How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 2007 Dodge Caliber

The 2007 Dodge Caliber occupies the class of "crossover vehicle" for automaker Daimler/Chrysler. A crossover is a vehicle that has some of the same properties of sport utility vehicles while maintaining the driving characteristics of sedans. The chassis of the Dodge Caliber is that of a car, while the body, and particularly the weight, poses a certain strain on important components such as the brakes. For this reason, it is particularly important that the braking system is inspected and maintained every 30,000 miles.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Lug wrench
Lifting jack
Jack stands
5/8-inch hex socket
Ratchet
C-clamp
Brake pads
Brake grease
Brake fluid

Step 1
Park the Dodge Caliber in a location that allows you to safely work on both sides of the vehicle. Put the transmission in "park" and apply the parking brake.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with the lug wrench.
Step 3
Lift the Dodge with the jack and place jack stands beneath the frame to support the vehicle during the brake pad replacement.
Step 4
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels from the wheel bolts of the Caliber.
Step 5
Remove the two caliper slide bolts with a 5/8-inch hex socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper from the caliper bridge (fitted around the rotor).
Step 6
Slide the worn brake pads from the two sides of the caliper.
Step 7
Place the C-clamp onto the side of the caliper and the caliper piston. Screw the C-clamp to force the piston into the side of the caliper. Remove the C-clamp from the caliper once the piston is fully opened.
Step 8
Clean the inside walls of the caliper with a wire brush. Apply a thin layer of brake grease onto the inner walls of the caliper, particularly at the point that the piston protrudes from the caliper wall.
Step 9
Slide the new brake pads onto the walls of the caliper. The brake pads connect to the caliper by thin metal clips on the backs of the brake pads.
Step 10
Place the caliper, with new brake pads installed, onto the caliper bridge. Replace the caliper slide bolts and screw them in with the 5/8-inch hex socket and ratchet.
Step 11
Place the wheel onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.
Step 12
Lift the vehicle with a lifting jack to remove the jack stands and lower the Caliber to the ground.
Step 13
Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
Step 14
Open the hood of the Dodge and remove the cap to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is on the driver's side of the vehicle, near the windshield.
Step 15
Press the brake pedal three times and hold it in the depressed position for 10 seconds.
Step 16
Fill the master cylinder with DOT-3 brake fluid. Replace the master cylinder cap and close the hood.