Replacing the brakes on your Dodge Neon will improve the braking and handling of the car. Inspect the brakes pads when you hear or see any change in the brakes and their performance. Poor braking or fading of the brakes can be a result of heavily glazed brake pads. The last thing you want is to step on the brake pedal and not be able to stop the car. Brake pads of differing qualities for your Neon are readily available from any auto parts store or Dodge dealerships, so you can choose the kind that fits your driving style and needs.
Instructions
- 1
Loosen the lug nuts while the tires are still on the ground using a lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Do not remove them yet.
2Position a jack under the front of the car and raise it until the tires are several inches above the ground. Place a set of jack stands under the car to support it while you are working. Lower the jack and remove it from under the car.
3Remove the tire from the car after removing the lug nuts from the wheel studs. Locate the brake caliper mounting pins on the backside of the brake caliper. Remove the mounting pins from the mounting bracket and caliper using a socket and ratchet, turning the pins counterclockwise to loosen them.
4Lift the caliper off the mounting bracket and rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper with your hands; the inner pad slides toward the center of the caliper then lifts out. Lift the spring clip on the outer pad and slide it straight off the caliper.
5Position a large C-clamp with a scrap of wood over the caliper piston and tighten the clamp. This will push the piston back into the bore, making room for the new brake pads in the caliper.
6Install the new outer pad, sliding it on to the caliper and securing it with the retaining springs on the back of the pad. Lift the end of the spring as you slide the pad into place so the clip is on the opposite side of the caliper from the pad.
7Install the new inner pads by pushing the pad with the large spring on the back into place over the piston. Push the pad in until the spring pops into the piston, this will retain the pad.
8Place the caliper back onto the brake rotor and mounting bracket, then install the mounting pins. Tighten the pins with a socket and ratchet, turning them clockwise until they are tight. Repeat this process for the opposite side of the car.
9Install the wheel onto the wheel studs and thread the lug nuts on using your hand. Raise the car with your jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench.
10Pump the brake pedal several times before driving the car to push the pads out to the rotor. Test drive the car to verify the repair was successful.
