How do you change the brake pads on a 1996 dodge neon?

Answer 1

Front brakes are relatively easy to change I just did my 1998 Neon this past Sunday. I don't know if this is according to the manual, but it worked for me.

Make sure you have the tools and equipment you need before you start.

Jack Jack Stand(s) 10 mm socket New brake pads Brake Fluid

Jack the car up and put it on jack stands making sure the car is stable and remove the tire.

On the inside of the calipers toward there are two bolts (upper & lower). Remove those bolts with a 10mm socket and put them aside. A little wiggling and the caliper should slip off the rotor. I found it best to remove the outside pad first and then remove the inside pad. Once the pads are removed you will need to compress the caliper. I have seen various tools used to do this job but the two that have worked best are the Vise Grip C-Clamps or the padded pistol grip wood clamps. The trick here is to go slow. Once the caliper is compressed, fit the new pads into the caliper, replace the caliper on the rotor making sure the caliper fits and the bolt holes are lined up and replace the bolts.

At this point, I start the car and press the brake pedal to be sure things seat properly and that all is tight. Replace the wheel and do the other side.

just a reminder - clean the piston before compressing. If they are rusted or dirty when push back in, they can damage the seal and leak fluid later.

It is a good idea to use break lubricant on all METAL parts that touch each other, making sure that you do not get any on the pads themselves or the rotor. This will cause less break noise. It usually comes in the box with the new pads in a little packet. also you should use break cleaner to clean up any dirt, dust, or grease that may be on the rotor, caliper, and surrounding area- after your remove the old pads, and after everything is assembled together.

I found this Article with photos and step by step instructions, very helpful:

http://www.cdnauto.org/break-caliper.asp