How to Stop Disk Brakes From Squealing on a 2003 Dodge Caravan

The two common reasons for brakes squealing are worn brake pads and dry brake caliper pistons. Both culprits are relatively simple to remedy. The 2003 Dodge Caravan is a taller vehicle than a car, but the frame (or chassis) is that of a sedan. When stopping, the higher center of gravity means greater strain on the brake pads. When brake pads are worn to the point of requiring replacement, the thin metal wear indicator clips are exposed and come in contact with the brake rotors. During braking, this can be heard as a scraping or grinding sound. When driving, exposed wear indicators will squeal as a reminder that it is time to have your brake pads serviced soon.

Instructions

Park the Caravan in an area that will allow you to safely work on both sides of the van. Put the transmission in "park" and engage the parking brake. Place tire blocks behind the rear wheels.

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with the tire iron.

Put the lifting jack beneath the frame near the wheels you intend to service. Lift the Caravan and place jack stands beneath the frame. Make sure that there is ample clearance between the tires and the road.

Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels from the wheel bolts.

Remove the two caliper bolts with the 13 mm wrench. The bolts are located on the side of the caliper closest to the frame of the Caravan.

Pull the caliper off of the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads by sliding them from either side of the brake caliper. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the pads away from the caliper if they are stuck to the sides by rust.

Open the brake line bleed valve with the 10 mm wrench. The bleed valve is located near the uppermost caliper bolt. Place the drip pan beneath the brake to catch any leaking brake fluid.

Place the C-clamp over the caliper pistons and the outside wall of the caliper. Screw the C-clamp, forcing the pistons against the side of the caliper. Fluid will be expelled from the caliper through the bleed valve and into the drip pan.

Apply a thin coating of brake grease to the side of the caliper from where the pistons emerge with your finger.

Place the new pads onto the sides of the caliper. Place the caliper with new pads onto the rotor. Screw in the caliper bolts with the 13 mm wrench. Close the bleed valve with the 10 mm wrench.

Put the wheel back onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.

Lift the Caravan with the jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the van to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.

Press the brake pedal three times slowly, holding the pedal down after the third depression. Repeat the process until the pedal response is normal.

Lift the hood of the Caravan. Remove the cap from the master cylinder, located near the windshield on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. Fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid until the fluid reaches the "full" line. Replace the cap on the master cylinder and close the hood.