break pads

[apking2003]

I have never changed brake pads on any car and need instructions on it. Please help me. I own a 1999 Caravan

[neon_rt]

I haven't done my Caravan myself, had it done at a shop. I've done some of my other cars though. You will need a caliper spreader (rent or buy) before you start. Also, if you have anti-lock brakes you can not simply spread the calipers like in the old days. When you start the procedure you want to open the bleeder valve slightly and allow the fluid to bleed out rather than be forced back through the anti-lock pump. Many times forcing the fluid backwards through the pump will damage it. Also, these Caravan's use semi-metalic pads on undersized rotors and disposable calipers. They are made to all be replaced at the same time. Often times a simple pad replacement will "get you by" for a short period of time but often leads to warped/cracked rotors and/or stuck calipers. I just experienced the stuck caliper problem at couple of weeks ago. I had the shop just replace the pads (this summer), knowing that I would have to revisit the brakes when I had more money. Sure enough, the drivers side caliper got stuck and burnt the pad down to the metal backing before I could get home (about 40 miles). Now I have new calipers, rotors and pads.

[BLU CIVIC]

Haynes or Chiltons manual are your best friend...changed the rotors and brake pads on my Land Cruiser using a Haynes manual...made it incredibly easy...and worth the $$$ since i saved even more doing it myself

[Mrbizness1]

If you have never done a brake job before I recommend you have it done or have someone with experience show you how. Brakes failures can be deadly.

I have a 98 grand cvan with 111k miles and have never changed the calipers and just installed my 3rd set of pads and 2nd set of rotors. I found the rear wheel cylinders were leaking and had them replaced a few months earlier.
Making sure the rear brake self adjusters are working properly will give you longer front pad life.