rear brakes 2001 dodge caravan

[jimzz2006]

My 2001 caravan was sitting for a while- 6 months.

started it up and went to drive and the rear wheels were seized.

Rocked it back and fourth and one side freed up but the other took a little more persuasion dragging it on the asphalt road. wheel got enough traction and eventually it popped.

Took it for a ride and the rears were grinding bad. So i figured new brake shoes were in order.

Before getting started i got everything I could think of. drums, shoes, wheel cylinders and new spring hardware.

I have NEVER done rear brakes before. Fronts yes but never rear shoes.

so far i have 1 drum off-- it was a *****. Like I said I got new ones so I ended up taking it off with the 4" grinder and cutting it in 1/2.

The inside was rusty, gunked up, nasty. Got the old springs/pads off and got the backing plate cleaned up. But now I am stumped.

The lever for the E-brake. how does that connect to the pad. IT just came off when I removed the pad, well it was still connected the the E-cable.

I cannot see a clip or anything that holds it to the shoe. Do you just get in place and the springs and nails hold it in there?

Like I said i have never done rears before.

 

[ken w.]

This is where you take the other drum off and look how it all goes together. Without seeing it myself I would have to say that if it just came apart then it goes into the brake shoe in the squareish hole on the top of the shoe.This should be cleaned and lubed up so it workes freely.Also,make sure you put a dab of grease on the backing plate where the brake shoe rests. If not , your brakes will squeek when you press and release the pedal.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I can't recall how that shoe attaches to e brake; look at other side.

Be sure to lightly sand backing plate contact point and lightly grease. Also cleanup and lightly grease pb adjustment screw.

Be sure to set clearance properly between shoes and drum in order to get best stopping performance right away.

 

[malibu101]

I don't want to come off as a smartbutt or anything, but.......
Brakes are nothing to guess about.

Everyone has to do anything a first time and it's great that you are reaching out for help for your first attack at this. And it's really tough when you have a basket case for your first repair. While drum operation is basically the same amongst all drum brakes, the springs and Ebrake layout differ alot among different makers and years.

If you don't know anyone with some knowledge to stop by and offer some guidence, at least buy a repair manual. There's nothing wrong with asking for help or reading the instructions.
Maybe Google/Youtubefor some info? I hear the Autozone website has free online repair help info?

Sorry I have no help for you but- Good luck and mostly be safe!

 

[sselander]

PM sent.
It always helps to take pics before you take it apart.

 

[Rentawrench]

Remember Youtube can be your friend.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I cannot see a clip or anything that holds it to the shoe. Do you just get in place and the springs and nails hold it in there?

Remember Youtube can be your friend.

Check at about 3:15 of the Part 2 video.

IMHO, the best tool for installing the long springs is a needle nose Vice Grip !

 

[jimzz2006]

Check at about 3:15 of the Part 2 video.

IMHO, the best tool for installing the long springs is a needle nose Vice Grip !

I watched that same video, I just cant believe it is just a friction fit that holds it to the pad.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I planned on working on it today, but they just posted looking for volunteers to help sand bag. Here in Iowa we have been getting a boatload of ran and the mighty Mississippi wants to reach outside its banks.

So today I will be sandbagging.

 

[jimzz2006]

i did clean up the backing plate real good, sanded the points where the shoes rest.

Grease was mentioned, I have heard anti-seize.. what are the suggestions on that?

 

[Engineer61]

Either a good stiff anti-seize or the old water pump grease will work, you want something that stays in place so it doesn't get on the actual braking surfaces of the shoes or the drum; and use just a tiny little dab of it. Since it sounds like your brakes filled with water while sitting for 6 months, I would use a grease that is very water proof. Another place to put a tiny bit of grease is on the bottom pivot pin where the shoes have to rock a little as the brakes are applied.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Either a good stiff anti-seize or the old water pump grease will work, ...

NO !

Use disc brake grease !!