How to Install Brake Pads in a Dodge Neon 2000

The 2000 Dodge Neon feature front brake pads, but may also offer rear brake pads or rear drum brakes (which incorporates shoes instead of pads). The front disc brakes take on three times more braking power than the rear do, so replacing front brake pads generally occurs more frequently. Replacing the pads when the friction material gets low will help save other braking components like the rotors and calipers.

Instructions

Park the Neon on a flat, hard surface. Remove the cap on the master cylinder and then remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir with a brake fluid siphon. Dispose of the fluid and replace the cap to the master cylinder.

Place a cinder block behind one of the rear tires if you're replacing the front pads or in front of one of the front tires if you're replacing the rear pads. Apply the parking brake only if you're replacing front pads.

Loosen the lug nuts on the axle you're replacing the brake pads on. Use the lug wrench to turn the nuts no more than 1/4 turn counterclockwise.

Lift the Neon with a car jack and support it onto jack stands. You can lift both sides or opt to lift and work on one side at a time.

Remove the lug nuts and wheel.

Place the large C-clamp over the caliper housing so the top of the clamp is on the inboard side of the caliper and the screw-base of the clamp is against the outboard brake pad plate. Tighten the clamp slowly to compress the caliper piston fully and then remove the clamp.

Use the ratchet and socket to remove the two caliper bolts. Set them aside. Remove the caliper pads from the knuckle and then support it to the chassis with a metal wire or hook. Do not allow the caliper to dangle from the brake hose or you can damage it.

Use a small pry bar to unseat the retaining wings clips of the outboard pad from the caliper housing. Pry off one side and then the other to remove the pad.

Pull the inboard pad (with retaining spring) from the caliper piston. Install the replacement inboard pad first by pressing the retaining spring into the caliper. Install the outboard pad last, securing one retaining wing clip to the outer caliper housing at a time.

Place the caliper and pads over the rotor. Lubricate the guide bolts (non-threaded section only) with the brake lubricant tubelet inside the replacement pads box. Align the pins into the calipers and tighten them to 20-foot pounds with the torque wrench and a socket (26-foot pounds for Str-4 series 2000 Dodge Neon).

Replace the wheels and place the lug nuts on the studs. Tighten the lug nuts snugly with the tire iron. Lift the Neon with the jack enough to remove the jack stand(s) (when both side brake pads have been replaced) and lower the vehicle slowly to the ground.

Torque the lug nuts to 100-foot pounds with the torque wrench and suitable socket.

Pump the foot brake pedal until it feels firm. Recheck the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add fluid, as necessary. Remove the cinder block and release the parking brake (if applicable) before test driving for proper brake operation.