2003 Chrysler Town & Country Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Shoe, Replace

Do not intermix automatic adjuster components from side to side.

9, 10, 11 & 13 Inch Drums

Caravan, Dakota, Durango, Town & Country & Voyager

Removal

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove rear wheels.
• Remove drum retaining nuts if equipped, then the drums. If drum will not separate from brake shoes or axle, proceed as follows:
• Ensure parking brake is disengaged.
• Remove adjuster hole plug from backing plate.
• Insert small screwdriver or equivalent, through adjuster hole, then push and hold self adjuster lever off adjuster screw assembly,. Fig. .
• Back off adjuster screw as...

Service Brake

Except FWD Models

Self-Adjusting Brakes

These brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that ensure correct lining to drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the vehicle is moving rearward.

Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is required when the brake shoes have been relined, replaced or when the length of the star wheel adjuster has been changed during some other service operation.

Frequent usage of an automatic transmission forward range to halt reverse vehicle motion may prevent the aut...

When wheel slip is detected during a brake application, the ABS enters anti-lock mode. During anti-lock braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. The ABS cannot, however, increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.

During anti-lock braking, a series of rapid pulsations is felt in the brake pedal...

Master Cylinder

Except Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager

The cylinder body containing the primary and secondary pistons is made of aluminum. The removable fluid reservoir is made of nylon reinforced with glass fiber. The reservoir is the only serviceable component.

The fluid compartments of the nylon reservoir are interconnected to permit fluid level equalization. The equalization feature does not affect circuit separation in the event of a front or rear brake fault. The reservoir compartments will retain enough fluid to operate the functioning hydraulic circuit.

Caravan, Town & Country...

Brake Drums

Any time the brake drums are removed for brake service, the braking surface diameter should be inspected with a suitable brake drum micrometer at several points to determine if they are within the safe oversize limit stamped on the brake drum outer surface. If the braking surface diameter exceeds specifications, the drum must be replaced. If the braking surface diameter is within specifications, drums should be cleaned and inspected for cracks, scores, deep grooves, taper, out of round and heat spotting. If drums are cracked or heat spotted, they must be replaced. Minor sc...

Brake Lines & Linings

Remove one of the front wheels and inspect the brake disc, caliper and linings. The wheel bearings should be inspected at this time and repacked if necessary.

Do not get any oil or grease on the linings. It is recommended that both front wheel sets be replaced whenever a respective pad is worn or damaged. Inspect and, if necessary, replace rear brake linings also.

If the caliper is cracked or fluid leakage through the casting is evident, it must be replaced as a unit.

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness o...