads onto the caliper. Ensure that the inboard brake shoe assembly is seated against the caliper piston face. Hook the lower end of the caliper over the steering knuckle positioning the caliper brake shoes over the rotor.

6

Pivot the caliper back into position at the top of the steering knuckle. Make sure that all prts are clear of the steering knuckle bosses. Install the caliper slide bolt pins. Using a torque wrench, torque the pints to 16-ft. lbs. Reinstall the wheels and the tire assembly. Torque the lug nuts to 100-foot/pounds.

7

Lower the car. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery. Pump the brake pedal 3 to 4 times to seat the brake pads. Test drive the Dodge Neon at slow-to-moderate speeds to ensure that the maintenance was performed correctly.