How to Change the Rear Brake Pads on a Plymouth Neon

Brake pads are an important part of your Plymouth Neon's braking system. They are the replaceable friction pads that pinch the brake disc or drum when the brakes are applied. You should replace the brake pads before they wear beyond a quarter inch or risk damaging your Neon's brake discs.

Instructions

    1

    Park your car on a level surface. If you have a stick shift car make sure the car is in gear. Do not set the parking brake. Place blocks in front of the front tires so the car does not move while you are working on it.

    2

    Open the hood of your car and locate the master cylinder. If necessary, remove brake fluid until the level in the container is less than half full. A turkey baster is a good tool for this. Put the brake fluid in the plastic container and dispose of it the way you dispose of motor oil.

    3

    Raise the rear end of your car with your car jack. Remove the rear tire or wheel assembly.

    4

    Use the socket wrench to remove the caliper guide pin bolts from the caliper. Lift the caliper up and away from the steering knuckle. Use a small bungee cord or wire hanger to hang the caliper in the wheel well. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose.

    5

    Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Pry the outer retaining clip over the raise portion of the caliper and slide brake pad out. Pull the inner brake pad away from the caliper piston until the retaining clip comes free.